We drove from Yangon (Rangoon) 179 miles by bus to our embarkation point in Pyay (Prome). Along the 2 lane “highway” bordered by rice fields and canals on each side, we made frequent stops at thatched roof toll stops and a gilded stupa in every village. Before we started our Pandaw cruise on the Irrawaddy River and everywhere we moored, I observed many children swimming in the river as well as men and women bathing, brushing their teeth and taking water back to their homes for cooking.
Many stairs were involved in an exploration of two forts which were constructed on either side of the river to keep the British at bay. When I stayed on board, I read several books about Burma – The Piano Tuner and Little Daughter.
