With the tour only starting this evening, I had a full day of further exploration in Yangon. I already had booked an excursion for the day, essentially doing the full loop on the Yangon Circular Railway with a number of stops on the way; the trip was accompanied by a local guide, who provided loads of information on the country, the city and the living conditions of the people.

We started at Yangon’s Central Railway Station, just a few minutes from the hotel. From here we took the train up North to Da Nyin Gone Railway Station for a visit of the Da Nyin Gone Market. Here we got a good overview of the products on offer. After a quick stop for tea we made it back on the train and continued the journey in an Eastern direction. It was busier on the train now; many people had purchased goods wholesome at the market, to now take them for resale in their quarters. Most in here were already getting organized, unpacking the big bundles and re-packing to smaller sizes (i.e. readying for resale).

We left the train at Puzundaung Station; passing through the neighborhood making our way to a restaurant for a well deserved fried rice lunch. After lunch we walked over to St. Mary’s Cathedral for a quick glance inside. From here it was back to the hotel.

In the evening the Myanmar tour officially started with the usual tour briefing, followed by a first group dinner.