We walked down to the Irrawaddy, to a commercial landing, surrounded by local boats, and a larger river boat.  This is a kind of ‘merchant’ ship which brings goods downstream, and sells directly from the deck – fabric, pianos, beds, you name it.  Wandered around and bought more longyi fabric, and took photos of the sunset over the river.

By this time our guide was getting tired, and suggested that perhaps we should wait to go to the Strand Hotel, an elegant  ‘colonial’ hotel  - the last thing on her itinerary, until the next day.  But since that was mean to be a free day for us; we thought it would be easier for all if we went then – about 6.30. The Hotel was quiet at that hour, but we settled in for a civilized drink and chat with Myo.  We only realised at the end that we had spent a great part of our daily allowance on those drinks.  Decided we should practice a little more caution in spending.

Home to our hotel after a very long but interesting day, cleaned up and put on our new finery.  We walked around the hotel, discovered that drinks there were MUCH cheaper than at the Strand, and had a gin and tonic while watching the world go by.