I needed to get from Bagan to Mandalay and there were several ways to do so: by boat, plan train or by bus. I arrived in Bagan by bus, a very modern coach bus. But it had a downside: the temperature, it was literally set to freezing. So I was looking for alternatives. Planes were not an option, they are not the safest form of travel in Burma. The trains unfortunately seems to have systematic delays. And the boats are rather slow, they take perhaps 11 hours for an 5 hour journey.
I approached one of the travelstores (less emphasise on store) to discuss options. They had an alternative: very modern minibuses. Normally I don't like them, because they are too small, but this time...ok, let's do this. Big mistake.
It turns out that the minibus was ok; plenty of room, not too cold. However it did not simply go directly from A to B. It made stops all over the place. So on what must be the most dustiest road in the world, the doors were open for about half the trip. People were getting on, getting off. Taking luggage with them that for some reason had to be placed next to them in the bus. Also the minibus seemed to be acting as a postal service; picking up and dropping of package. Combine this with people that were compulsively chewing (and spitting out) ateca nut with betel leaf during the trip and the picture was complete. No more minibuses.
