Mingalaba! Good morning in Myanmar. The currency in Myanmar is the Ryat, but they really like U.S. dollars. Not just any dollars though. They want new, crisp dollars and will accept nothing less. I am up early and into a taxi to the 70 year old Bogyoke Aung San Market. At this market are 2000 shops with the largest selection of Myanmar Handicraft.
The market is buzzing with activity and I find many great items: lonjyi’s made from a silk and cotton blend with mandarin blouses, Akha hill tribe bags, which are gorgeous with their embroidered cross stitch, shells, silver coins and beads, Akha scarf, and two Chien blankets. This was a great place to see locals, hear their interactions and practice my bartering skills. Other items for sale here were jade, rubies and sapphires, which I did not feel knowledgeable enough to purchase. I have no more hands to carry anything and decide to taxi back to the hotel.
I dump my things in my room and get another taxi to Art & Deco. This is a joint venture between the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Setraco group, which at one time was a dilapidated center for orphaned girls, and now produces the Lord Jim Collection. They all smile and giggle as they create world famous figurines, costume jewelery and lacquer wares. Here I purchased a necklace and earrings, a bracelet.
It is so hot, but I think I have the strength to visit one more shop on my list. I taxi to J’s Irrawaddy Dream in the Strand Hotel. The store is quite famous in Yangon and is known for it’s high quality Myanmar textiles and lacquer. Three lacquer purses round out my shopping day and I return to the hotel and settle my overheated body into the pool with a sizzle.
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