January 22, 2005

After two days in Mandalay, I headed for the hills and Pyin U Lwin, the stage coach ride (see "Transportation Edition") and the Botanical Garden.

"Colonel May used Turkish prisoners of war to develop this 96-hectare Botanical Garden during WW I. This garden features wide expanses of manicured grass, large flower beds 20 hectares of natural forest with walking trails, a rose garden, an orchid house, a small stupa on an islet in a pond and several other ponds."

On a hill beyond the gardens is a tall observation tower which I considered climbing. But I was tired. A lovely man pushed the little red button. The lovely modern elevator and I rode to the top for the lovely view.