Train and Pyin

From Hsipaw, we rode a classic old train line over what was once the world's second highest trestle.  It goes to Mandalay, but we got off at Pyinoolwin--an old British hill station.

We discovered that the car in front of us was full of prisoners  Here, at a station stop, a barefoot guard hangs out the window.

Lots of guards and guns.

At this stop, the prisoners were unloaded onto the platform with their bedrolls.

Disconcerting that most guards weren't in uniform. I wondered if they were political prisoners from a rebellious tribe. Someone suspected they were drug smugglers.

Pyinoolwin - instead of tuktuks, here, they use Cinderella horse-drawn carriages.

The vast botanical gardens were wonderful, especially the orchid museum.

Lots of British architecture.  This former mansion has become a high school.

Nuns out seeking alms.