Almost ready...

A lazy day today before the off tomorrow.  The morning was spent collecting our tulip books and garmins, getting through scrutineering and, for me, marking up the tulip. 

We went to a supermarket to collect some supplies - always interesting in a foriegn country.  It was very well stocked, although some things, like chicken feet, would not be on my shopping list.  At lunch, we discovered that one of our team (Kate) has a sister who lives in our village: hello Charlotte! Small world.

We conducted a calibration route and found that all was well with our various navigational devices we have many, seemingly an extra one every time we rally - no getting lost for us!  Then, all the cars processed to the Shwedagon Pagoda.  We had a police escort, yet again, and caused quite a stir on the short journey.  Every single person either had their mouth open or they were grinning widely.  I can't imagine what reaction we will get in the more remote areas we will travel through.

It was interesting going to the pagoda again.  In daylight it felt quite different but we did notice lots of things that passed us by the first time.  For instance, in a country that has only just got ATM's there are two in the pagoda.  No excuse for not being able to give a donation now.  In order to gain good karma, people volunteer to clean the temples.  We witnessed a big floor cleaning operation.  A giant wet cloth, in a long strip, is controlled by volunteers with handles and the supervisor choreographs the pushing - genius. 

There was time for a lovely dinner with old friends, in the cool garden of an Italian restaurant. The perfect way to spend our last night before the 7.30 start tomorrow.  For the last time, the police are escorting us out, in a convoy, to the edge of the city before setting us free.  Can't wait.