There aren't many tourists on the railway in Rangoon. It is just our kind of place. We like to see what the life of the people is really like, sans manicured tourist sites and shops.

We had some time and a few hankerchiefs for the perspiration of hot steamy day in Rangoon and took a ride on the local train.

The route runs in a circle, was build by the British in the days of their Empire and sees a real slice of Burmese life. There are vendors selling snacks, smokes and the ever-present betel nut chew.

We rode from the main central station to Insien (pronounced - "insane") at a speed not much faster than we could walk and were serenaded by a blind musician singing traditional songs. The men wear sarongs as do the women. People were friendly but not outgoing to us obvious foreigners. Our "approved" guide was a bit uneasy with us opting for public transit but accommodated our wish in good spirit.

Take a ride on the Rangoon railways.