Lemongrass Cocktail - So Cooool!

By Sandra Scott

There is nothing cool about the temperature in Yangon, Myanmar. It is either hot and wet or hot and dry, but there are many cooool things that made John and me forget the hot temperature during our stay in Yangon. When we arrived at our hotel, the Governor’s Residence, a staff member announced us by sounding the gong. Very cool! The staff rushed out to take care of our luggage. During our sit-down check-in, we were served a lemongrass drink. To my way of thinking, lemongrass is one of the most refreshing drinks on a hot day.

Everything about the Governor’s Residence is cool! The beautiful gardens have a lotus pond and a koi-filled stream that makes its way from the front garden to the smaller and more private interior garden. As the name suggests, the hotel was once the official home of the colonial governor from one of the Southern states of Myanmar. It is located on a quiet tree-lined street in the Embassy Quarter.

After we got settled in our room, John and I spent the afternoon around the beautiful fan-shaped turquoise pool. Everything was so serene and beautiful that we relaxed totally. Later in the afternoon we went to the spectacular Shwedagon Pagoda. Respecting the local custom we took off our shoes when we entered the temple grounds. Oh… the feel of the cool marble floor was so refreshing. Wandering around the golden enclave was like a walk through a dream. Kipling called it, “a golden mystery…a beautiful winking wonder.” We agreed. The setting sun gave the golden temples an even more mystical, heavenly look.

On our return to the Governor’s Residence we headed to the massive teak lounge on the second floor. “I think I need one of those refreshing lemongrass drinks.”

Mr. Ko Ko, the restaurant manager suggested, “How about our lemongrass cocktail? We call it Ayedharyar, which means “Cool and Pleasant.” That sounded extremely “cool,” so we quickly agreed. While we were waiting Phillipe Bissig, the General Manager greeted us with, “At 8 we will have a folkloric show. I know you will enjoy it.”

When Mr. Ko Ko and his assistant presented the lemongrass cocktail he proudly explained, “All the ingredients are from Myanmar. We crush and mash the lemongrass with lime and lemon juice. We add cinnamon that we crush and let mellow in hot water, then add gin and a dash of angostura. We shake it and decorate it with a lemon twist. Even the tray is Myanmar lacquer ware.” We agreed it was cool and refreshing and complimented him on his beautiful presentation.

John and I enjoyed the cool evening air that wafted across the expansive open teak deck. Then the show began. Amazing and beautiful. In exquisite traditional costumes that made me think of a fairy tale, the dancers mystified us with their incredible elegance as they danced to the sound of the Burmese xylophone. Each dance told a story that made us want to learn more about Myanmar history and culture.

Dinner turned out to be just as “cool.” Our table nestled on the edge of the garden with a view of the small waterfalls was sprinkled with rose petals. We dined while a beautiful young lady played the Burmese harp.

The next day we were up early so we could go swimming. After our traditional noodle breakfast of mohinga, we headed to the ancient Myanmar city of Bagan where new wonders of Myanmar awaited. Our first days in Myanmar where so very cool and full of wonderful surprises. Isn’t that what makes travel so “cool” – discovering new places and its unexpected pleasures.

For more information check www.governorsresidence.com.

Sandra Scott is a frequent contributor to travel publications and to Creators Syndicate
and has co-authored two books on local history. She lives in Mexico, NY.

Photos by J. J. Scott.

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