Despite the pollution overpowering much of Mandalay, we found beauty both in and around the city.
these people charge you to release a bird. what they don't tell you is the birds are trained to fly back to the cage when you leave. (we didn't fall for this, but others did)
looking out from U Bein's bridge
Boats light up the river under U Bein's bridge in the background
novice monks on the world's longest teak bridge
We could have also hired a boat, but then we wouldn't have had all these great views of boats
Flowers on head
Monks and novice nuns walking together
more monks on the world's longest teak bridge
great colors over the water
but the actual setting of the sun was disappointing due to the Mandalay smog
after a huge climb North of Mandalay towards Pyin Oo Lwin, we stopped to flush the radiator with fresh water
but don't worry… everyone had to do it. although the engine was klanging quite a bit just before we got here
we had front row seats in the pickup. somehow i think we were better off in the back
Safeway in a remote town in Burma? No way… This sign has to have floated across the Pacific
a broad view of the National Kandawgyi Gardens of Pyin Oo Lwin
some sort of superhero chicken? looks like he's wearing a red velvet mask
some monkeys came in close to visit. this gray one was particularly interested
until Lina scared him into the trees
This girl wanted a picture with Lina, so we got one too. Lina, the "giant" 5'3" girl.
now that is one "high class" cow
"feel your dreams come true" at Golden Dream hotel in Pyin Oo Lwin. In fact, this was the worst place we stayed in Burma
Anti-Aging Beer?
Lina in a cave full of Buddhas
waterfall, stupa, and curry stall. what more can a waterfall 45 min from the road need?
on our way back to Mandalay from Pyin Oo Lwin, our pickup was more packed. perhaps because it was all downhill
I think this guy could have carried a few more boxes
Streets of Mandalay
Nuns of Mandalay. They were collecting alms from the bank?
More Nuns of Mandalay
Mahamuni Paya, the most holy Buddha shrine in Burma
Processions of families came in, dressed in their best traditional garb
Most families would sit in this area for a photo. Females were not allowed in the main chamber with Buddha
Balancing of an offering
And yes, the place was so holy that I had to cover my knees. A traditional longyi was available at the south gate for free with deposit of my shoes
I was allowed in. Lina had to stay back.
Traditional garb does not mean comfort. Especially in the 100 degree heat of Mandalay
huge bronze figures stolen from Angkor Wat
Based on how polluted this canal looked. I wonder if this was a dumping zone for barrels
Pedestrians definitely don't have the right of way in Burma
Me and our cheerful pedicab driver
Sandamani Paya
The world's biggest book: 1774 stupas at Sandamani contained marble slabs engraved with the teachings of Buddha
The stupas glow in the sunset
on the steps of Mandalay Hill looking back at Sandamani Paya
the palace of Mandalay lit up at night. reflections in the moat.
so the Mandalay airport had jetways. but we walked down steps at the jetway to take a bus 300 ft to the plane
Comments