Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
MESMERIZING MYANMAR!
Wanting to see more of Myanmar's scenery, we decided to catch the 11hr ferry from Mandalay to Bagan … little did we know there was absolutely nothing to see on the banks of the river for 99% of the journey. As an alternative, we both snatched up a free row of seats and caught up on some much-needed sleep. It was a good thing we did too because the next day we hired bicycles and spent about 9 hours pedalling around the amazing Bagan Archaeological Zone brimming with ancient temples, enormous pagodas, impressive monasteries and literally thousands of striking payas spread across the plains. We perspired our way around the payas, admiring the architecture, exploring the hidden passageways and climbing up to the top of the Shwesandaw Pagoda for breath-taking 360˚ views of the entire complex. Definitely one of the most extraordinary ancient cities we've seen on our travels to date!
We spent our second day in Bagan lounging by the pool (we got to be 'flashpackers' here and stay in a very swanky joint as opposed to typical backpacker hostels and guesthouses) then later in the afternoon hired bikes again to head out to find a good viewing point for sunset. Unfortunately the temple that was recommended to us was closed but after a hasty ride along the back streets we managed to find a huge, old temple with a couple of people perched on top. We climbed up to join them, skirting our way around the edges of the crumbling brick, taking a seat just in time to see the sun sinking down behind the clouds. It was incredibly peaceful up there, so much so that I was the last to leave and only got down because the light was fading fairly fast!
Thinking that nothing could top our 'Bagan experience' we headed to Inle Lake where the Intha people live in small, self-sufficient stilt villages on the water. We (and a cool Kiwi chick and her nice German friend) hired a long-tailed motorboat for the day and did the "must-do trip" out on the lake. We packed in a very busy day exploring the lively 'floating markets' (a small patch of land in the middle of the lake where locals have set up every craft and food stall possible to attract tourists), observing the traditional 'leg-rowers' (men who paddle their boats with one leg wrapped around the oar), visiting the Thaung Tho Temple, boating around the floating vegetable gardens (made from a combination of woven mats, reeds and bamboo poles) and checking out the numerous workshops demonstrating lotus-weaving, silver-casting, cigar-making and sword-soldering. We also stopped in at the famous Jumping Cats Monastery where the monks have supposedly trained the residential cats to do various jumping tricks. We would suggest that the place be renamed to "Sleeping Cats Monastery" which would be more reflective of our visit there.
One of the most interesting stops was at a small village where we visited the traditional Kayan 'long-necked' ladies and got to learn a little bit about this ancient custom. The first coils (5 rings) are put on when a girl is around the age of 9 and are continued to be placed around her neck, arms and legs up until the age of 25 (by this time the rings around her neck will weigh an astounding 8kgs)! I can only imagine the damage this does to the bodies of these lovely ladies but they appeared to be cheerful and content and regardless of my thoughts it was fascinating to see!
Our final stop on the lake was to watch some local fisherman bringing in their traditional cylindrical nets as the sun set majestically in the background. The sight was beyond beautiful and has gained the top-spot as the most magical sunset of our travels!
We have loved our time here in Myanmar, the scenery and cultural experiences have been incredible but really it has been the kindness of the people that we will fondly remember. The Lonely Planet's description encapsulates our experiences over the past 12 days: "The long suffering people are gentle, humorous, engaging, considerate, inquisitive and passionate; they want to play a part in the world and to know what you make of their world. Come with your mind open and you'll leave with your heart full!"
Highs: Joel - The impressive ancient palace complex of Bagan.
Tanya - The spectacular sunset and the fascinating Kayan ladies on Inle Lake.
Low: The long, scenery-less ferry ride to Bagan (at least we got to catch up on some sleep)!
Next Stop: Phuket, Thailand.
- comments