We now take a river barge down the Irrawaday river to Bagan which takes all day and in truth is long slow and a little dull. But we get there at length and the hotel is a joy to behold. Traditional design in red stone and set magnificently in the very centre of the 'pagoda fields' (my name for this amazing place).
Old Bagsn ruled by Kianzitha in 11th. cent Is known as 'the city of the 4 million Pagodas'. In fact the real number is more like 2 thousand, all erected during his 28 year rule when he also established the Mon Buddhist culture as paramount. The over all effect at these pagodas is eerie and magical at any time but appears most spectacularly so at sunset. We took a horse and trap ride through in the evening and climbed one to get the full view as the sun was setting. The pagodas looked like strange outcrops in shades of orange and ochre and brown scattered over the dusty acres and rising up like silent aliens. Quite spectacular. I'm not sure the photos will do the experience justice.
On the day before we left we visited more pagodas but by now it has to be said we have seen rather a lot of them and are becoming a bit jaded. From now on we ask, is this one special in some way otherwise let's not bother.
Before we leave the area we also go to see Mt. Popa but not to climb I'm afraid. No one felt like making the climb esp. when faced with the alternative choice of viewing from across the valley from the safety of a rather nice restaurant. Great lunch!