Ancient Kingdoms

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Last day in Burma -- I don't want to leave as it is so peaceful here. Spent the morning on the Irewaddy river arriving upriver in Mingun Village. It is Valentine's Day and also, Saturday with lots of teenagers on a date. They enjoy cruising as they ride around on their motorbike or walk along the main drag (ok, path) through the village. The tradition seems to be that the young couples dress in matching outfits. This is another historic village where a King built the largest ringing bell, the largest Lions to guard the gates of the largest Pagoda and overlooking the largest lake. The trouble is that only the world's largest ringing bell made it. The lions are mostly destroyed from an earthquake. The pagoda is half built and unstable from earthquakes and no subsequent rulers have continued the construction. The largest lake has not been started either. Oh well, it was a delightful visit and we did see interesting ruins (my, those lions are HUGE) & the bell is BIG, and with no crack!

This afternoon and early evening we first visited a silk making workshop. This area in Mandalay is where the beautiful ceremonial gowns are woven that are used for ceremonies such as weddings. We then continued our drive to the famous U Bein footbridge which is 2 centuries old and the longest wooden bridge in Burma. It stretches for a mile across the Thaung Thaman Lake. It is made of left over teak wood from a run-down castle and is a favorite place for picnics and strolling. The planks are uneven, you are very high in the air, with no guard rails. A bit scary at times. However, there couldn't have been a better place to be with the wonderful sunset and the gondola type boat ride after first walking much of the bridge.

Tomorrow we fly to Bangkok to start our base trip that will include Thailand, Cambodia, Laos & Vietnam. I look forward to meeting up with Diane, my sister.

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Photos

U Bein Footbridge
Taken at sunset from boat in lake.

River cruise to Mingun
Typical boaters.

Longyi
Men & women wear longyi. A large circular cloth that wraps. It is adjusted for various uses including shorts, a sling, jacket etc. Women's are more colorful. I purchased one and love the feel of it. Unique to Burma.

Irrewady river
P.assing boat full of local travelers. It is tradition to give free rides to monks

Silk weaver
We walked through the factory observing all levels of the weaving process. Beautiful fabrics in their shop.

Valentines Day in Mandalay
Young couple on an outing in their matching shirts which seems to be the tradition.

U Bein Footbridge
Taken from the boat on the lake.

Boathouse
Living on the river.

World's largest ringing bell.
90 Ton bell. Ring 3 times to share merit then say "sadu, sadu, sadu.

Comments

[D MJ Binkley]

Iconic photo
Nice