EXPLORING POPA MOUNTAIN / BAGAN

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Geo: 21.3667, 95.4667

Today, we took a leisurely walk in the morning around the base of the mountain with a local guide to learn about the volcanic geology, flora and fauna of the surrounding ecosystem. We then visited a medicinal plant nursery where we learned about traditional herbal medicine preparation using selected forest plants sustainably harvested from our environs. Then, we headed to the town of Popa to visit the fruit and vegetable market where local people come to buy and sell foods and wares.

After lunch we departed for Bagan, visiting a toddy palm plantation where we learn how every part of the palm—flower, nectar, sugar—is used to make food, alcohol and handicrafts.

Late in the afternoon we reached Bagan, where we had dinner and will spend the next two nights.

Bagan was the original "holy land" in Myanmar. There are over 3,200 temples, pagodas, and spires in the area, most dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries. Tomorrow, we will explore them.

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