26th March 19 - Yangon

Visit to the Nyaung U Market, a walk through Old Bagan and a horse & cart ride though the temples of Bagan.

This photo from Google Images. Bagan has over 4000 temples dating back to the 12th & 13th Centuries. Building a temple - the taller and grander the better - was what people did to demonstrate their wealth. The population lived in bamboo huts between them. It is difficult to illustrate the landscape from ground level which is why a balloon trip is offered. We decided NOT to go. 1 - Because it was $330 EACH 2- Because you had to get up at 4.00am. 3 - Because we are a bit wary of balloon trips since our last one. 4 - Because, as it turned out, those that did go didn't actually fly over the temples because the wind was in the wrong direction.

We were incredibly lucky to come across an Initiation Parade in a local village. This is for their young boys and girls when they go into the monastery for the first time. The lavishness of the parade depends on the wealth of the village and those taking part. Clearly these families were doing rather well!

The parade with marching bands and blaring music was VERY long with elephants, horses, oxen etc. Really SPECIAL treat to see

The old (c12th Century) City walls of Old Bagan.

Traveling for the Burmese is something new - and expensive. These youngsters had been 7 days on the road in the open van. They let me have my photo taken with them. Well, they were all rather lovely!

Afternoon horse & cart ride through the many temples of Bagan

Cart pulled by bullocks was a fellow traveler..

A cowherd - or was it a goatherd?

It was a VERY dusty ride!

None of these photos gives the right impression of a landscape studded with several thousand temples of all types and sizes. truly AMAZING.

Sunset over the temples of Bagan

Finally, this young Burmes lady followed us around for TWO days. We bought many things from her. In terms of salesmanship coupled with persistence she should go far!