The real allure to visiting the Mandalay region lies in the surrounding ancient capitals that skirt the city’s edge, crumbling reminders of bygone kingdoms. We were determined to burn out one last car driver before departing this incredible part of the world. Our final day would be a whirlwind tour of these wondrous places, a composition of… Continue reading Mandalay and Away
Category: Myanmar
On The Road To Mandalay
No! you won’t ‘eed nothin’ else But them spicy garlic smells, An’ the sunshine an’ the palm-trees an’ the tinkly temple-bells; On the road to Mandalay . . . Mandalay by Rudyard Kipling We made it to our final destination, the city of Mandalay, romanticized by Rudyard Kipling in his famous poem. We’ve been on the road… Continue reading On The Road To Mandalay
Mount Popa: Of Nat Spirits and Monkey Poop
So we were on top of Mount Popa looking down at the village and expansive plains below. We just climbed 777 steps in our bare feet, sidestepping monkey feces and urine en route to the summit. It was the most bizarre visit to a temple we made so far. Spiritual Home to 37 Nats Mount Popa,… Continue reading Mount Popa: Of Nat Spirits and Monkey Poop
Electric Circuit Around Bagan
Every guidebook and blog will tell you that the best way to explore Bagan is by bicycle. With a bike you have the freedom to explore the temples at your own leisure and can discover temples not on the tourist route. So taking this advice, we rented bikes. Not just any bike but an electric bike!… Continue reading Electric Circuit Around Bagan
Where We Bagan
I’m not sure but I think we accidentally converted to Buddhism. We were going to Bagan, one of the most significant archeological and religious sites in Southeast Asia, to tour its abundant collection of Buddhist temples, shrines and stupas. Having already visited numerous Buddhist complexes in Indo, Thailand and now Myanmar, I started to wonder if we… Continue reading Where We Bagan
Tour De Inle Lake
The next day was boat-assisted bike ride “around” the lake. We rented bikes from a shop near our hotel for 1,500 kyat a day or about $1.50. We rode down the eastern shore towards the village of Maing Thauk, riding pass a winery, small shops, restaurants and farms. All done without the use of steroids.… Continue reading Tour De Inle Lake
Inle Lake Immersion
It was our third day in the town of Nyaung Shwe, the main access point to Inle Lake, and we were finally getting out on the water. It was rainy season after all and so our activities were being dictated by the weather Buddhas (Is there such a thing?). We spent our first two days… Continue reading Inle Lake Immersion
