More from Myanmar

We left Inle lake by the same route we arrived only in reverse.  (See previous blog.) This time it was back to the Heho Airport to fly to Manadalay. Originally, we were to board our river boat at Mandalay but the river level had dropped significantly. We had lunch and a quick tour of Mandalay before heading off to meet our boat a little further downriver.

Mandalay (along with the rest of Myanmar has a very sad, turbulent history). Many wars and invasions. I read a lot about Myanmar before I left.  (The "River of Lost Footsteps" is a fascinating book!) King Mindon was driven from his palace by the British in 1885.  The king's palace and surrounding compound which was very large was looted by the British. The city itself suffered heavy damage during WWII while it was occupied by the Japanese. The Japanese used the palace citadel as a supply depot which was bombed by the Allied forces. The bombing destroyed most of the city. A replica of the palace and the compound was built during the 1990's. For me, it's not the same thing.

I wandered around and tried to get some interesting pics.  These sweet girls were selling flowers for offerings outside the temple.

The girls have applied "Thanaka paste" to their faces in a decorative pattern. This paste is made by grinding the bark, wood or roots of the Thanaka tree and mixing it with water. It provides protection from the sun and is also believed to be a natural face cream. Most women apply it in circles or squares to their cheeks and often a streak down the centre of their nose. (No, I didn't buy any!) I did see a demonstation of the grinding on the boat and tried a little on my hand. It was slightly creamy and smells faintly of sandalwood.

So, while others were in the temple, I explored around and under it. I was beginning to get temple overload and knew there would be many more in the days ahead. And, I didn't feel like taking my shoes and socks off again. Yes, I said socks! Unlike, Thailand you have to take your socks off also. Yes, your feet get filthy but our tour guide always had tons of thick heavy duty "wipes".

For my friend "S aka k" - here's the proof!

More Shoes

This monk wasn't taking any chances. He was hanging on to his shoes. I've never had any problems. My shoes have always been there when I exited the temple. It looks as though he has a very tight grip on them.

For nervous tourists, there are "shoe minder's" who for a small amount will watch a pile of shoes.

As I said, I wandered around and under the temple.

Underneath, I found a cache of what looked like wooden doors. They were very interesting with intricate carved details.

Door

Detail

Do you think these were actually made in Burma?? I think China ...

Flowers for offerings

And, more.

Another girl blowing on a lotus to open the petals.

The VERY BEST GUIDE in all of Myanmar - "Kyaw Thu"!!

He wears traditional Bumese clothing - as do most of the population.

A longyi is a tubular piece which is folded and tucked at the waist. They wear coton longyi for everyday and silk ones for special occasions such as weddings. Women wear the same but fold and tuck it in a different way at the waist. It has its origins in India.

The shirt and jacket have a Chinese influence. Note the Mandarin collar on both and the "frog" closures on the jacket.

Kyaw was impeccably dressed! A different longyi everyday and a lovely fresh white shirt everyday. His jacket changed also. (I want to have the person who does his laundry do mine!!) In conversation, I discovered that he has all these clothes tailored to order!

Another pic of the two of us will be included in a later post that was taken at our "farewell lunch".

Local transport v.s. tourist transport!

Three "groupies" - via zoom lens. I was encouraged to include this by, well read on...

I have saved the best for last! 

AND, please note - this last part was vetted and approved in advance by "J".

As you all know, I hate being “grouped”!

However, I have a better one. How about “hating being grouped” and traveling with your mother who you really don’t like at all! In fact, never, ever liked!  Wait it gets better! And, having all this sprung on you, just a week in advance, when another relative backed out at the very last moment. It was the trip from hell!

Well, I met this person in the living flesh. She was actually part of the group. She is younger than me, lots of fun and we got along very well. And, I will see her again as she lives not that far from me in Cabbagetown.

She paid me the highest compliment when she said that I had actually “saved” her. I think I may have saved her mother also, as “J.” would have probably killed her before the end of the trip!

Needless to say, mother didn’t like me too much as we were always taking off with our computers to find a the nearest WiFi hot spot in our hotel to commune with the outside world and look at our latest photos. And, much to our delight that same spot was usually the bar or very near to it. Another reason why we got along so well!

Next blog will complete my visit to Myanmar.