Sunset over Bagan

After a day cycling through the country side of this ancient land and exploring pagodas and temple complexes it was time to watch the sunset over the temples with the Irrawaddy River in the background.

Sunrise over Bagan

A morning vista of pagodas and stupas across the plain of Bagan.
Bagan was once the capital of Burma.  Most of the temples date back to the 12th and 13th century.
As the sun rose the spires appeared through the mist.  A magical experience.

Monks and Nuns - Shwedagon Paya

Lonely Planet begins their description of Myanmar with the sentence "Is there a more stunning monument to religion in Southeast Asia?  We don't think so."


They are describing the Shwedagon Paya in Yangon.  I have to agree with their description.  It was an amazing complex of temples, shrines and Buddha statues. 

When I visited early on a Sunday morning it was crowded and teeming with people.  Dressed in fine clothes;  they were praying, placing garlands of flowers on statues, lighting candles and incense, walking around the main stupa, congregating in family groups of all ages, taking photos and selfies and moving from temple to temple.  It was busy.  There were others selling gold leaf to put on the statues, polishing statues with Brasso, checking the neon lights were working, climbing the scaffolding surrounding the main spire, selling food, drink and flowers  or arranging flowers behind the scenes.  There were monks and nuns, old and young.  It really is a stunning and living monument to the Buddhist religion.

Back from Burma

Back at work today after a week's break, travelling in Burma/Myanmar with Helen, Jenny and Julie.
We had a wonderful time; exploring, staying in exotic locations, eating spicy food, meeting some local people, learning about the culture and history of Burma/Myanmar and visiting pagodas, temples, pagodas, stupas, pagodas and more pagodas.
This photo was taken in a market, where a man had a stall selling metal bits and bobs, mainly rusted and old, but proudly had a photo of Aung San Suu Kyi hanging in a prominent place.
More photos and stories to come.

Loo with a View

Another photo that I can't believe I am sharing.  (stunned mullet eyes!!- but not as bad as my Year 8 photo)
This is taken in the bathroom at the Above 11 roof top bar in Bangkok.  You can just make out the lights of the city in the background.
I had arranged to meet Jo and Mark Loiterton here last Friday night.  It took me close to two hours on a rickety train and then in a taxi to travel in from Don Muang airport.  I popped into the bathroom to freshen up and change, only to here a voice saying "Mary Harrington are you in here???"  Jo had seen me walk in. So the bathroom became the venue for our reunion.

Wet in Bangkok

A sudden, heavy tropical downpour surprised us in Bangkok last Saturday night.  This photo shows the traffic stopped at lights while the rain comes down.  Luckily we were dry as there is an extended above ground walkway linking train stations and the malls near Siam Square.
The rain did dampen our experience at the Red Sky roof top bar as we were confined indoors for our drink and were only able to venture outside to admire the view as we were about to leave.

Orchids for Friday Flowers

The garden at Jim Thomspon's house was lush and beautiful.  There were wonderful pots of colorful and delicate orchids, such as this one.