Bagan and On

First, about the balloon ride. Quite an experience. 17 or so massive balloons (I didn’t realize that they fit 16 passengers!) lined up on the ground all being inflated at the same time. Up in the air, it’s extremely quiet except when the burners are on. And very smooth floating. The view was phenomenal from an altitude varying from a couple of hundred feet to 2000 feet. Just towards the end of the ride the winds dropped and changed direction and we (and 3 other balloons) found ourselves way far south of all of the other balloons and the planned landing site. So our pilot had to find an alternative. He was going to land on the one road in the area but that didn’t turn out. So we ended up touching down in a dry creek bed next to some farmers working in their fields. Then it really got interesting.

Our landing crew was nowhere near us. But the poor guys ran, on foot, through the fields, all the way from where we were supposed to be to where we were. While they called the trucks to come get us, they had to move the balloon a little ways by hand with us all still in it. Then we got out and waited as they deflated the balloon. Meanwhile, there is apparently no escaping the local vendors. They were on us like white on rice - also running through the fields to our unintended location and setting up their wares on the ground around us as soon as we turned around! Oh and the conversation on the ground led to mention of being veterinarians. One of the other passengers was a young, female, equine veterinarian from Mexico City. Yes, we've been to Mexico City. In fact we were there after a veterinary conference in Leon. You know it? Yes, were you exhibiting? No, my husband was speaking there? Really, what is his name? Mike Paul. Really? THE Mike Paul. Can I get a picture with him to show my friends I met him? Sure. (And thus ends our requisite 'It's a small world after all' installment of our blog.)

Anyway, after much delay we found our way to an old truck, piled into the back, rode to the bus, rode to another bus, and finally got back to our hotel. So we were running a bit late on our last day in Bagan. That didn’t stop our guide from insisting that we visit the local village where a very sweet young girl gave us the tour. But I have now seen more hand weaving looms than you could shake a shuttlecock at! There was a rare, 92 year old grandmother smoking her big fat cheroot and spinning cotton, though. Over and over and over again we declined offers to purchase longyi, picture frames, pretty much every but refrigerator magnets BUT Michael asked for a wooden spoon. As luck would have it, their rice-stirring wooden spoon has become obsolete/unnecessary since they finally received electricity two months ago. So we scored a second spoon from grandma. Woo Hoo.

We enjoyed one more Bagan sunset and near full moon rise from the top of a pagoda.

 

Then we were on our way back to Yangon and off to the beginning of the full moon festival at the Shwedagon Pagoda. Absolutely stunning. First just seeing the pagoda lit up at night. But secondly to get to see the entire thing surrounded by thousands of candles and traditional oil lamps. Unfortunately, the pagoda itself is so large that it defies photography. Then you add in the crowds, the sounds of bells ringing and voices reciting the teachings of Buddha, and the smells of food cooking and and incense burning and there is just no way to truly capture the entire experience.

 

 

Then back in our hotel  with the requested pagoda view room with the pagoda all lit up all night long and visible from the bed. Didn't need a night light! Very, very cool.