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Monasteries and thoughts
I am in Mwalamyine (Moulmein) right now. When I arrived here by boat some two days ago I was already feeling it. The cruise down the river impressed me no question, but the euphoria appeared very tuned down. The day after it hit me like a brick. Travel fatigue. This must sound strange to all…
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The tributes of Hpa-an
We arrived to Hpa-an (thank you Danny for the tip) after visiting the Golden rock further north. The small town is very quiet and the scenery on the shore of the crossing Thanlyin river compensates for the stress of traveling from Nyaungshwe all the way down south. The environment of Hpa-an is defined by huge…
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Gravital paradoxon aka the golden rock
After arriving to the top it is a short 10 minute walk to the pagoda itself. You can make the rest of the way in a palanquin if you’re not up to the walking. The pagoda itself is a spectacular sight. Legend says the rock is held only in place by two hairs of Buddha…
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Lotus Weaving and Cheroot Cigars
People on and near the lake produce a variety of goods that are not be found elsewhere in the world. Shops spin and weave a yarn made out of Lotus fibers. The fibers are manually collected from the stems of the lotus flowers and the process is very laborious. The price of the fabric produced…
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Pagoda market on Inle Lake
Southeast Asia really is a gem to see loads of local markets. When we explored the Inle lake we were able to visit one of the bigger local markets on the lake which takes place near the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda on Saturdays. Fishermen are selling their catch of the day as well as local farmers…
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One day on the Inle Lake
I arrived to Nyaungshwe with an overnight bus from Mandalay. From where it is just a short boat ride to the lake. I found a nice english speaking boatman on the jetty and despite another delay through our accompanying disease I managed to take the tour. The day on the water reminds me of times…
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Street kitchen + unexpected invitations
As I mentioned before we were visiting the muslim quarter in Mandalay for 3 consecutive days. One of the main reasons was a food stall set back in a corner of the alleys. A group of three and occasionally more women was preparing fresh food. A lot of people came driving by on their motorbikes…