Myanmar 2001 - Bagan archeological site

Everyone visiting Myanmar cannot fail to make a trip to Bagan in Mandalay division. Old Bagan was the capital of the Pagan kingdom which lasted from the 9th to 13th century. The extensive archeological area has the remains of more than 3500 Buddhist temples, stupas and monasteries. Bagan has the largest concentration of Buddhist structures in the world and is now a World Heritage Site. 

Dawn over Bagan with silhouettes of stupas

The morning light reveals the wonder of Bagan 

Verdant fields around the stupas 

          

Stupas of all shapes and sizes

and as far as the eye can see

                                     

Panaromic view of the stupas

seen from a vantage point......this was in 2001 before climbing prohibited!

Dhammayangyi, the largest temple in Bagan

and Thatbyinnyu, the tallest temple in Bagan

            

Sunset over the stupas in Bagan

                 

                  

                           

Myanmar 2001 - Mingun Pahtodawgyi and Bell

Mingun Pahtodawgyi was the grandiose project started in 1790 by King Bodawpaya. The 50 m high uncompleted monument is regarded as one of the examples of the eccentricities of the king. It was planned to be a massive 150 m stupa but, according to one story, the superstitious king delayed the work on hearing the prophesy that he would die on its completion. Due to its high cost to the country and people, not surprisingly, after King Bodawpaya died, work on Mingun Paya was abandoned. In 1839, an earthquake badly damaged the monument, causing huge cracks on the structure which now is claimed to be the largest pile of bricks in the world!            

Mingun Pahtodawgyi showing the huge crack caused by earthquake

A small temple built into the monument


Steps lead to the top of Mingun monument

              

Top of Mingun monument with view of Hsinbyume Pagoda

                                                     

The gleaming white Hsinbyume Pagoda

                                                            

                                                                                   

The Mingun Bell that the king never got to place on his monument. At a massive 90 tons, it is the 2nd largest ringing bell in the world.      

Myanmar 2001 - 1000 Cliffside Buddhas, Pyay

Near Pyay is an amazing spectacle of Buddha figurines on the cliff faces of Akauk Thaung mountain flanking the bank of the Ayeryarwady River. Each Buddha figure, of various sizes and repose, is set in its own cavity carved into the rock face. These cavities were the result of years of hard work by the faithful who had chiseled out the repositories and placed the Buddhas out of veneration for the Enlightened One. 

From the boat on the Ayeryarwady, the distant view of the Buddhas and pagoda on Akauk Thaung mountain

Buddha figurines in their repositories cover the cliff face

The Sleeping Buddha on the track leading up to the mountain top  

Myanmar 2001 - U-Bein Bridge, Amarapura

U-Bein Bridge is located near the township of Amarapura in central Myanmar. Constructed of teak, the bridge is the oldest and (at one time) longest wooden bridge in the world. The 1.2 km long structure crosses Taungthaman Lake and is a favourite subject for sunset photography.

Tourists join locals on the daily commute across U-Bein bridge

Watching the world go by on U-Bein bridge

Sunset views at Thaungthaman Lake

Myanmar 2001 - Ayeyarwady River scenes Nov - Dec

The mighty Ayeyarwady river is the largest waterway in Myanmar.  The river plays an important role in the economy and life of the country, being a lifeline for transport of goods, and people and for its fisheries and agriculture. The people living along its 2200 km course depend heavily on the river for their daily water supply, washing and bathing. 

A load of jars going downriver to Yangon

Huge rafts of logs tied together and pushed by tug boats

No more seats inside....the roof will do!

 

Morning mist over the river

Thatched huts provide shelter for the river people 

Similar huts dot the wide river bank  

Plank walkways connect the huts 

Food stall with a picket fence!

A hive of activity on the river bank

No machines - all work using manpower  

even loading heavy logs

After the day's work, men gather under a shady tree 

At the end of a long, hot day......

Myanmar 2001 - Mandalay Marionettes Theater

Marionettes in Myanmar have a history of about 500 years and played an important role in the development of dramatic art and culture in the country. In the old days, the puppet show was a means to communicate news, stories and moral lessons to the people. Mandalay is the cultural heartland of Myanmar and the Mandalay Marionettes Theater is a popular venue to experience this art form.

Prior to the start of the show, we admired the array of puppets for sale on one wall of the small theater, consisting many characters including humans, animals and mythical beings.

 

      

Ready to signal the start of the show with an overture...brass gongs,

Drums,

Cymbals, bamboo clappers, wind pipes make up the full orchestra 

The Mandalay Marionette Show features skits based on classical stories about forest spirits (nats) and the creation of the world, the romance of a prince and princess and episodes in the life of the Buddha that teach virtues such as honesty, wisdom and filial piety. These are played out against colourful backdrops to the accompaniment of music, singing and narration in Burmese, so it was us mostly guessing the plot from the action on stage! 

The show begins with a forest scene and the appearance of the King of the Spirits  

and various mythical figures during the chaotic Creation of the World; peace finally came about with the establishment of the Kingdom and the show ends with the mandatory romantic scene of the Prince dancing with the Princess

Scenes from palace life

The puppets are about 2 feet tall, with joints controlled by as many as a dozen wires, 
thus allowing intricate human-like movements



Curtain lifted to show the puppeteers expertly manipulating the puppets

to show actions such as bowing to the audience

A cheeky scene.....a girl goes on stage and becomes 

a human imitating a marionette

Master puppeteer showing his skills

Show ends with puppeteers appearing on stage 

and the master acknowledging the applause from the audience