on the left bank of the Irrawaddy River…
a 26 square mile area filled with over 2,000 pagodas and temples…
some dating back to 11th century…
a vast network of bumpy dirt roads…
the ancient city…
Bagan, Myanmar
The best way to really get out and explore? Rent an electric bike. Available everywhere…around $8 a day. Not for the faint of heart though…especially heading out at 5:30 in the morning (sunrise!) when it’s your first time on something electric and it’s dark…but hey, that makes memories…right?
~~~
Since I’m having withdrawals from my city…a little NYC coming up…to showcase someone whose face and figure that has inspired thousands of modern masterpieces of sculpture and painting. She’s all over the city…and what a story…
stay tuned! gg
Abby says
Magical!
gotham girl says
Absolutely the word for this amazing part of the world! Thanks for your visit!
Virginia says
WOW, looks like something from a scene in a movie. Breathtaking!!! Thanks for sharing. XoXo
gotham girl says
Exactly! Simply amazing…thanks my sweet! xoxo
Lisa says
So ancient and enchanting. Love the lighting.
Now you’re an electric bike pro. Hey, anything that has a motor or runs on non-me power, I’m all in. I would have be thrilled that they had them. I’m sure your navigation skills kicked in swiftly.
Can’t wait to see your NYC surprise!
Love you.
XOXO
gotham girl says
LOL…far from a pro on that electric bike! I must say…I like being more in control with my regular bike, ha! But…it was an adventure and one that I’ll always remember! Thank you!!! xoxo
Susan says
I don’t know how you do the magic that you do, but I’m so happy that you do.
gotham girl says
It’s easy when the magic is there! Just point the camera and click, ha ha! But, thank you my dear! ♥
Susan Fox says
Enchanted….
gotham girl says
Thank you so much for your visit and kindness!
Ginnie says
I think what amazes me more than anything about these jaw-dropping images, Robin, is that we almost NEVER see this place in images all over the internet. It seems way off the well-trodden path of tourists these days…but why? Is it that difficult to get there? OMG. No wonder you went back….
gotham girl says
I think you’ll begin to see more and more as people begin to discover it…but…you’re right…it isn’t easy to get there – and I’m referencing from NYC. LONG flights involved…but so totally worth it. I think it’s been officially open to tourism since 2011…so not that long. And yes, that’s why I wanted to return…because one day we know what will happen…THANK YOU!
Donna says
The early morning light was perfect for these pictures, Robin. Reverent, sacred, and yet so very real. The views make me feel hopeful.
I’ve never heard of an electric bike! I ride my bicycle almost every day in the warmer months and the idea of an electric ride sounds fascinating! I can see you, adventure girl, hurtling along those bumpy roads and beautiful vistas in search of the next scenic photograph. So, not only did you capture an iconic photograph, but you stored away one more memory of a lifetime. Beautiful!
gotham girl says
Yes, Donna…so totally worth getting up early and riding that electric bike in the dark! Oh…I hadn’t heard of them either…as a cyclist…getting on that electric thing and not feeling in control…yikes!…but it was sooooo fun! Thank you always for your kind words and encouragement!
Karen says
You captured the mood perfectly! It is such a magical place! I wish we would have tried out the electric bike ! We took the bicycles and -oh my-that was hard work!
gotham girl says
Once we arrived in Bagan and saw what effort was involved in getting around on a regular bike…it persuaded us right away to make the change! Thank you my dear…always for your comments! ♥
countingducks says
Who is one of my favourite photographers and Bloggers. You is, and these pictures tell you why, How do you do it.
gotham girl says
Oh thank you Ducky!!! And you? My favorite writer! 🙂
Deborah says
I am simply in awe of the beauty you have captured here.
gotham girl says
Thank you so much Deborah! It’s pretty easy to capture when the place is just amazing! Always enjoy when you visit!
Olivier says
Wonderful serie… this is an outstanding moment at an outstanding place!
gotham girl says
Thank you so much Olivier! Appreciate your visit!
Katrin says
It’s truly a magical place. Amazing pictures that show all the beauty.
gotham girl says
Thanks always Katrin!
Astrid says
Magic, pure magic. These are amazing pictures!!!! What a memory to keep.
Love and hugs.
Elena Caravela says
STunning!