Well…there are a few more snippets of Mandalay that I must share with you before we move on to Bagan, Myanmar. Picture chuckling involved…as Mandalay was my least favorite (it’s hard to even say that!) of all the places in Myanmar, so to have a few blog posts on Mandalay makes me laugh and think I’ll never get through showing you this entire adventure! It’s all so good!
A little south of Mandalay is Amarapura, meaning City of Immortality, famous for the longest wooden bridge in the world, the U Bein. The bridge spans the Taungthaman Lake, connecting the villages on both sides.
As seen from the U Bein…so if you want to see the bridge itself…you have the internet!
Amarapura is a popular tourist day-trip from Mandalay and is also known for silk and cotton weaving, as well as the Mahagandayon Monastery. Visiting the monastery was a sight to behold, as it’s one of the largest teaching monasteries in Myanmar. We arrived just as the monks and novices lined up to receive their noon meal. Unfortunately, this event is now loaded with so many rude photographers constantly juggling for position. Knowing what I know now, it would be a much more meaningful experience, on a much smaller scale, in an unknown village somewhere throughout Myanmar. Instead of letting those obnoxious and rude photographers ruin my experience, I looked elsewhere and found many intimate moments everyone else probably missed.
And of course there’s always hope for some leftovers…and some successes…
Thanks to each and every one of you for your beautiful comments you have left on my postings so far on this amazing journey…so appreciated! There’s so much more to share!
I think a ‘Wow’ is in order here. I mean these are really special: you are so talented and observant. You seem to have captured so many aspects of the place, and with such atmosphere, I don’t know if you’ve ever entered any photographic contests, but if you haven’t, you ought to, and then I could come and help you spend the prize money.
I can’t agree more with “countingducks” above. I adore the pictures and portraits of the people…so observant and yet so full of respect for their lifes and culture! The man washing his hand with such concentrated look on his face…amazing! Maybe it was good that there were so many rude photographers and you turned away. I can’t pick a favorite image , they are all superbe! But I know what to avoid when we go and visit Mandalay!
I agree on BOTH the posts above.
Wow! Yes, you have such an artistry in capturing the true essence of people with such respect for their culture. I couldn’t agree more that it was good that you looked away. It was meant to be.
I love that you say “we have the internet for that”. So true! We would never see what you see posted in the internet. I love seeing the world through your eyes. You’re awesome and you blow me away!
XO
Since we all know you’re NOT one of the rude photographers, I’m so glad you looked elsewhere to find these stunning images, Robin. Thank you for letting us follow this incredible journey!
I agree with each of the comments above. Bro and I have always said you have that something special in your photography talent, and we love each and every one of your postings, and get such pleasure in your trips knowing we will be treated to your photos that make us feel as if we were there too… xoxo MORE!!!
You’re breaking my heart with the beauty and special-ness of your images. You really see good!
Pure poetry. Robin, these pictures are incredible.
Magnificent!!! These photos take my breath away. I am at a loss for words. xoxo
Incredible images! The photo of the clock really resonated with me—such a juxtaposition from the almost timeless nature of all the other captures. Love it!