Myanmar 2011

I headed out to Burma last month. I figured on the full 28 days. Would of hated to go for 2 weeks and find out i wished i stayed longer. Anyhow, after arriving in Yangoon at 10pm, i headed out looking for food.

My 1st taste of Burmese Indian Muslim grub
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1257.jpg

In the morning it was more local food before heading out with a crisp $5 in hand to see the mother of all Burmese temples.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1258.jpg

Nope, i didnt eat them. But why on earth feed these pests?
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1259.jpg

Shewdagon Pagoda
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1260.jpg

If the pic below looks a bit off, it was a vertical panoramic shot with my new camera
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Shewdagon in the distance
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Its said there is 60 tones of gold covering Shewdagon Pagoda
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1267.jpg

Bottom one seems better... or just use a service like Picasa Web Albums that deals with sizing automatically, and post a link to it.

Went to Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda to see this red soled reclining Buddha. Built in 1907, its 72 metres in length.

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1301.jpg

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As it was New year with water, and all transport is shut down for 5 days, i opted going to Mandalay on a poxy night bus. Fecking karaoke. Arrived at 6am and after having 5 hours kip, i went on a tour to see the surrounding sites and fingers crossed, not pay any entrance fee to the government.


Nanyin [leaning tower], Inwa. Its a 90ft watchtower that had a brush with an earthquake in 1838.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1310.jpg

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Just like i photographed in Thailand, this walkway is held up the same way. i pretty much giggled with myself when i showed some tourists what they were walking on. LOL, i'm a bastard
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1312.jpg

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same run of the mill tourist crap.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1314.jpg

Some overgrown swimming baths in the area
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1315.jpg

Front gates to Maha Aungmye Bonzan. Built in 1822.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1316.jpg

A brick monastery that's had a lovely coat of paint on the front
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1317.jpg

And been completely forgotten about on the back. [Just as well it was free to enter]
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1318.jpg

Inside the Monastery. There is 3 inner chambers with corridors , the central chamber is locked.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1319.jpg

Side gate.
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Buddha looks different than most
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1322.jpg

They use horse and cart in this neck of the woods
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Kids all ready to throw water till a woman said the word camera in English and the boys just soaked my legs instead. They aren't to know my camera is waterproof and i didnt want to tell them so in case they think all cameras are waterproof
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1324.jpg

U Bein's Bridge, Amarapura. Its 1300yd's. Still looks in good nick after 200 years.
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Having a tasty Myanmar beer in the water
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Had a day in the countryside.
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This girl comes running out of her home with a silver bowl and water to drown me. But i got to her 1st.
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My muslim bike driver having a kip. Thank god he wasn't drinking or it be a long bloody walk back
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1340.jpg

Yadana Labamuni Hsu-taungpye Paya [Snake Pagoda]
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3 giant pythons get a daily bath and 'breakfast' and 11am.
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Getting out
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And now for 'breakfast'. surely a bloody chicken would be better than coloured water.
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Then back up to its bed
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Roads are bloody awful here and only just wide enough for one way traffic
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My bike drivers brother lives out this way and he showed me this. i was basically told to photograph this, but still to this day i had no idea why he's draped in a Pakistani flag in Myanmar
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walked down the path to the right of the pic, into an area with a few muslims houses till i exited and myself in Buddhist country again?
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The little figure on the corner.
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Caught the attention of some big man with a walkie talkie. Crap. back to the village i go. Apprently he was the 'headmaster'. Still i sat down and had some sugar cane and caught the attention of some kids
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1358.jpg

On the way back to Mandalay i saw this.
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Got a soaking
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Some noisy float thing outside my hotel. A little bit of dancing and donation. If you're asking about nightlife in Mandalay, i didnt find any. City closes down at 9pm
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More soaking the next day.
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The biggest pile of rubble that people go and see. Mingun Paya. Was built in 1790 and was meant to be 500ft high. 3 times its size now. Work stopped in 1819 and an earthquake split it in 1838
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1365.jpg

Why? i see it all over Asia yet no one has explained to me why sticking incense between bricks helps.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1366.jpg

I noticed the brick piling like this in Korea
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1367.jpg

Up top
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1368.jpg

Structure is all cracked down the the floor, but this square thing isnt. Built to last
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1369.jpg

Down at its base
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1370.jpg

Excellet thread. Most interesting.

Nice!

great stuff wuju, keep em coming

Excellent photo thread, thanks for sharing. I've been thinking about going to Myanmar soon so its really interesting seeing all these places, cheers!:)

Wojou- make sure you get to Bagan.

Nice pics mate, very interesting. I love a good photo thread!

great photos. good to see.

thanks.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Yemen

Wojou- make sure you get to Bagan.

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I did. i'm not in Myanmar now. You really think i would waste my bloody time and Kyat uploading and resizing them? Jesus. My PSP would be quicker. I'm back in KL now. Home soon

Quote:

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Originally Posted by khmen

Excellent photo thread, thanks for sharing. I've been thinking about going to Myanmar soon so its really interesting seeing all these places, cheers!:)

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Well i waited till now cos Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is out from house arrest.

Great thread, you really do take some good pics!!

Great photos - Thank you. What type of camera did you use to shoot these pictures?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ceburat

Great photos - Thank you. What type of camera did you use to shoot these pictures?

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i've jumped from a Canon to Sony, TX10. Needed a waterproof camera for the water festival

Mingun Bell. This was meant to be put inside Mingun Paya, when it was finished. Anyway, it weighs 90 tonnes
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1566.jpg

Inside the bell
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1567.jpg

Hsinbyume Paya, Built in 1816
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Thought it was time for me to at least enjoy New Year with the locals after seeing some of the sights. Back to Mandalay Lake
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Did i see lots of 'punks' with black makeup on their face? yes, too many. But not here at the lake. Makeup will come off. SO you have this dude instead.
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90 mins later and 2 medium bottles of whiskey later, i was in the crowd.
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Note the razor sharp Military wire above the heads? There's more at ground level. Thats one way to keep back the crowds!!!
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Mandalay palace moat. Didn't venture inside as 1, it costs $10 to enter [combo ticket], and 2, forced labour on the wooden roofs facing the water. Note this was after the Thingyan
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At 3am in the morning, with 3 hours kip, i went to Hsipaw. Had a bare bones seat for 12 hrs.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1581.jpg

I went by train for one reason only, to see the Gokteik Viaduct. Idea by the British, contractors by the Pennsylvania steel company. Built in 1901. Taking pics of the bridge is banned for "security reasons". 318 ft high and 2257 ft across. It was the 2nd highest railway bridge in the world when it was constructed. Survived the next 100 years without maintenance.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1582.jpg

The gorge below
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Around Hsipaw market.
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19th century godowns [warehouses]
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Went for a walk into the countryside
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Animist temple
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For a crackle, look at the Brand name on his bag. Tribal people my arse Barbra!
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Found "Little Bagan"
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Bamboo Buddha, Maha Nanda Kantha. 150 years old lacquered Buddha made from bamboo strips.
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At least the Burmese can build a wall without it falling down. Philippines, take note
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Veg growing on Shan farmland
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Shan village
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Waterwheel to make electricity
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Chinese graves facing Hsipaw
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And this :confused: Expired? LOL
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1605.jpg

Least it all in one place i guess.....
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1606.jpg

My buddy. seen more wildlife in Burma than i've ever seen. That includes an elephant in a field on the Mandalay - Hsipaw train. Thought i was hearing things cos i was drunk.
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Can't remember waterfall name
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LOL, who chipped of the tits?
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Nice home
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Mahamyatmuni Paya
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Another Shan village.
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Someones been busy
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Pudong Tribal village. They don't chew Betal nut here like the Shan and Burmese.
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Left Hispaw for Mandalay by bus. But we had a bit of a problem
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1624.jpg

With something very important busted, we had to make this downhill and uphill climb. something i was dreading
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1625.jpg

But thankfully we make it and we got it fixed
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1626.jpg

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Random pics of Mandalay before my 16 hrs slow boat to Bagan.

Betel preparation making
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https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1629.jpg

The drums are for sugar cane resin
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1630.jpg

Banana leaf
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1631.jpg

As someone already mentioned in their own topic from 09, "miserable fuckers" isnt far from the truth. And i was in a trikshaw. So it a capture the moment thing.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1632.jpg

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Its what what you think it is
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1634.jpg

Boat trip to Bagan, Sagaing hill. [home to 500 stupas dotting the hills, with over 6000 monks and nuns]
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1635.jpg

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The locals were having a field day with his hair. Always looking at it. Even had someone film it from his back!
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Great pictures thank you for sharing them....very interesting and many things quite different to Thailand....Definately worth a "green" if I can figure out how to "green" you!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Roger Ramjet

Great pictures thank you for sharing them....very interesting and many things quite different to Thailand....Definately worth a "green" if I can figure out how to "green" you!

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Yea, and that including Monks chewing and spiting blood red betel juice on the floor

Bagan. Can't remember all the names of the temples. Mainly the bigger ones are more important than the smaller ones. And stupas are just stupas.
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Some paintings behind protective glass
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One of the restored temples. Now you can just imagine what they would of looked like in the 7th Century
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some window arches and doorways. Noticing how they made the curve,
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Ananda Temple, built in 1091
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1689.jpg

Buddha's arms face down at his sides with hands outstretched, a mudra [hand position] unknown to traditional Buddhist sculpture outside of this temple
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1690.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1691.jpg

had a quick snack around the back of the temple. Saw this
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And this is tea leaf if you're wondering
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1693.jpg

Ananda Oakkyaung Monastery
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1694.jpg

There are many sand painters that make their living tracing the imagines from the real paintings on the wall. No doubt fucking them up in the process
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1695.jpg

Old palace wall
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Ngakywenadaung pagoda is the bowel shaped one
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1697.jpg

Thatbyinnyu Pahto
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One thats been built below ground
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1703.jpg

Mahabodhi Paya. Modelled after the famous Mahabodhi temple in India. Built in 1215.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1704.jpg

Closer shot without the water channel
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1705.jpg

Sides are covered in little Buddha images
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Shwegugyi, built in 1131
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Tharabar Gate
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Male Nat shrine to the left of the gate. There's a female on the right
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Pitaka Taik, Library. Housed the Buddhist scriptures
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Pyathadar Paya
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1809.jpg

At the back on Pyathadar Paya.
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Odd shaped photo, but thank the bloody trees and brick wall for that
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Some 10th century paintings
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https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1823.jpg

Nan paya. Looks very 'Ankor style' inside. sadly you cant take pics of the fucking stone. wished i battered the old woman inside for denying me my wish.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1825.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1827.jpg

These kids came running out of their grass hut. Must of surprised them
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Pebingyaung Paya
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Dhammayazika Paya. dates from 1196
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On the grounds of a Nun Monastery
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Huge archway
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Looks like a Christian Chapel
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1940.jpg

Gubyaukgyi
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Thabeik Hmauk
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https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1946.jpg

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Dhammayangyi Pahto. 12th century
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top stairs are closed to visitors. so best seen from outside where you can see its size
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Sulamani Paya. Built in 1181
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1954.jpg

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https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1962.jpg

A few more paintings
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1964.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1966.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1968.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1970.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1972.jpg

Rural countryside
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1974.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1976.jpg

Buddha inside Leimyethna Paya. Sadly the rest of the paintings are new and look like they have been painted by a blind elephant.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1978.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1980.jpg

Tayok Pye Paya
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1983.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1984.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1986.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1988.jpg

Looks strangely Chinese in style
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1991.jpg

Payathonzu. Has 13 Century murals inside. Also has a 'Don't take photo sign too, but everyone was having a nap outside, even the painters.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1992.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1994.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1997.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/1999.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2001.jpg

Tons of square shaped buildings
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2003.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2005.jpg

Interesting pictures.
I would like to visit Burma but my conscience wouldnt let me. To much oppression and i couldn't enjoy myself knowing what the local people around me were going through.

^Well, sanctions and isolation have'nt exactly changed things for the better have they? Personally, I'd not hesitate to visit and try and put the cash I spend in local's, not the governments, pockets. The more visitors the better IMO.

Again, great thread Wujou.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Scottish Gary

Interesting pictures.
I would like to visit Burma but my conscience wouldnt let me. To much oppression and i couldn't enjoy myself knowing what the local people around me were going through.

---

It's taken me 4 bloody years to make up my mind to go. Sure the people are not as friendly as they are in other parts of Asia. They are more shy to talk to strangers, or are afraid people are reporting on them to the secret police. The locals in Hsipaw tend not to talk as much as they did in 2007, before the last Shan prince was arrested.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by khmen

^Well, sanctions and isolation have'nt exactly changed things for the better have they? Personally, I'd not hesitate to visit and try and put the cash I spend in local's, not the governments, pockets. The more visitors the better IMO.

Again, great thread Wujou.

---

Well said. Only money that went to the government from me was my Visa, $5 to enter Shewdagon, $5 for Inle Lake, $10 for Bagan and $4 for a really slow boat to Bagan from Mandalay.



Strange, you would expect to see Ogres and what not on Christian Churches of Old, not Buddhist temples.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2183.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2184.jpg

Some wonderful paintings inside Tayok Pye Paya
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2185.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2186.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2187.jpg

Had to lie in the pigeon crap for these two
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2188.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2189.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2190.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2191.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2192.jpg

Buddha with flames around him
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2193.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2194.jpg

Old Burmese or Pali writing
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2195.jpg

Thambula Paya Palace wall. Payathonzu at the end of the wall
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2196.jpg

Thambula Paya on the left
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2197.jpg

Thambula Buddha. Temple was locked
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2198.jpg

Odd shaped Temples
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2199.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2200.jpg

The closest i've got to seeing rubies and other gems
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2201.jpg

My last photo of Bagan. Its another fake 7-11. Look ot the right of the picture, the internet cafe
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2202.jpg

Now on a long bloody road trip to Inle Lake. Make sure you buy your bus tickets 24 hours ahead or you'll end up doing what i have done.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2203.jpg

Road fixing Burmse style. They just add a small portion of tar and then a thin layer or small stones on top and volia!
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2204.jpg

WTF are they doing??
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2205.jpg

Transfered to this. I thankfully sat in the front. double money, but better.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2206.jpg

Heavy weight as my Burmese passenger said to me.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2207.jpg

Came across millions of Teak logs by the side of the road. Stretched for miles.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2208.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2209.jpg

Morning of Inle. Seems the rain followed me from Bagan
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2210.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2211.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2212.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2213.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2214.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2215.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2216.jpg

Never did ask what the bamboo thing is for.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2217.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2218.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2219.jpg

Tea leaves
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2220.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2221.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2222.jpg

I would normally say i'll eat anything once within reason. This is one of the reasons.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2223.jpg

Thought they were tomatoes till closer inspection. Best thing i could do with them is feed it to pigs.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2224.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2225.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2226.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2227.jpg

Hand made fags. Forgot to buy some for home.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2228.jpg

Iron works
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2229.jpg

Not a toe nail clipper as i thought. More of a nut cracker in the form of a fish
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2230.jpg

Silver works
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2231.jpg

Selling "cheaper" silver right outside the workshop!
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2232.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2233.jpg

One of many floating villages on Inle Lake
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2234.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2235.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2236.jpg

Burmese snooker
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2237.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2238.jpg

Leg rower
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2239.jpg

Hitting the water to scare fish to swim into their nets
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2240.jpg

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by WujouMao

Only money that went to the government from me

---

Forgive me but I'll take issue with this statement , whilst I have enjoyed your pics and I appreciate the sediment of tourists attempting to patronise the locals as opposed to the junta dogs , you really don't know exactly how much of your money ended up in junta dogs pockets through legal and illegal fees , licences and so forth that the locals you patronised are extorted for .

I'm not berating you for travelling there just pointing out that junta dog has his paws into every facet of the locals lives :(

Another market in Inle before a 26 hour bus ride to Mawlamyine!
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2242.jpg

Who knows what they are for
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2243.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2244.jpg

Soy beans i think
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2245.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2246.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2247.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2248.jpg

Bus stop on the Inle Lake - Yangon trip
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2249.jpg

I refrained from eating bugs on this trip
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2250.jpg

Nice name for a bus company
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2251.jpg

Got to Yagon at stupid o'clock in the morning. [4], Had to wait until 7am for my other bus to Mawlamyine, another 10 hours or so....
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2252.jpg

well that's delayed us a bit
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2253.jpg

Sadly the "new tyre" wasn't much cop either
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2254.jpg

I sat around and noticed her making her mats with all the other bus passengers sitting down playing the waiting game.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2255.jpg

Next day i went to Nwa-la Ba Pagoda, 12 miles north of Mawlamyine
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2256.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2257.jpg

Some nice views of the valley below
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2258.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2259.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2260.jpg

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mid

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by WujouMao

Only money that went to the government from me

---

Forgive me but I'll take issue with this statement , whilst I have enjoyed your pics and I appreciate the sediment of tourists attempting to patronise the locals as opposed to the junta dogs , you really don't know exactly how much of your money ended up in junta dogs pockets through legal and illegal fees , licences and so forth that the locals you patronised are extorted for .

I'm not berating you for travelling there just pointing out that junta dog has his paws into every facet of the locals lives :(

---

True, i know that. I love drinking Myanmar beer, but who knows if its a side company with joint ventures with the Junta? Seems the locals drink it too, not to mention Chang, Singha and Tiger.

I'm just saying that's all the money WHICH i knew went to the Junta. As for the other stuff, who knows. But i only stayed in guesthouses not government owned. Didn't pay the bridge toll at every bridge we came too. As for the bigger bus companies, and trains, who knows.

I could of flown everywhere if i wanted too and that would of all gone to the Junta. I just tried to limit my spending on what the Junta gets. The Junta get more from the Chinese digging for Steel and other shit like that.

Its ok, i'm not planning on going back there anytime soon. Its about as likeable as Vietnam.

But i do understand what the locals have been going through. Ever since i heard about Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from my guide book 4 years ago, i've been going to Irrawaddy.org every other day to read about the news of whats happening in Karen state etc. So i do feel for the people and i have apologised to a few of the people i had a few quiet words with to say i'm sorry for how the British treated you when we colonised you.

Maybe if the British didnt come stumbling in, the Military wouldnt be in power now. But who knows.









Unlike the Lacquered Bamboo Buddha in Little Bagan, Hsipaw, This is still just Bamboo. Taung Pauk Kyaung [Bamboo thread Buddha image]
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2261.jpg

Win Sein Taw Ya, Its 560ft long. still being made after 20 years!!
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2262.jpg

Entrance to the hillside is a long row of standing Buddha statues.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2263.jpg

Inside are some statues about early life, i think
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2264.jpg

And some vision of hell. As the Buddha isnt finished, there's still dust floating around and no lights
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2265.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2266.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2267.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2268.jpg

I wonder what the monks think of this? Mind you, i had to use flash as it was very dark in there. And there's pussy hair too!!!
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2269.jpg

As i said, still not finished
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2270.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2271.jpg

Some random pics around Mawlamyine
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2272.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2273.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2274.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2275.jpg

A rather curvy Buddha, with lighting in the correct place for a cigarette
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2276.jpg

Buddha resembles the one in Yangon
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2277.jpg

Got his dick hanging out?
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2278.jpg

When is a tree not a tree? When its a Chimney
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2279.jpg

Kaladan Mosque
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2280.jpg

Soorti Sunni Jamai Mosque
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2281.jpg

Small Tuk-Tuks outside the market
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2282.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2283.jpg

Next day i found a motorcyclist to take me to Saddar Cave
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2290.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2291.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2292.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2293.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2294.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2295.jpg

Lake at the back of the cave.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2296.jpg

Then took a ride out to Kawgun Cave. A secret gallery of sculpture and cave art dating from 7th Century.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2297.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2298.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2299.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2300.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2301.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2302.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2303.jpg

Look at the "Chinese face mask" at the top
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2304.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2305.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2306.jpg

Inside the cave are lots of Stalagmites & stalactites, some as big as trucks
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2307.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2308.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2309.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2310.jpg

Selection of "ghosts"
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2311.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2312.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2313.jpg

Directly above me
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2314.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2315.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2316.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2317.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2318.jpg

On the way back to Mawlamyine, a few more pics
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2319.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2320.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2321.jpg

I risked taking this photo. Thankfully not another bike or car or any Junta to notice. Anyway, not a good road to cross on a motorbike
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2322.jpg

They use ladders to climb coconut trees over here
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2323.jpg

Kyauk Kalap
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2324.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2325.jpg

Public market in Mawlamyine. There's 3 markets all in the same area.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2326.jpg

Some red bananas. Actually pretty tasty too.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2327.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2328.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2329.jpg

Things for Monks
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2330.jpg

Bitter nuts
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2331.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2332.jpg

Something else you wont really see in Thailand. Its a Bangladesh thing
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2333.jpg

Kept staring at me. Never said a word, not even in Burmese
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2334.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2335.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2336.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2337.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2338.jpg

Sausages i think
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2339.jpg

Dried fish heads
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2340.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2341.jpg

Tribal Mon Med???
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2342.jpg

Fish i think
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2343.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2344.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2345.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2346.jpg

Skinned frog leg
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2347.jpg

Don't ask what the black 'fur' is. I dont know
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2348.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2349.jpg

Thought they were eels, but its a type of fish
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2350.jpg

These trucks are more present in Mawlamyine than anywhere else in the country
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2351.jpg

Some more old trucks. A good eye can tell what they are
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2353.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2354.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2355.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2356.jpg

Like the stop sign on the lights at the back
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2357.jpg

Back at my guesthouse in Mawlamyine
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2358.jpg

My Muslim motorcyclist clearly struggling with an exhaust pipe that's got going to fit on his bike. Muppet!
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2359.jpg

But he does drink beer. Note the Myanmar Beer poster on the wall. What's it say about European Lager?
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2360.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2361.jpg

https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2362.jpg

Back of Daddies Place, Yangon.
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2363.jpg

Front of Daddies Place, Nice pavement
https://teakdoor.com/images/imported/2011/05/2364.jpg

Sad, can't see your photos now, maybe tomorrow ?

It says Bandwidth exceeded instead of showing the photos.

^ same same ??

ditto, what is your account name on photobucket, would love to view you pics, thanks

I have been to some of these places.
Really good to see it all again. Thanks. :):)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by UdornLA

ditto, what is your account name on photobucket, would love to view you pics, thanks

---

http://s541.photobucket.com/albums/g...yanmar%202011/

Bagan - http://s541.photobucket.com/albums/g...%202011/Bagan/

Start from page 10, which is the beginning. also have the sub folder Bagan in there too

my name of photobucket is wujou_mao

thanks, excellent pics, looks cleaner than parts of thailand, except all the damn pigeons in one pic, LOL. like the old trucks, amazing what still runs here and there.