Southeast Asia & Japan

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Day 20
Monday, March 9, 2020 at 12:28 AM
☀️ 70 °F
Altitude: 72 ft
Myanmar Kandawgyi Lake 16.800003, 96.16898316°48’0” N 96°10’8” E
Myanmar, Burma: Yangon
March 9, 2020 in Myanmar ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F
Saying goodbye to our very knowledgeable guide Giovani ( yes, it is his real name) and William our driver.
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Day 20
Monday, March 9, 2020 at 3:31 AM
☀️ 84 °F
Altitude: 312 ft
Myanmar Bagan Nyaung U Airport 21.1756, 94.9290721°10’32” N 94°55’45” E
Bagan, Burma
March 9, 2020 in Myanmar ⋅ ☀️ 84 °F
Arrived today!

Bagan is one of the most remarkable sights in Southeast Asia, The kingdom of Bagan took root in the 8th century but only rose to glory as capital of the First Kingdom of Myanmar in the early 11th century. There were once 4446 temples over 16 square miles its wide but today only 2230 remain. They are everywhere.

King Anawrahta, who ruled from 1044 to 1077, initiated the building of temples. The decline of the kingdom in the late 13th century is believed to have resulted from an invasion of Mongols led by Kublai Khan. The capital was shifted from Bagan to Pinya and then to Inwa near modern-day Mandalay, where it remained for centuries.

Many of the temples were architectural wonders of their time and today. There is hardly a trace of cement in the masonry. The massive roofs were held up by clever use of arches and barrel vaults. The windows were arranged to throw rays of sunlight directly onto the faces of massive Buddha images within the vaulted chambers.Read more
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Day 20
Monday, March 9, 2020 at 5:23 AM
☀️ 90 °F
Altitude: 197 ft
Myanmar Nyaung-U 21.185688, 94.89322721°11’8” N 94°53’36” E
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Bagan: Mingalazedi Pagoda
March 9, 2020 in Myanmar ⋅ ☀️ 90 °F
A Buddhist stupa constructed in 1274 during the reign of King Narathihapate. The pagoda is one of few temples in Bagan with a full set of glazed terra cotta tiles depicting the Jataka. The pagoda was built in brick and contains several terraces leading to large pot-shaped stupa at its centre, topped by a bejewelled umbrella. Mingalazedi Pagoda was built a few years before the First Burmese Empire (Pagan Kingdom) was pillaged by the Mongols.Read more
Traveler Awesome architecture!
3/9/20Reply
Traveler Pretty!
3/9/20Reply
Traveler Wow! Pretty!
3/9/20Reply
TravelerIt was power washed a few years back so it has the nice cream shade. However, it is amazing that it is so well preserved and endured the outdoors since the 12th century.
3/10/20Reply
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Day 20
Monday, March 9, 2020 at 9:45 AM
☀️ 91 °F
Altitude: 240 ft
Myanmar Thiyipyitsaya 21.134958, 94.85845221°8’6” N 94°51’30” E
Bagan: House Lacquerware Workshop
March 9, 2020 in Myanmar ⋅ ☀️ 91 °F
Lacquer is a naturally produced resin from the Melanhorrea Usitata tree. Lacquerware in Bagan is made by coating 7 – 16 layers of lacquer over a frame made using bamboo strips, wood or horse hair. Making lacquerware is a profession that has been practised by families in Bagan for generations.

Producing something involves many steps. A coat of lacquer is applied then it dries for 1 week. Then the step which may involve applying a different color or starting a design. Once again 1 week of drying. Repeat many times. The finished products are unbelievably beautiful. Bigger pieces like cabinets may take up to 3 years to make!Read more
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Day 20
Monday, March 9, 2020 at 10:43 AM
☀️ 90 °F
Altitude: 262 ft
Myanmar Bagan 21.170242, 94.86738621°10’13” N 94°52’3” E
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Bagan: A lesson in Mudra
March 9, 2020 in Myanmar ⋅ ☀️ 90 °F
What is Mudra?
It is a positions of hand in Buddhist art and used in practice to show a particular state of mind. Commonly found mudras or representations of Buddha are hands folded in the lap which signifies meditation, a palm held up facing outward signifies the act of teaching or reassurance or an open palm pointed downward signifies generosity.
Our guide Han showed Bob what each had position means. Have a look at the photos.Read more
TravelerYou must demonstrate how to do that when you get back.
3/9/20Reply
Bob - We'll be giving you a quiz on mudras you learned when you return to Partridge Road!
3/17/20Reply
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Day 20
Monday, March 9, 2020 at 10:46 AM
☀️ 90 °F
Altitude: 253 ft
Myanmar Bagan 21.170324, 94.86771421°10’13” N 94°52’4” E
Bagan: Ananda
March 9, 2020 in Myanmar ⋅ ☀️ 90 °F
The Ananda Temple located in Bagan, Myanmar is a Buddhist temple built in 1105 AD during the reign ( 1084–1113) of King Kyanzittha of the Pagan Dynasty.
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Day 20
Monday, March 9, 2020 at 11:27 AM
☀️ 88 °F
Altitude: 230 ft
Myanmar Myinkapa 21.161457, 94.88381221°9’41” N 94°53’2” E
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The Breathtaking Bagan Sunset Experience
March 9, 2020 in Myanmar ⋅ ☀️ 88 °F
The sunset views from Bagan's temples are to die for.
Traveler Gorgeous!
3/9/20Reply
TravelerAnita, it is truly an amazing experience to be present and feel very connected to our planet.
3/10/20Reply
Traveler I love this pic! It looks as if everyone could just start moving! Just awesome!
3/9/20Reply
TravelerComing from your expert photo eye...I take it as a huge compliment....although I really don’t know what I am doing except click my phone camera button.
3/10/20Reply
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Day 20
Monday, March 9, 2020 at 6:24 AM UTC
☀️ 93 °F
Altitude: 243 ft
Myanmar Thiyipyitsaya 21.132217, 94.86558721°7’56” N 94°51’56” E
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Bagan: Traditional Burmese Lunch
March 9, 2020 in Myanmar ⋅ ☀️ 93 °F
A very delicious Burmese lunch with our guide Han.
Traveler Nice ‘spread’!!
3/9/20Reply
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Day 21
Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at 3:05 AM
☀️ 81 °F
Altitude: 846 ft
Myanmar Mayaukye-ngaliang 21.051464, 94.99907721°3’5” N 94°59’57” E
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Bagan: Cow grinding peanuts for oil
March 10, 2020 in Myanmar ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F
Farm animals are well taken care of and loved. Had a hands on lesson on how the cow grinds down small peanuts into oil. The remainder is given to the cow to eat. Nothing is wasted.
Traveler Wow! Interesting! Right there in your realm, Orly!!
3/10/20Reply
Traveler Like this one!
3/10/20Reply
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Day 21
Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at 3:14 AM
☀️ 81 °F
Altitude: 863 ft
Myanmar Mayaukye-ngaliang 21.051174, 94.99919121°3’4” N 94°59’57” E
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Bagan: Palm Sugar & Peanut prcessing
March 10, 2020 in Myanmar ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F
On our way to Mt Popa we stopped at a palm sugar & peanut processing family owned businesses. They also make “Firewater” aka Moonshine from fermented palm sap and sticky rice. To create palm sugar they boil down palm sap with a ratio of 100 to one.Read more
Traveler Quite the steps to making this!!
3/10/20Reply
Traveler Wow, now to get down!!
3/10/20Reply
Traveler Amazing!
3/10/20Reply
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Day 21
Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at 3:21 AM
☀️ 81 °F
Altitude: 869 ft
Myanmar Mayaukye-ngaliang 21.051043, 94.99899321°3’4” N 94°59’56” E
Bagan: Palm Sugar & Peanut Oil (Cont)
March 10, 2020 in Myanmar ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F
We were treated to ginger and palm sugar candy and a tray of tea leaf salad containing a variety of treats such as peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, soya beans, toasted garlic and fried chick peas and a lovely tamarin sauce. Absolutely delicious!Read more
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Day 21
Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at 4:19 AM
☀️ 84 °F
Altitude: 1,526 ft
Myanmar Popaywa 20.956253, 95.18644720°57’23” N 95°11’11” E
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Bagan Village on the Route to Mt Popa
March 10, 2020 in Myanmar ⋅ ☀️ 84 °F
A Village on the Route from Bagan to Mount Popa – A visit to tranquil and peaceful village where we met friendly local people.
Traveler Basket weaving?
3/10/20Reply
TravelerSeparating sesame seeds from their pods. Women and children from the village were sitting under a large shade tree, where it was pleasantly cool and breezy.
3/10/20Reply
Traveler Awww, love this pic!
3/10/20Reply
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Day 21
Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at 5:02 AM
☀️ 84 °F
Altitude: 2,172 ft
Myanmar Popaywa 20.915871, 95.21266220°54’57” N 95°12’46” E
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Bagan: Mt Popa (Contiued)
March 10, 2020 in Myanmar ⋅ ☀️ 84 °F
On our 800 step climb to The Summit of Mt Popa we enjoyed the Macaque monkeys who roam wild and are friendly. They are territorial and get into scuffles with other monkey entering their territory or if they bother their babies. Fascinating to be with them in their habitat.Read more
Traveler Love, love this pic😊!!
3/10/20Reply
Traveler 😊😉😋
3/10/20Reply
Traveler I love these guys! They can be dirty, but their antics are fun to watch!! 🤓
3/10/20Reply
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Day 21
Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at 5:07 AM
☀️ 84 °F
Altitude: 1,988 ft
Myanmar Popaywa 20.914049, 95.2106420°54’51” N 95°12’38” E
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Bagan: Mt Popa (Continued)
March 10, 2020 in Myanmar ⋅ ☀️ 84 °F
Photos on our uphill 800 step hike to the summit.
Traveler Awesome shot!
3/10/20Reply
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Day 21
Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at 5:01 AM UTC
☀️ 84 °F
Altitude: 2,172 ft
Myanmar Popaywa 20.915908, 95.21274520°54’57” N 95°12’46” E
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Bagan: Mt Popa
March 10, 2020 in Myanmar ⋅ ☀️ 84 °F
Mount Popa is a volcano of 1500 metre high. The famous monastery is actually located at a smaller hill just beside Mount Popa. This smaller hill is called Taung Kalat. However, people usually refer it as Mount Popa Monastery.

We made our way to the summit through the 800 steep stairways. It was tiring but a truly rewarding climb. At the top we were treated to beautiful aerial views. From the monastery, we can see the great Mount Popa. Along the way there are landings with spirit Nat shrines. We were a novelty to many of the children who rarely see white people. They asked us if they can take pictures with us and some wanted to touch my hair. The children are loving and kind.Read more
Traveler Nice pic!! Wow! The vastness behind you!
3/10/20Reply
love the barefoot look!
3/11/20Reply
TravelerConstant shoes on shoes off when visiting temples.
3/11/20Reply
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Day 21
Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at 11:34 AM
☀️ 88 °F
Altitude: 226 ft
Myanmar Thiyipyitsaya 21.135857, 94.87432121°8’9” N 94°52’28” E
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The end of our last day in Bagan.
March 10, 2020 in Myanmar ⋅ ☀️ 88 °F
Some shots from the Bagan Lodge, where we’ve stayed the past 2 nights.
Traveler Nice pic!!
3/10/20Reply
Traveler Pretty!
3/10/20Reply
Traveler Is this one or two😉
3/10/20Reply
TravelerYes! 🤪
3/10/20Reply
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Day 21
Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at 6:52 AM UTC
☀️ 90 °F
Altitude: 2,579 ft
Myanmar Popaywa 20.9173, 95.21831320°55’2” N 95°13’6” E
Bagan: Popa Mountain Resort
March 10, 2020 in Myanmar ⋅ ☀️ 90 °F
Our guide took us to an incredible Burmese feast with a breathtaking view of Mt Popa.
TravelerThanks for posting so many photos! Looks like a fascinating trip!
3/11/20Reply
Naomi Dunbar Beautiful scenery, food looks delicious! Amazing pictures!
3/11/20Reply
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Day 22
Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 2:28 AM
☁️ 75 °F
Altitude: 3,858 ft
Myanmar Heho Airport 20.744347, 96.79276320°44’40” N 96°47’34” E
Inle Lake: Shan state of Myanmar
March 11, 2020 in Myanmar ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F
We arrived to Heho airport after taking a 45 minute flight from Bagan. Heho airport is tiny and very friendly. We were greeted by our guide and driver and immediately started our adventure with a few stops before checking into our hotel.Read more
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Day 22
Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 2:50 AM
☁️ 77 °F
Altitude: 3,888 ft
Myanmar Heho 20.725676, 96.83784520°43’32” N 96°50’16” E
Inle Lake: Paper Making Workshop
March 11, 2020 in Myanmar ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F
We were treated to a demonstration of paper making. The paper is made from the Mulberry bush. It is used for writing tablets and lanterns.
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Day 22
Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 2:55 AM
☁️ 77 °F
Altitude: 3,930 ft
Myanmar Heho 20.725288, 96.83757820°43’31” N 96°50’15” E
Inle Lake Village: Paper Umbrella Crafts
March 11, 2020 in Myanmar ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F
We stopped at a craft workshop of beautiful paper umbrellas in the village of Inle Lake. The workshop on the spots demonstrate how the artisan frame ms the umbrella with his skillful hands. Then, the umbrella is decorated and oiled by drawing the aesthetic designs on it. Farmers still use these handmade umbrellas. They are gorgeous!Read more
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Day 22
Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 3:51 AM
☁️ 84 °F
Altitude: 2,864 ft
Myanmar Shweyanbye 20.684393, 96.93183920°41’4” N 96°55’55” E
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Inle Lake (Myanmar) SHWE YAN PYAY MONAST
March 11, 2020 in Myanmar ⋅ ☁️ 84 °F
On our trip from the airport, we stopped at this humble gem of a monetary dates back to the 19th century. It is famous for its architecture built from teak and painted red. The monastery has carved structures on laminated gold teak wood as well as elegant statues. The ceiling of Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery is decorated with gorgeous carvings and gold leaves.

One of the outstanding features is its large oval windows (the size of doors) which form part of the Ordination Hall. The monastery continues to be used as a home for boys who have poor situations in the region who eventually become monks.Read more
Traveler Neat pic!!
3/12/20Reply
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Day 22
Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 4:58 AM
☁️ 88 °F
Altitude: 2,867 ft
Myanmar Chaunggyauk Chaung 20.595682, 96.93273920°35’44” N 96°55’58” E
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Myanmar Treasure Resort
March 11, 2020 in Myanmar ⋅ ☁️ 88 °F
We are staying 4 nights and are overwhelmed by the beauty of the location and the friendly staff. We are enjoying it very much. The bungalow with lake view is gorgeous and we love the veranda and just watch the lake and the view.Read more
Traveler other worldly!
3/12/20Reply
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Day 22
Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 5:55 AM
⛅ 88 °F
Altitude: 2,825 ft
Myanmar Alemyaung 20.521011, 96.91919720°31’16” N 96°55’9” E
Inle Lake: Fishermen and Farmers
March 11, 2020 in Myanmar ⋅ ⛅ 88 °F
The unique One-leg rowing fishermen in Inle Lake.
The Burmese fishermen who have mastered an unusual technique when it comes to padding their boats, balance carefully on one leg, and wrap their second leg around the oar to guide the vessel through the freshwater lake. As there are many reeds and water plants in the lake, standing on the end of the boat helps them have a great view and can lead the way better. They need to keep both their hands free to handle the cumbersome nets which are submerged in the lake, about 10ft deep. The fishermen trap the fish by throwing the cone-shape net into the water, pressing on it with their feet so that the net sinks to the bottom where the fish are. Then, with the cone sank and the fish trapped, they spear from above through the hole at the top of the cone.

Floating island farmers gather water plants for fertilizer.Read more
Travelergreat ingenuity
3/12/20Reply
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Day 22
Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 6:14 AM
⛅ 90 °F
Altitude: 2,864 ft
Myanmar Nampan 20.45788, 96.90739420°27’28” N 96°54’27” E
Inle Lake: Lunch Feast at Golden Kite
March 11, 2020 in Myanmar ⋅ ⛅ 90 °F
We asked our guide Masla to order for us Burmese food. The food was awesome. A real treat. Bob and I are going to experiment with Burmese cooking when we get home. It is so flavourful that one does not need to eat much.Read more
TravelerWOW!! Please share that!!
3/12/20Reply
TravelerThe food, I’m talking about😉
3/12/20Reply
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Day 22
Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 7:31 AM
⛅ 91 °F
Altitude: 2,930 ft
Myanmar Inbawhkon 20.445667, 96.8968220°26’44” N 96°53’49” E
Inle Lake
March 11, 2020 in Myanmar ⋅ ⛅ 91 °F
Took some photos of homes as we continued on our boat to the next stop. The only transportation on the lake is by a long boat. Our boat driver is a wizard in steering the long boat through tiny channels. Inle lake is 13.4 miles long.Read more
TravelerI wonder how much are the waterfront properties? Looks like an awesome place!
3/12/20Reply
TravelerLoved the growing beds of vegetables. In the lake. Always wanted to try that in our lake. Too short a growing season. H
3/13/20Reply
TravelerCheers
3/13/20Reply
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