Silk, Food, Temples and Animals of Mandalay

Mandalay

The last royal family was unceremoniously deposed by the British in the 19th century, and the Palace grounds were bombed and destroyed during WW2. The fabulous Buddhas on the top of Mandalay Hill witnessed the defeat of the Japanese Army in the last days of the war. The vibe is different here: a busy city on the cusp of the modern world - more motorcycles, shorter skirts and lots of hip Korean haircuts on the teens. We jogged one morning around the royal palace grounds - now home to the Myanmar Army and off limits on the inside. Wild dogs roam as the wealthier denizons walk their leashed (and sometimes sweater wearing) purebred Golden Retrievers and Pekingese.

Sunsets

So at the end of every day, no matter where we were, we would go and watch the sunset. And each time, we would think: "what is it with always watching the sunset?" And then we would sit and watch, and jeeze. Have you ever noticed how beautiful the sunset is?

Christmas Day in Bagan

On our second day in Bagan, the adventure continued.....even more beautiful discoveries ahead.