Girl On The Pearl: January 2014

Our adventure began in Yangon (formerly Rangoon) on Christmas day, December 25th. We found ourselves in a place that looked different, smelled different and sounded different. Some of the sights, smells and sounds were good and some not so good, but overall we loved the uniqueness that we found there. We learned that people in Myanmar like fried foods, they are typically open and friendly, the food is flavorful (although might not always be safe to eat), the women wear long skirts -- and so do the men.

First day in Yangon -- down below the streets were bustling.

Two monks and Greg walking towards the train station.

This is the omnipresent "Betel Nut." This is a nut (Areca) which is rolled up in a "Betel" leaf with other unidentified ingredients. I think they are fairly cheap because we saw so many people chewing them. I believe it is a mild stimulant (maybe like caffeine or nicotine) and it stains the teeth a dark red. It looks quite awful on the teeth. When we first arrived I just thought there was a dental hygiene problem, but then quickly discovered it is a result of chewing the Betel Nut.

We decided to take a ride on the "circular" train -- which just traveled around the city in a circle. These two little boys and their mother quickly became our friends. The boys were so much fun and loved having their picture taken.

This landscape was taken the morning we arrived in Bagan.

Of course the token more than 2 on a bike -- 4 people --no problem.

Someone has been chewing some Betel Nut. . . actually, we saw a lot of stained teeth. This nice man was demonstrating how Lacquer art is made.

Lacquer art.

This little girl is wearing Thanaka -- which is a yellow paint-like substance that is made by rubbing a certain tree bark on a stone with water. They wear it for cosmetic reasons and believe it is good for the skin. Both men and women wear this -- girls and boys and babies. . . and tourists like me.

Tourists being chased down by some eager business entrepreneurs.

This picture of me was taken at our all-time favorite restaurant in Bagan -- actually our all-time favorite restaurant in Myanmar. It was called Star Beam. Fantastic out-of-the-oven French Bread. I highly recommend this place to anyone.

We were at the right place at the right time and were able to see a parade in Bagan. We were told by our driver that this parade is only held every 3 to 4 years because it is too expensive to organize every year. Lucky us!

All participants the girls and the boys were lined up according to age. For the girls it started with the smallest girls, followed by teens, and then women. Wish I had more details about this.

I believe this woman was making tamarind candy. A smile like that must mean she is making something very good.

Thanaka Time!

Greg's height seemed to be an endless source of entertainment for the locals.

We started to climb up Mt. Popa.

These water jugs were seen everywhere. They are beautiful, but it wasn't too appealing to me because everyone just shares those cups. Me and my Western customs.

Greg descending on those lovely stairs. Everyone is asked to remove shoes and socks and must be dressed modestly. Can you say "really dirty feet." Um yeah -- really dirty. Take wipees if you go.

This is the Thanaka bark and stone plate.

Girl monks at Inle Lake.

Yes, this is a great picture, but this was not a real fisherman. Apparently this is the traditional way the Burmese fished in the past. Not anymore. Before we realized what was happening, he was mid way through his performance. Then he paddled over to our boat for a "donation." I was a bit disappointed.

Then we found a "real" fisherman. He was busy catching fish and we watched him for a while. It was fascinating to see him paddle with one leg while he pulled the nets in with his hands.

A Floating village -- I couldn't believe that there is no land around. They use boats for everything. I think this is grandma taking the kids to school in the morning mist.