This trip provided us with a greater understanding of Laos and Myanmar, their people and their country. dressing native for our farewell dinnerwomen on the tripmen on the tripRoger and Rod …. wearing the longyi in the athletic style, getting ready for active dancing. Also worn this way to play soccer!

Below are some of the people of Myanmar

It was long neck ladies, umbrella making, weaving, boat building and temple ruins.

The nicest lodging of our trip. We used long boats to visit several villages along the lake. We also got close up looks of unique fishing boats and floating gardens.

Balloons and horse carts

A nice lunch and then a fun discussion with the home owner, his family and some of the village leaders

We were met in the village at our host house and shown around his property then we took a sight seeing ride on a tractor and had a nice visit and Q and A at the monastery with the head monk.

Then we prepared our lunch with the help of our trip leader and some of the local village leaders and family members.

We started the day with a shopping trip to the local market. We were given a shopping list in the local language and divided into 3 teams and sent into a local market to get our groceries for our home hosted meal. Roger and Sheila ‘s team won the race, we came in second . All groups got the correct groceries now it’s off to the village…..

Temples, worlds biggest book, gold leaf workshop, and orphanage….fascinating.  The worlds largest book is the teachings of Buddha published on huge granite slabs, one page per slab.  The orphanage was a pleasant place run by nuns and adopted by our tour company, OAT.  The 100 girls ranged in age from 18 months to 35 years.  

Still trying to load some pics from our hot air balloon ride, here goes…

Last day in Bagan ..:..it began with a sunrise view of balloons from our balcony, a horse drawn wagon ride thru the temples, visit with a family that makes palm sugar and various products from the sugar and a beautiful sunset view.