The Catch
There is nothing more awe inspiring as watching the sunrise and set from the top of one of the temples in the central plain in Bagan. Back in the day, the Kings of Bagan commissioned the construction of some 4000 Buddhist Temples, but only around half remain standing today… but what a sight they are. What's more is the balloons (from Bristol!) are now an accepted sight as they drift silently across the orange glows of dawn. Easily the most memorable experience in Asia to date. Stunning.
The trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake was quite simply the biggest surprise, and easily the highlight of my trip to Burma. It excelled so many of my expectations. Over the 3 day hike we stayed with a local Pa-O family and Danu family in traditional bamboo houses. The food was the best we ate in Burma and the people were amazing. With perfect weather, the hike through wheat, potato, rice and chilli fields was incredible. Our guide Paul, from Nepal, was a fountain of knowledge and knew everyone in every village!
While in Nyaungshwe, I made friends with a monk! After meeting at the gates of the monastery we started talking about everything from the latest Nikon SLRs to the political situation in the Middle East. Simply fascinating. We were talking for so long that he invited me in for tea. His room was piled waist high in books and magazine - clearly absorbing everything he reads, he was a fountain of knowledge. Truely a precious experience I will forever treasure and I hope we keep in touch.
The incredible walk from Kalaw to Inle Lake. 3 days hiking through hill tribe villages was to be the highlight of my trip through Myanmar, Burma. Constantly several paces behind our guide 'Paul' (featured), with nothing but his shoulder bag and sandals. His in-depth knowledge of the geography and history of the country helped the miles tick by. This is perhaps one of my favorite shots from this hike. It was taken early morning just after sunrise, with mist covering the valley we had just descended into. It has a simple yet surreal feel to it, enhanced by the simplicity of the monochrome finish. The horizon also appears curved, a trick of the land not the camera, and this to me almost gives the impression that Paul is walking literally over the horizon of the world.
I found this perfect staircase leading upto a hill-top monastery in Kalaw. But it was midday, and no-one was using it. I waited for nearly 2 hours hoping for a monk to walk down. But nothing. So, determined to get these shots, I set the alarm for 5 am the next morning, and with an extra jumper I came back in the dark. 1 hour later, I nearly gave up, then heard the sound of a bell. And a young monk walked past ringing the the bell… then I turned around… realising he was being followed by around 50 monks! Perfect.
This gentleman, from the Pa-O tribe, was making Betel Leaf by the side of the road. Betel is a leaf that is mixed with gum and/or tobacco to create a stimulant and medicine across Asia. It stains the teeth a blood coloured red so it is very noticable! Paul (our trek guide) stopped to buy some from this man, and while we were talking I asked if he would mind a portrait photo. He kindly obliged and was delighted with the shot!
The Hillside
The High Street
The Bridge
Back to the Village
