Bagan, by far, was surprisingly my most favourite city in Myanmar. Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful place, but honestly just too "empty" sometimes. Regardless, still a gem n here's my take on Bagan...(Note: we stayed at the New Bagan area n visited the Old Bagan on bikes. New was built to cope with the effects of an Earthquake that destroyed the then Bagan, but now that's it's been rebuilt n renamed, it's also a place that some people prefer to stay).
(two places at once?)
(finally...we made it!)
Anyway, we drove into our hotel driveway n arrived at the lobby. Although it was too dark to see, the whole set up of the hotel was just so funkily local! Very resort-like in a Myanmarnese way. The staff were very helpful n agreed to pack us a to-go breakfast for our early departure for the Balloon ride. Our room was very spacious and clean with a big bathroom. The rooms were all faced towards the outdoor mini park with a little bamboo bridge over a pond n a couple of bamboo chairs on the side to finish the scene. I do forget that we were in Myanmar sometimes. The pool was great except a little too icy for a swim, so at most, we just chillaxed on the pool chairs or sat pool-side with out feet dipped while we star-gazed. They also have bikes for rent- about 6,000kyat per day for 2 bikes. They weren't the best bikes in the world, but they were adequate for our short ride to Old Bagan n a few temples/pagodas on the way. Although we didn't hand-pick this hotel, things worked out great n it was my favourite stay of all of our hotels for this trip.
(hard to remember we were still in Myanmar)
Things to do: Balloons Over Bagan, Self-Bike Tours & Lazy Horse-Carriage Tour - The morning of the balloon ride was a freezing cold n early one of 4:30am wake. As stubborn as I was, by then I had to admit that TN was right: I should've brought a jacket. I still remember so lividly of my refusal to bring one when he reminded me while I was packing. Silly girl. But thanks to TN, who never said a second word n throw his jacket over me, I didn't have to brave the weather in my t-shirt. As if I didn't feel bad enough, the guilt rubbed in when TN stood there shivering in the cold in his long-sleeve t-shirt telling me he's okay. All I could do was to give him big hugs to keep him warm. Anyway, the Balloons Over Bagan ride was not a cheap one- USD260 each- but it provided a pick up service n a light snack after, so it evened out. On the bus, we quietly nibbled down our breakfast- a sandwich, boiled egg n banana- as the other guests murmured, "we should've thought of that". Well, I can't say that all hotels would've been willing to make such preparations, so we're lucky that ours did n that we remembered to ask.
We got to the boarding area just before the sun began to rise at the end of the world. Having gone through all the safety briefing, once the balloons were inflated, we were ready for take off. The scene was magnificent n just breath-taking. Looking down at ancient history n how vast the land was, it made me felt really, really small in this world. Nonetheless, the moments were enjoyed n a bucket-list item completed. I couldn't of asked for more as I got to experience all that with TN by my side. If u ever get a chance to visit Bagan, definitely sign up for the Balloon ride. U won't regret it.
(fill 'em up, boys!)
(thanks for the jacket TN!)
(all ready for take off. welcome aboard!)
(just endless. don't even start counting...)
(another sunrise of many more to come with u...)
After the balloon ride, we decided to be very efficient n biked to Old Bagan before the sun became unbearable. Climbing these old temples of a thousand years, it's such a weird realization that we're only 2% of its age. Although there're over 5,000 temples n pagodas in the area, more than half had to be touched up due to the effects of the earthquake. The ones that have been restored at all have been numbered n that's really how they keep track of where each is located. Regardless of their conditions, they had seen the world change around them, n still stood tall. Maybe this feeling'll be even more prominent when I see the pyramids of Egypt. Possibly. If it weren't for the weather, bikes are quite the choice for getting around as the size of the city can be managed on a bike. But do take cover just after lunch n make sure u bring enough water to stay hydrated. Other than that, the self-bike tours were relatively enjoyed. The effects of such an activity was very much visible as we both passed out by the pool upon our return to the hotel. An afternoon nap was perfect. Having just waited out the heat, we were back on our bikes to find a place to have dinner, n once again, TN manages a sunset dinner for us that was romantically appreciated. Following that was an easy night back at the hotel star-gazing by the pool. It sounds a bit overrated, but it's a totally different feeling when u really sit ur heart down to soak up the moment. Actually, it was one of the moments that stood out the most for me. So yes, even if u've seen it a thousand times in romantic movies n such, it's always worth a first-hand try.
(can never get enough of sunset dinners!)
As we were nearing the end of our tour, our laziness was understandable. After negotiations, we hired a horse-carriage to take us on a half day tour to some of the buildings that were further to get to on bikes. As well, it was a must to find a souvenir for TN as he still hasn't found something that he wanted. In the end, after a few famous lacquer shops, he choose a beautiful "I'm not sure what the name is for such an item"- please see picture. We even had it engraved at the bottom, "Myanmar 2012 Thomas & Jessy" at TN's request. One of the worries about getting a souvenir is the challenge of bringing it home without totally damaging it. Surprisingly, he was able to bring that back from France in one piece! Good job *thumbs up* By then, we were cutting it close to our pick up at the hotel to the airport, so we made our way back n got ready to say goodbye to this amazing stay. It was a bittersweet feeling having to leave n at the same time being excited to go home after a trip in another world. So, as we checked-in, boarded, n prepared to take off, we say thank u to Bagan for an eye-opening experience.
(thanks for taking us around, horsey)
Overall Myanmar Trip Afterthought
Definitely something that I would never have done alone, it was a feeling of accomplishment as well as realization for many things in life. Just imagine what it would be like if I were born in that kind of environment. The usual answer would be, "I'd probably go crazy", but in reality, u don't know any different than what u see. Therefore, rather, it would be the norm for u. It would be a very simple life, but just as fulfilling I think. In any case, trips likes these are a good wake-up call for me n reboots my life for better performances, or at least I hope it does!
On another note, I never got sick during this trip! It must be a record because I'm such a princess with being clean n u can't really guarantee that in Myanmar. But of course, we stuck with bottled water n hot foods, so I guess in a sense, as long as u play it smart, a little bit less of WHO-approved can't kill u. Oh, n we've practically covered all modes of transportation on this Myanmar trip: plane, boat, car, trishaw, horse-carriage, & walk. Just missing motorbike. We did have the chance to when we were trying to get out of the Mandalay palace, but after that super sketchy encounter in Shanghai, hopping on a stranger's motorbike just wasn't going to happen. OH, n hot air balloon- although that wasn't really used as a method of travelling, but that counts too!
Despite what's in the news about Myanmar's political status, it really didn't show much during our trip there. If anything, almost everyone was very friendly n genuine- exception of those who put their own gains first, of course. It's a very peaceful place n a suitable choice of destination for our purposes. It was able to disconnect us n the rest of the world just enough so we can live in the moment. I guess what I'm trying to say is, if u want to disappear for a short while, u can consider heading to Myanmar. It'll really be a distraction n a excellent hiding place for those in need.