Foot and Fire

This is the Bule Thi (pronounced as Buledi) Temple. If one is staying in the Wetkyi-inn village in the Old Bagan area, this pretty red temple is just a small-distance hike away. This is not a major temple that is why no information on this temple is indicated in the wikipedia and it is not even in the suggested temple to visit in the tourist map of Bagan. The first three photos in this post was taken before the sunset and the next five is taken when we had a sunrise on same spot. I cannot pinpoint which of the two adjacent temple is Bule Thi but I must say that during our visit in April 2014, the sunset is good in this first photo while in the fifth photo, the adjacent and smaller temple from this one, the sunrise is pretty. ***     This is my walkmate and climbmate.  We had a great time posing in the stupas around the Bule Thi temple. *** I cannot help but mention here that this Myanmarese is the sand-painter of the painting we bought in Bagan...

It took me a year to prepare for my summer vacation with seven other friends at this remote culture-rich ancient country. I have nothing but search engines, and backpacker's hotel are hard to find because Yangon is surrounded by five-star hotels which maintain topnotch websites. Hmmm, is this a remote country? I suspect that it is not. As months went by, when the Mayanmarese leader forged an agreement with our president to make the travel among Filipinos in Myanmar visa-free, I was elated; I saved some dollar notes and some expense in going to the capital, Manila (This eliminated the Yangon airport exit fee of crisp ten dollars too!). One of some interesting buildings in Yangon. Upon arriving at the airport, we passed by the immigartion officer's counter and I observed that the Myanmarese greeters outside are visible. They reminded me of our close-family ties too. These greeters must have abound perhaps because of the upcoming Thinyan festival, their New y...

This must be the small glutinous rice balls formed  by women on the street of Yangon  in celebration of the Thingyan Festival. *** This a lady's market basket filled with Padauk flower. *** The Myanmarese enjoying their splashing of water along the road. *** Padauk flowers in the bloom Thingyan Festival is coming soon; Fragrant water will be splashed Affectionate ties are to be blessed; Traditional short drums appear With amusing style of Shwe Yoe dancer; His melodious dance is so prominent Making onlookers feel acquainted; Eugenia leaves spread its shoots Fresh and green are for strong mood; Wishing free from all dangers Splashing water each other; Tagu month is unrivaled Fantastic moment with festival; Auspiciousness is extended All can enjoy the calmness; Thingyan clear all angers Smile appears together; In pouring Thingyan water Old years' defilement are cleared; Jo...

When Padauk Flowers Appear With the air filled with Thingyan songs Happy dance and chants come around Impregnated with scent of padauk Revellers come out with happy shouts. Padauk blooms once in a year Thingyan usually brings us good cheer With all the dousing and merriment Thingyan has been a happy event. With the sprig of Euginia as usual Lads sprinkle scented water on damsels Some have nice time in reveling Others take happiness in merit-making. King of the Celestials visits our abode Hail Thee Thagyamin with new hope On the parchment of dog-hide The bad will surely be inscribed. Mont-lone-ye-paw is fed to all Charity-feasts for all are within call Some indulge in revelry as usual Others do meritorious deeds in festival. Thingyan falls in as merry as possible Traditional pandals make it enjoyable Rhythm of Thingyan will ring forever It comes out but once a year. Wishing to be as cool as water Wash the...