As we had lost a few valuable days while I was layed up sick in the room at Hsipaw, we had some catching up to do. We decided to do a few internal flights to make up the time. The first flight from Mandalay put us in Bagan, a famous area because of the sheer number of temples/pagodas/stupas all in a 41 sq. km area. There are varying numbers, but I have heard 3000, 4000 and 5000 ancient and new temples scattered across the plains. Of course, they all vary in size and shape from tiny little points to massive temples with gold topped roofs, and impressive Buddha statues lining the interiors. Most of the temples were built in the 1000's to 1200's, but there are still new temples being built today.
It is a rather surreal place to catch a sunrise. We would ride bikes to our favourite temple #394, also called Buledi, and relax with this scene as the sun rose over the pointed pagodas. To add to the peacefulness of the scene, we were the only ones there! We could stay there for hours, resting, reading and catching up on the journal.
After enjoying the tranquil morning, we would take on the heat of the day, and ride from temple to temple down the dirt roads between. Some amazing temples, from the gold topped Ananda Pahto, the largest temple Dhammayangyi, and the Indian style Mahabodhi to mention only a few. There were a some sites that had some secret entrances, that you could climb up tight little stairways and reach the rooftop for wonderful views - of course, difficult to find. We would eat at local little restaurants scattered throughout the temple areas and interact with the lovely locals. And of course, finish with a beautiful sunset on a temple, overlooking the Ayeyarwaddy River beyond all the stupas. Quite a special couple of days. *Stub
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