tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67493237426587311842024-03-12T23:33:40.641-07:00Lanna HappeningsSteve at Lanna Thai Villahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10643635601243206721noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6749323742658731184.post-9152157272071996612019-05-07T20:05:00.000-07:002019-05-07T20:05:19.911-07:00Saying goodbye in a small Northern Thai village - The Cremation of the Abbot of Wat Boonak ak<span style="font-size: small;">This post describes the ceremony surrounding the funeral of the abbot of Wat Boon Nak, Tambol Ngao, Amphur Thoeng, Chiang Rai, Thailand. Ban Boon Nak is</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">an agriculture based village comprising about 700 persons and is situated adjacent to the Ngao River and is in the shadow of the nearby Ian Mountain.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Most villagers farm rice, corn, tobacco and potatoes among other crops. The</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">villagers are primarily Buddhists and their temple, Wat Boon Nak, was first</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">constructed in 1826. The present temple was constructed during 1959 - 1961.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4P4xjas547XDa35Rv6UYv0AVZ0mJRuEeYWDPwnZI6DB55AG4cfG2I0kKGYPiXRqW-a1ukHHeKpXD5Tjalrd14_CLSR2dt2Gdt699nrGcOHJXBBZ5fg8DUVewxQfMuvcJ1lomRGS9mCHs/s1600/DSC_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4P4xjas547XDa35Rv6UYv0AVZ0mJRuEeYWDPwnZI6DB55AG4cfG2I0kKGYPiXRqW-a1ukHHeKpXD5Tjalrd14_CLSR2dt2Gdt699nrGcOHJXBBZ5fg8DUVewxQfMuvcJ1lomRGS9mCHs/s320/DSC_0056.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wat Boon Nak</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The temple combines the functions of a prayer hall (viharn) and ordination hall (ubosot). In 1967 a large Buddha image was constructed with the assistance of the famous Northern Thai monk Kruba Kamla. Like all temples Boon Nak temple is the product of the donations and labor of villagers and people from other locations who wish to make merit.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MKOGI-0qoKPh6XzW0NsG72zxhPOG585hgRmFoCa-iiWyZKOstxbgTXrxPHgqOEE9l1hEC2aw3oSJM9mFAkX9n-jYMqULzfEM02QHcdECv3Wj6gA48qKFNJcsOsVbZwL1SGqL8z7xBbU/s1600/DSC_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MKOGI-0qoKPh6XzW0NsG72zxhPOG585hgRmFoCa-iiWyZKOstxbgTXrxPHgqOEE9l1hEC2aw3oSJM9mFAkX9n-jYMqULzfEM02QHcdECv3Wj6gA48qKFNJcsOsVbZwL1SGqL8z7xBbU/s320/DSC_0054.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"> Large Buddha at Wat Boon Nak, Constructed 1967</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">On Monday July 1930 Boonmee Khantisaroo the future temple abbot was born in Boon Nak village. His parents were farmers though his grandparents were members of the Lanna royal family located in Nan Province. On Friday May 2, 1947 Boonmee was ordained as a novice monk. On May 3, 1950 he was ordained as a monk. In 1951 Phra Kru Sattha Bhirath (Boonmee)was installed as the abbot of Wat Boon Nak. His Pali name was given by the King Rama IX.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VbFMif8p_yFs8e1HEqBKjg1DH2RYAzT12mDBusVV4gsYk0__S4t8jn2Rddtk9uHh9IRFr3pHy3M4VWxhihxY014qtfNxbSwPl9iaKKcd9EN_0pP5dg8pJY16gAvAyA2_RFEQC3ABO20/s1600/DSC_0114-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="668" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VbFMif8p_yFs8e1HEqBKjg1DH2RYAzT12mDBusVV4gsYk0__S4t8jn2Rddtk9uHh9IRFr3pHy3M4VWxhihxY014qtfNxbSwPl9iaKKcd9EN_0pP5dg8pJY16gAvAyA2_RFEQC3ABO20/s320/DSC_0114-001.JPG" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phra Kru Sattha Bhirath</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">During the period 1957-58 he was resident at San Pa Khoi Temple in Chiang Mai to undertake Buddhist and Pali studies. In 1962 Phra Kru served as a Buddhist teacher at Hang Chat Temple in Lampang. In 1968 he taught Vipassana Meditation at Chetupon Temple in Chiang Rai. In 2000 in addition to the abbot of Boon Nak Temple he also served as abbot of Suan Dok Temple in Amphur Thoeng.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">While there he built a library for the temple. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">From 2001 until his death at age 88 on July 14, 2018 Phra Kru Sattha Bhirath continued to serve as the Abbot of Boon Nak Temple. Under his guidance additions to the temple included a new Chedi to house the revered bronze casting known as Phra Songsee a replacement Chedi for the one originally housing the Phra Songsee image and the establishment of a meditation garden adjacent to the Ngao River. In total he was a monk for 67 years and as a well respected and well known senior monk he was honored with a Royal Cremation.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7TeZcx6weqRoMPLWgf3eTGFNUg7rdol5xEj1LleJPhuuNcQgcRodkXkwf5YEJcdkZewPFXwXhx0ZLI8dKOBAx46GDardO5c44Ju9wkWRlKy3_PYGrx8IlGHTt1adf6E4522S2WK0uD-A/s1600/2015-01-03+10.19.13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7TeZcx6weqRoMPLWgf3eTGFNUg7rdol5xEj1LleJPhuuNcQgcRodkXkwf5YEJcdkZewPFXwXhx0ZLI8dKOBAx46GDardO5c44Ju9wkWRlKy3_PYGrx8IlGHTt1adf6E4522S2WK0uD-A/s320/2015-01-03+10.19.13.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Chedhi housing revered Buddha image - Phra Songsee</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AwDkdM1ZarbjzE3NX2LKxIad7mf_xSMErmXozhr7WSYaEFsfGe8i6SjH6TFfQ-RxzdaDqG60-SJHoTb82rK7ahwThRotsZXnfBvCT_CSU0IgC1JgSmm8SeJtdYlkITkbjMFOQ1woYkg/s1600/DSC_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AwDkdM1ZarbjzE3NX2LKxIad7mf_xSMErmXozhr7WSYaEFsfGe8i6SjH6TFfQ-RxzdaDqG60-SJHoTb82rK7ahwThRotsZXnfBvCT_CSU0IgC1JgSmm8SeJtdYlkITkbjMFOQ1woYkg/s320/DSC_0058.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Replacement Chedhi for one originally housing Phra Songsee image</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-9TNDjuvbqZPxF9dj7rXr22nXmDNH0i7SwcQXaPPREGWCjPOtFxBX2xtD8CnPwsvw6Q3BlxHdbrSd2d06u0_NsDNJIRxmngV3304t_J448X-cioYVriiioXnPQhXulcaq5xhHhmYJzY/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-9TNDjuvbqZPxF9dj7rXr22nXmDNH0i7SwcQXaPPREGWCjPOtFxBX2xtD8CnPwsvw6Q3BlxHdbrSd2d06u0_NsDNJIRxmngV3304t_J448X-cioYVriiioXnPQhXulcaq5xhHhmYJzY/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meditation garden adjacent to Ngao River</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;">Thus began a long series of ceremonies planned and funded by the Buddhist community. Initially the Abbot lay in state in the temple Viharn where lay people could pay their respects. Every Sunday until his cremation there was chanting by monks and lay people. On the 14th of each month there was chanting by the local monk community with representatives attending from every temple. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqotOyE-jvDkeX2NH50uY1HsQUL8QOTVjb-kJYV30ryY2nFMlGqQkcikqcXKV6dTktYxvpwTXgwJQoIjf33KbCvrPv3JjOXe4wBiqb_TTixmLSyByf2et2qASQQlYPTdo4MLRKST-xNWw/s1600/DSC_0778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqotOyE-jvDkeX2NH50uY1HsQUL8QOTVjb-kJYV30ryY2nFMlGqQkcikqcXKV6dTktYxvpwTXgwJQoIjf33KbCvrPv3JjOXe4wBiqb_TTixmLSyByf2et2qASQQlYPTdo4MLRKST-xNWw/s320/DSC_0778.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paying respects </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;">The regional branch of the National Sangha Office in Chiang Rai helped the local Buddhist community by informing the procedure for a Royal Cremation. Sangha officials recommended that Kruba Boon Luang from Khok Klong Temple in Chiang Mai be engaged to assist as he was experienced in the design and execution of important cremation ceremonies. Phra Maha Teerawat of Wat BoonNak and Adjarn Taweepong Inwongsakul (Dr. James) a former monk and follower (luksit) of the abbot were the the chief organizers of the event. The cremation ceremonies were scheduled for February 14-17, 2019.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuouYC4Rhpd-7OdducO-30TlERAFxbs7QlMboEAJ_GeOjinEOl_6Nc7BH-6K5xAuoxl2YeuCeAQgmndrxdyr1_UK3-h0d4w0MlT-4tPHtGAL4nv5UPT_Vv4W_tdNQl2hByduwhBsgFqfc/s1600/DSC_0571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuouYC4Rhpd-7OdducO-30TlERAFxbs7QlMboEAJ_GeOjinEOl_6Nc7BH-6K5xAuoxl2YeuCeAQgmndrxdyr1_UK3-h0d4w0MlT-4tPHtGAL4nv5UPT_Vv4W_tdNQl2hByduwhBsgFqfc/s320/DSC_0571.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Khruba Boon Luang who oversaw cremation ceremony</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;">As a large gathering was expected a suitable location (Pracha) needed to be determined. In the end the large playground of the adjacent Ban Boon Nak school was chosen. The first step in the construction of the Prasat or crematorium was to haul in sand to provide a surface on which to build the Prasat. The Prasat was ordered and design began 4 months before the cremation. The cost of the Prasat was about 400,000 Baht ($13,000).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3cDLhlEkAabtGm2gBjsL4_SQjq9oc84eGSgPk3CXXiqrpMXiMaC4P1jgjgVXiUu7994hGG3J9TMzvMclyZK-P8bIJH4Hs2p6Qf-S7JBK8k2K69viGgqUmfPKSMiMC65G85uKegLrFSM/s1600/DSC_0353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3cDLhlEkAabtGm2gBjsL4_SQjq9oc84eGSgPk3CXXiqrpMXiMaC4P1jgjgVXiUu7994hGG3J9TMzvMclyZK-P8bIJH4Hs2p6Qf-S7JBK8k2K69viGgqUmfPKSMiMC65G85uKegLrFSM/s320/DSC_0353.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">School play field with sand base on January 21, 2019</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">There followed on February 8, 2019 the arrival of various components for the crematorium. Also arriving were experienced craftsmen who would erect the structure beginning with an internal support structure and ending with a variety of symbolic and decorative elements. The crematorium required 5 days to construct so as to be ready for the beginning of ceremonies on February 14th. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJhBCl9NneH-RurvHTZcgI_A7jK_LJIsDFKU-FDeVwCYWio55-IAuwGG09gqcmr2PcXFGXL8F8tJD-3m9uq6sizCoUpXbaHWlogXLH_M-JXegfk_u9OIglnoGR2d-8buZW3JsrkB5Deg/s1600/DSC_0510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJhBCl9NneH-RurvHTZcgI_A7jK_LJIsDFKU-FDeVwCYWio55-IAuwGG09gqcmr2PcXFGXL8F8tJD-3m9uq6sizCoUpXbaHWlogXLH_M-JXegfk_u9OIglnoGR2d-8buZW3JsrkB5Deg/s320/DSC_0510.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Components of the Prasat trucked in from Chiang Mai</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7oo4Px2-UTvgHZgQCR9xiuua0tsyUu-e4OAEJFYwMbCMtP4SFTGiNs08DoKJiAV7TvrFWAzHeyf3quE-esGM4NjeC-BgPRNVxEkvuDGX50G8rp2H84Sfg1S8k9KmCr5fvP17D5I4B2Y/s1600/DSC_0520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7oo4Px2-UTvgHZgQCR9xiuua0tsyUu-e4OAEJFYwMbCMtP4SFTGiNs08DoKJiAV7TvrFWAzHeyf3quE-esGM4NjeC-BgPRNVxEkvuDGX50G8rp2H84Sfg1S8k9KmCr5fvP17D5I4B2Y/s320/DSC_0520.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Constructing the internal framework to support Prasat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMfEquWGiDOXUUKoOEJvudbogCj0yWcijd6XicszJ-NCCAMKUM18WcodEKBqEzrhDhlY8eT-PGCvxDJsij5Tf7IjtyH1b9kkU26jjjrbJ9dmLjZ1RA3-HcIH-AfeqkbKajPZNChEOx3Y/s1600/DSC_0544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMfEquWGiDOXUUKoOEJvudbogCj0yWcijd6XicszJ-NCCAMKUM18WcodEKBqEzrhDhlY8eT-PGCvxDJsij5Tf7IjtyH1b9kkU26jjjrbJ9dmLjZ1RA3-HcIH-AfeqkbKajPZNChEOx3Y/s320/DSC_0544.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Prasat begins to take shape February 10, 2019<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-FUtA_NLQK6xBUsNC-FHFRcjf6RYfyI0Ra6XHtKb7bF-23FY3jndcqC0cLrrz7e2vEyjEF35L0TJh0TLgSylJMXcRflMEquJIMvn0y-nsuk20ukMHQWmrWsM4rwGIJhd_KnqqvE6PCY/s1600/DSC_0576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-FUtA_NLQK6xBUsNC-FHFRcjf6RYfyI0Ra6XHtKb7bF-23FY3jndcqC0cLrrz7e2vEyjEF35L0TJh0TLgSylJMXcRflMEquJIMvn0y-nsuk20ukMHQWmrWsM4rwGIJhd_KnqqvE6PCY/s320/DSC_0576.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Working on the upper portion of the Prasat <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW39DCjkU-KwhGpQfWDL8aF8j3NKJ_aDepugpp3K4UN5pdi6k_JJJsxLLviLTdxk25FjVWp7o0zzQ1rGMlymHDvGcYlJFzBbpRQWdH_Gb_VDmOm-StVTCwuK59kQqydeREa9Re9kbF6LU/s1600/DSC_0578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW39DCjkU-KwhGpQfWDL8aF8j3NKJ_aDepugpp3K4UN5pdi6k_JJJsxLLviLTdxk25FjVWp7o0zzQ1rGMlymHDvGcYlJFzBbpRQWdH_Gb_VDmOm-StVTCwuK59kQqydeREa9Re9kbF6LU/s320/DSC_0578.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Prasat nearing completion </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Local residents were busy volunteering with a variety of activities including cleaning the temple grounds, erecting shelters for visiting monks and guests, preparing areas for food preparation and service, making artificial flowers to decorate the crematorium. Local students were also busy practicing traditional dances they would perform on the final night preceding the actual cremation.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EojvhfkjYyk65GK27eIKw4YJAT2CkhAeIqKlPlf4vMWTKmbtpct5iyRVq8eeRHUTZ7s9LoElbWti2RvN72JOPo_8gs7wkq9iglrPU7aCsxq4phcVQJKRvMu3QCJjXMilcH6TKN-93e0/s1600/DSC_0592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EojvhfkjYyk65GK27eIKw4YJAT2CkhAeIqKlPlf4vMWTKmbtpct5iyRVq8eeRHUTZ7s9LoElbWti2RvN72JOPo_8gs7wkq9iglrPU7aCsxq4phcVQJKRvMu3QCJjXMilcH6TKN-93e0/s320/DSC_0592.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local lay people making decorations</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0owDNSidaViFUcINqHXqikAwQQJQyLj5EW5f-M98m0KhHsNtXsd9VxFwToi9x44swav07xdvVOwvnsGIaUogsbSNyDz8tHUsTLscXRJ2F4K1nv8QeutIO2DH23cRNbJJWrgWOE1Yj-w/s1600/DSC_0507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0owDNSidaViFUcINqHXqikAwQQJQyLj5EW5f-M98m0KhHsNtXsd9VxFwToi9x44swav07xdvVOwvnsGIaUogsbSNyDz8tHUsTLscXRJ2F4K1nv8QeutIO2DH23cRNbJJWrgWOE1Yj-w/s320/DSC_0507.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shelters erected by local lay people<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZsVpypS2eL7N3fD_thud5dkT6f0aTkmJwA3jkid-RUVv4vYEHI9uzKkM5CBassS2wmX-c4l5iDaJs6j80nrNwdxVy5anzE1Dotki53gR-ugNGNT5C2LB2PjiX8FSPIwoKjnDaJ7HuRg/s1600/DSC_0355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZsVpypS2eL7N3fD_thud5dkT6f0aTkmJwA3jkid-RUVv4vYEHI9uzKkM5CBassS2wmX-c4l5iDaJs6j80nrNwdxVy5anzE1Dotki53gR-ugNGNT5C2LB2PjiX8FSPIwoKjnDaJ7HuRg/s320/DSC_0355.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Sign announcing cremation ceremony</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-yRX4lPqKonrCAE7LmPN-FQcfCudDLCE7pFbl1HBaSQjOcSkqJHeXfj9U-X1hDqeViRWAVErQDr1NPzpf3fk76BgP4k8zbZjSgHMo4kvSizTf62PqgJoxKFmESSsMas1nOaSNqQ3_vA/s1600/DSC_0672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-yRX4lPqKonrCAE7LmPN-FQcfCudDLCE7pFbl1HBaSQjOcSkqJHeXfj9U-X1hDqeViRWAVErQDr1NPzpf3fk76BgP4k8zbZjSgHMo4kvSizTf62PqgJoxKFmESSsMas1nOaSNqQ3_vA/s320/DSC_0672.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side view of completed Prasat </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VT22kIQ54sR169VirdQSJOoVeJKc9dvAoXACyE0mRZnqiojMbxKFdJ6ZDFE0pfUqeFauhC1WBLT5E9y2SG7FWQWU-7g6y8W1b_MDfEdByXn2syEWd8aYnmLRVjxFIHDHLXmksNI_y2c/s1600/DSC_0666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VT22kIQ54sR169VirdQSJOoVeJKc9dvAoXACyE0mRZnqiojMbxKFdJ6ZDFE0pfUqeFauhC1WBLT5E9y2SG7FWQWU-7g6y8W1b_MDfEdByXn2syEWd8aYnmLRVjxFIHDHLXmksNI_y2c/s320/DSC_0666.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front view of completed Prasat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">On the night of February 11, 2019 monks and primarily lay family members had the opportunity to say their final goodbyes to the abbot. His corpse was discreetly removed from his coffin and dressed in new robes. Monks and lay people were then able to hold his corpse. His head and extremities were then covered in pure gold foil and the corpse returned to his coffin not to be seen again.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDmgVI7R4bt5RXmr4LJFoV0F69rYy6DTLlkMSvrWv4wEg9Z-tI3K2YF2fNJJxBOGOpW33dztOWBIONRm0_pRuJNdGEuBv2hE9hGzpzkB1uZxB2E-k9hmcAcgRyRBxCSYJbRb6QdsQFGw/s1600/DSC_0607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDmgVI7R4bt5RXmr4LJFoV0F69rYy6DTLlkMSvrWv4wEg9Z-tI3K2YF2fNJJxBOGOpW33dztOWBIONRm0_pRuJNdGEuBv2hE9hGzpzkB1uZxB2E-k9hmcAcgRyRBxCSYJbRb6QdsQFGw/s320/DSC_0607.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monks with corpse of Phra Kru Sattha Bhirath</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvAA4-ZIUbWAroUMTpTv8L5v_Xzk8dSqB9R44ysciFlxDHgSBxX4-wF08ns9FEUVUsv9qnojr6AReFVB-OZ7TCkRaO42HIrPAuApr4bdKjZZgLI6-5743SanQIc_cUSZZMX6fygIi47A/s1600/DSC_0641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvAA4-ZIUbWAroUMTpTv8L5v_Xzk8dSqB9R44ysciFlxDHgSBxX4-wF08ns9FEUVUsv9qnojr6AReFVB-OZ7TCkRaO42HIrPAuApr4bdKjZZgLI6-5743SanQIc_cUSZZMX6fygIi47A/s320/DSC_0641.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lay people covering extremity with gold foil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkUakspW7iivA7WbWySb96pi2mUbnZoj6Laswjqz6NEKfRaeYEqE3qftRcqNhVbOrmaeCsKGm_R2ipTs5AbdHHFCpOC2QHUXtDnSaeGtlnFX_6O8a-WN1Cmijx85J_x_KIsNuaS3mhns/s1600/DSC_0645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkUakspW7iivA7WbWySb96pi2mUbnZoj6Laswjqz6NEKfRaeYEqE3qftRcqNhVbOrmaeCsKGm_R2ipTs5AbdHHFCpOC2QHUXtDnSaeGtlnFX_6O8a-WN1Cmijx85J_x_KIsNuaS3mhns/s320/DSC_0645.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Body of the abbot prior to being returned to his coffin </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">On February 14th the abbot's body was borne in a coffin three times around Boonnak Temple in a clockwise direction and then carried in a procession to the crematorium.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJKJwdRx_wBYyCGAApZ4_nTEr_bp-XkPgSp838UQ-hUeVsAgoz17uejYKHaSz9abfiaieUijBDA2lNVd0P16cKySeu7UnGPtArtYmutp8Nl27U_QylcfPQr2A_5uw2Z2q0qdHdeuj5wk/s1600/DSC_0736.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJKJwdRx_wBYyCGAApZ4_nTEr_bp-XkPgSp838UQ-hUeVsAgoz17uejYKHaSz9abfiaieUijBDA2lNVd0P16cKySeu7UnGPtArtYmutp8Nl27U_QylcfPQr2A_5uw2Z2q0qdHdeuj5wk/s320/DSC_0736.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Procession of monks and lay men carrying coffin circling viharn </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYhaLHWCqGvW01PA9Q-umO5ttJi1QzpzHc-XosTXkQu8OIB9JxaR6NdsTGZ4mmP14-EbpHYcVpXAmnlFYOGLjQNXURVS1gJXkDZET7qlhx7fCyoBlcsHxhDhDouklPECVW0GdEN9R6g4/s1600/DSC_0715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYhaLHWCqGvW01PA9Q-umO5ttJi1QzpzHc-XosTXkQu8OIB9JxaR6NdsTGZ4mmP14-EbpHYcVpXAmnlFYOGLjQNXURVS1gJXkDZET7qlhx7fCyoBlcsHxhDhDouklPECVW0GdEN9R6g4/s320/DSC_0715.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local students who will perform a solemn dance as the procession arrives</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqBx58ZrwtYu24DMKlzWdodE23syPW5yX8fMj6wFE5s4Wk2sVlTX340t4W84y0xaaBixnIP3-G5vc7k9_6IQ72vbydwbL6Ug4_-z6PHDqYAy1aEeFnmbtYFmTeAXS0T3_n3_bleNoz90/s1600/DSC_0719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqBx58ZrwtYu24DMKlzWdodE23syPW5yX8fMj6wFE5s4Wk2sVlTX340t4W84y0xaaBixnIP3-G5vc7k9_6IQ72vbydwbL6Ug4_-z6PHDqYAy1aEeFnmbtYFmTeAXS0T3_n3_bleNoz90/s320/DSC_0719.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Special items to be carried to the cremation grounds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFp9_zn_kPtK3FLNhyY6n23NrBpEaVXAZwGd18s6F2C_9MTFHfSuk_ztTPVwDW7hzaFlzN93Crnx0sWYR9JCqZHd9cLJZWHp2MCQGYx52A_t6pJHinfkCVZKslhvzzxekbdpKjCgw-LAc/s1600/DSC_0775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFp9_zn_kPtK3FLNhyY6n23NrBpEaVXAZwGd18s6F2C_9MTFHfSuk_ztTPVwDW7hzaFlzN93Crnx0sWYR9JCqZHd9cLJZWHp2MCQGYx52A_t6pJHinfkCVZKslhvzzxekbdpKjCgw-LAc/s320/DSC_0775.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Procession of offerings.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSg284YT7jMX1Ctoli74_srQrivw33-AGa7BgxRGAc7fjGHGUOH-XazL6wzhEP6xv1aBZZn7-upqswYNjY53Y01VF3OzbyKVDri1PzBgyUUJBoH_LagXplAA2u6U0NTc8ED6x8Sy2pIY/s1600/DSC_0755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSg284YT7jMX1Ctoli74_srQrivw33-AGa7BgxRGAc7fjGHGUOH-XazL6wzhEP6xv1aBZZn7-upqswYNjY53Y01VF3OzbyKVDri1PzBgyUUJBoH_LagXplAA2u6U0NTc8ED6x8Sy2pIY/s320/DSC_0755.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monk being carried and reciting Dhamma of the Buddha. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6AfcYCjE39jc_LWKen236jhx0D9kz_bdzVK8ter_oSSpaaGOeUZRN0DEEl2cjJCEu1x_56xwnSAASxbnzbdNbFIfUTLqmrbAhEKQGNxvVcgvFsTcTrQq_wVedkhZoRoJByIJ1qxnyJ8/s1600/DSC_0786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6AfcYCjE39jc_LWKen236jhx0D9kz_bdzVK8ter_oSSpaaGOeUZRN0DEEl2cjJCEu1x_56xwnSAASxbnzbdNbFIfUTLqmrbAhEKQGNxvVcgvFsTcTrQq_wVedkhZoRoJByIJ1qxnyJ8/s320/DSC_0786.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traditional instruments in procession.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6ztG_z2J-LBSh1atWCHM4tQDGtWF-ynWeRLiQcQ9nYfCHdnUNaG7zwbJT_Wc0Cr1u2KYcQwns_q_XxmycoHQ-k22WOwiOEYVWcoYujMcLX21iROu1d-fD_jlw5N5kWzpRIphTQqotTc/s1600/DSC_0803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6ztG_z2J-LBSh1atWCHM4tQDGtWF-ynWeRLiQcQ9nYfCHdnUNaG7zwbJT_Wc0Cr1u2KYcQwns_q_XxmycoHQ-k22WOwiOEYVWcoYujMcLX21iROu1d-fD_jlw5N5kWzpRIphTQqotTc/s320/DSC_0803.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrival of coffin at cremation grounds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Upon arrival at the cremation ground the procession circled the crematorium three times in a counterclockwise direction. The coffin was then placed high into the crematorium. These circumnambulations were done to show respect for the abbot. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVW-PuitNlhZP0WOIYYcbRjPq5B5O16kFn7d0Uyxtxgf_e5EKEwVkyt9ADrsLVjp4wCWqElCcke0SGoC0xax5tOrBjOMVycpObeU9H0V4HF3tssjVW3I17DYNfuR14cx10-MAXDoiquo/s1600/DSC_0807.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVW-PuitNlhZP0WOIYYcbRjPq5B5O16kFn7d0Uyxtxgf_e5EKEwVkyt9ADrsLVjp4wCWqElCcke0SGoC0xax5tOrBjOMVycpObeU9H0V4HF3tssjVW3I17DYNfuR14cx10-MAXDoiquo/s320/DSC_0807.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Procession circling crematorium </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pDD7cJSUk6EzxCgAxNFDISXm7s1xpDxWPq32hP90wi-ONivdyvrVYbP6bIdESzr4VHy1n_bQHWShXotLoh5rFQG3VYfcP79xwV3GGTKnQxvhowYssEBo6oPUVZPkvxU8Ys_hfyNftK8/s1600/DSC_0847.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pDD7cJSUk6EzxCgAxNFDISXm7s1xpDxWPq32hP90wi-ONivdyvrVYbP6bIdESzr4VHy1n_bQHWShXotLoh5rFQG3VYfcP79xwV3GGTKnQxvhowYssEBo6oPUVZPkvxU8Ys_hfyNftK8/s320/DSC_0847.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Placing coffin in spire of crematorium </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the evening of the 14th,15th and 16th there was chanting and prayers conducted by monks. On the17th the Abbot's body was removed from the coffin and lowered into the crematory chamber to await the final rites. In the evening prayers and a program of traditional dance was performed. A traditional orchestra from Wat Khok Klong played at various times during the ceremonial period. </span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxn4hEJOv2CDmZkRNF7Xv5VoeyCxSEy3FizRW_nk4P1-YKS4RBi8pg9D3cUzbXyvOatyKDSQExSPyPrUYQBmFftO-SX36rGv3P5C42YcCmLe_33f7-f94LSAQe2F5-N2Gw3IG7ibrkH_w/s1600/DSC_0686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxn4hEJOv2CDmZkRNF7Xv5VoeyCxSEy3FizRW_nk4P1-YKS4RBi8pg9D3cUzbXyvOatyKDSQExSPyPrUYQBmFftO-SX36rGv3P5C42YcCmLe_33f7-f94LSAQe2F5-N2Gw3IG7ibrkH_w/s320/DSC_0686.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prayers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqmwVZHykkJ2VpMlcCIU-yD5KshPXKnypRXwg3Ht-DTZtKK4rQ6nIxGmNo0RLhoPhn1YmLMRblwmwEp1CEIw9dKxMkddgSYRbvYCa_4mfT_fcnWq_w4Fe_-hdv-iMvZ32tu2WSrmmAS0/s1600/2088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqmwVZHykkJ2VpMlcCIU-yD5KshPXKnypRXwg3Ht-DTZtKK4rQ6nIxGmNo0RLhoPhn1YmLMRblwmwEp1CEIw9dKxMkddgSYRbvYCa_4mfT_fcnWq_w4Fe_-hdv-iMvZ32tu2WSrmmAS0/s320/2088.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traditional Dancing</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJVICkWYrw4PqbyHHEK7brh46X_tPmw4dOPObOEi1BLdJWQzb1ixPSKKjkXw85cqEbvGUNDtiWll8FI7VstDfUNKmBIRZ5WcblU1VPF51hSxd-invHD4zM51wzIyIImUZOHeHz061lp4/s1600/DSC_0862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJVICkWYrw4PqbyHHEK7brh46X_tPmw4dOPObOEi1BLdJWQzb1ixPSKKjkXw85cqEbvGUNDtiWll8FI7VstDfUNKmBIRZ5WcblU1VPF51hSxd-invHD4zM51wzIyIImUZOHeHz061lp4/s320/DSC_0862.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traditional Orchestra</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39ebaGiphJfFPVLZfKC0z0c5ZfhBc5FQycsNVAlhTusWTM_Nf70OHd9Mvo-VkgggjUg2BZ5i8raxryjdc2m2PWVOiWOVkZitRHbWdQUtN9NgvI9lnuD5_t-x7k17zjz-PPxbr66081no/s1600/DSC_0854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39ebaGiphJfFPVLZfKC0z0c5ZfhBc5FQycsNVAlhTusWTM_Nf70OHd9Mvo-VkgggjUg2BZ5i8raxryjdc2m2PWVOiWOVkZitRHbWdQUtN9NgvI9lnuD5_t-x7k17zjz-PPxbr66081no/s320/DSC_0854.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crematorium on night of cremation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">To initiate the actual cremation a matchbox which had been delivered by members of the Royal Household was used to light a series of wire guided rocket which in turn ignited a series of fireworks and ultimately the crematorium structure.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxDzcnFZyElFIS12uu1FReVdflr4mTc6kGJm7s3rzwlFbcNsVtBLNMg-E1fdvy1L1hUcd00NVzYJkAGRNF0bD6b9z-SQppzlrmNdrRgnALmfu7eEw_eeF2OykkooZkWA50yW52NpnmRQ/s1600/DSC_1008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxDzcnFZyElFIS12uu1FReVdflr4mTc6kGJm7s3rzwlFbcNsVtBLNMg-E1fdvy1L1hUcd00NVzYJkAGRNF0bD6b9z-SQppzlrmNdrRgnALmfu7eEw_eeF2OykkooZkWA50yW52NpnmRQ/s320/DSC_1008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candle lit by Nai Amphur (District Chief) of Thoeng District</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4E2N4q5BPwfmnoxxXkx2J7t6BCKSybEUyw8qvidZ9Dbjf1jIRhLWFRXn1RHHUm8qymjTlm9jX2CJwGQUOUMgQpEkryMRah9ZkwuAivXN46Vt_tNimeiWXJjLI_M051jWdlpABgbpQPM/s1600/DSC_1017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4E2N4q5BPwfmnoxxXkx2J7t6BCKSybEUyw8qvidZ9Dbjf1jIRhLWFRXn1RHHUm8qymjTlm9jX2CJwGQUOUMgQpEkryMRah9ZkwuAivXN46Vt_tNimeiWXJjLI_M051jWdlpABgbpQPM/s320/DSC_1017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gathered monks praying before cremation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPIN-Ug62lMfobcHGj7ZTZHz6QqXdw4zKsp9iLeRsuqYg6EJIzvpwefJqLaMNj5UlXcszgYopMCNkI3Om0LqCbSCr-Muuo_Ap88fom88bZXPsyftu3gR_5-4mvKlYdUuzSshk-XXbMGw/s320/DSC_1024.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Initiating the cremation.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDh1w7NSD0siaZHJkbpSBNKgOifYs879-oxy2deL18KJpVgL72DsWkzc4ZY-CSFJeh4c8UeM1U7O-emca8-8nQtqEWjw8XOCP5kBgydcJFFOP3jCJxJyrEaM1Q-Q3obCsWGOPAlo_kcqU/s1600/2037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDh1w7NSD0siaZHJkbpSBNKgOifYs879-oxy2deL18KJpVgL72DsWkzc4ZY-CSFJeh4c8UeM1U7O-emca8-8nQtqEWjw8XOCP5kBgydcJFFOP3jCJxJyrEaM1Q-Q3obCsWGOPAlo_kcqU/s320/2037.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fireworks </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_C9uLKw9oz0X4uJsZR-qHK9tHBMsygdIDJkFXpCcWxtylh4zvUzhaa8hbTj8QyBOUi8_ONZuuWS2wSHMCXTGLdKqtnAT65O5u_w5H4-bbK0PTZ0fhYDzuQuecV2bSImu3MmWHtQyPFtQ/s1600/DSC_1042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_C9uLKw9oz0X4uJsZR-qHK9tHBMsygdIDJkFXpCcWxtylh4zvUzhaa8hbTj8QyBOUi8_ONZuuWS2wSHMCXTGLdKqtnAT65O5u_w5H4-bbK0PTZ0fhYDzuQuecV2bSImu3MmWHtQyPFtQ/s320/DSC_1042.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The central part of the crematorium is engulfed in flames</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-u9XD7F132qCztsg_Zsm0l22zZcD0OeSI07_cKdYqRSwlMSOqqKade8x_OnYbSHJa9jjv0q7VqyJNUvHLOMhpDgSbSk_GJJDSgeuTXSBc8ubG89KJ2haMk5hdu-wYJLYNAegO3VbQtm0/s1600/DSC_1069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-u9XD7F132qCztsg_Zsm0l22zZcD0OeSI07_cKdYqRSwlMSOqqKade8x_OnYbSHJa9jjv0q7VqyJNUvHLOMhpDgSbSk_GJJDSgeuTXSBc8ubG89KJ2haMk5hdu-wYJLYNAegO3VbQtm0/s320/DSC_1069.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crematorium is consumed by fire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;">The following day the crematorium remains were searched by temple monks for relics of the Abbot to be collected and used in additional ceremonies. The relics were placed in a tray and then divided as some were scattered with ceremony in the Mekong River at Chiang Saen. Others were retained for placement in a small Chedi on the grounds of Wat Boon Nak.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Yp131ID0nW7saeeoSoNL3P1IGDoGqyW9LO_kJiuYPnowqa8BjMIz6cBYCuwBzMpOJ8vBlSz0hOUhLwTEY4ky172S495WcJkSSsGx5MSlJE8JvJln9QzR1leKnQee1l0ZWMC8NFnWMc4/s1600/76173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="960" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Yp131ID0nW7saeeoSoNL3P1IGDoGqyW9LO_kJiuYPnowqa8BjMIz6cBYCuwBzMpOJ8vBlSz0hOUhLwTEY4ky172S495WcJkSSsGx5MSlJE8JvJln9QzR1leKnQee1l0ZWMC8NFnWMc4/s320/76173.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recovering the relics of Phra Kru Sattha Bhirath (Unknown Photographer)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmxNDas7YBIW3Su-RwUvO7CmcaxaMDwexnHZ-Y-0tlp53VguVV5adNY_WGzyF-dBczMdWKYtCyKmL5iGHRu3krO__qH6etV7V-rk70wcmV4cUz1M_wQv7Ra8kUBG8MNRX-1Kij_vU-lY/s1600/76175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="668" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmxNDas7YBIW3Su-RwUvO7CmcaxaMDwexnHZ-Y-0tlp53VguVV5adNY_WGzyF-dBczMdWKYtCyKmL5iGHRu3krO__qH6etV7V-rk70wcmV4cUz1M_wQv7Ra8kUBG8MNRX-1Kij_vU-lY/s320/76175.JPG" width="222" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relics of the abbot (Unknown Photographer)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKgNZ99t1tUSN-gd1WveXT1uigBFQdPEGn95o_XGlnPbK9wPUywQ_NjZryn7pcMBHx_QYR1NU9PJ5qszEFQZdbYReQc2z2wM1uomMFzxmhHyUvqNTk9eirjZ0YgKuw-pbYHFLNSP1tu4/s1600/76172.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="960" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKgNZ99t1tUSN-gd1WveXT1uigBFQdPEGn95o_XGlnPbK9wPUywQ_NjZryn7pcMBHx_QYR1NU9PJ5qszEFQZdbYReQc2z2wM1uomMFzxmhHyUvqNTk9eirjZ0YgKuw-pbYHFLNSP1tu4/s320/76172.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prayers on day after cremation (Unknown Photographer)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Following the cremation day volunteers including students helped to clean up the remains of the crematorium, take down the shelters, gather the tables and chairs and clean up the area. The underlying sand was removed and the area returned to its normal state by February 19, 2019.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi112c0YVH0dOaX8Uypgi5omIaWSFtyhpfVwHd6SrVC5Ku423EvAEUJwDPhbf3FOKg8HvilwTf01akvRkZ5tS0bCeX4ZN-zHT7sP6nDTirCmJEI_RGQCxP0tNrF54faDrbgWM8iKI_nszE/s1600/DSC_1075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi112c0YVH0dOaX8Uypgi5omIaWSFtyhpfVwHd6SrVC5Ku423EvAEUJwDPhbf3FOKg8HvilwTf01akvRkZ5tS0bCeX4ZN-zHT7sP6nDTirCmJEI_RGQCxP0tNrF54faDrbgWM8iKI_nszE/s320/DSC_1075.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Students policing up the cremation area.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgPVtiiutY1gwT7DSxHlA3csuvmg2CA34qaeiNr-mfiz3cEAEJ43L2qWVtysxi_BTProXb4o1YBVPpYzYmX8Vqb8OTXpnOFKfLE_eWqk2AfCV8y3uOwGdBzlVV8LHpP_Imt8KDOK1V6s/s1600/DSC_1086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgPVtiiutY1gwT7DSxHlA3csuvmg2CA34qaeiNr-mfiz3cEAEJ43L2qWVtysxi_BTProXb4o1YBVPpYzYmX8Vqb8OTXpnOFKfLE_eWqk2AfCV8y3uOwGdBzlVV8LHpP_Imt8KDOK1V6s/s320/DSC_1086.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cremation area returned to normal by February 19, 2019<br />
<br />
<br />
*Text and photographs by Steve Wilke save as noted. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>Steve at Lanna Thai Villahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10643635601243206721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6749323742658731184.post-25704754535285590542015-12-25T04:28:00.000-08:002015-12-26T02:14:05.444-08:00<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Going back to the past.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Starting in the early1980's we made many trips to the Akha village Lipha, named after the village headman. Our first trip in January,1981 coincided with a move from Lipha 1 to Lipha 2. Enjoying a ridge top location the new site was chosen by dropping an egg into a shallow hole to see if it broke or stayed whole. If it broke it confirmed the suitability of the site. It is not known if this move was occasioned by population growth or a decline in the fertility of village swidden fields. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One end of Lipha 2 village was marked by a series of large trees one of which was a twin tree which was venerated by the villagers. Near this tree was the village spirit gate (law kah) which marked the boundary between the safety of the human world encompassed by the village and the spirit world lying beyond. The gate consisted of uprights and a crossbeam with wooden effigies of birds as well as Taboo symbols made of woven bamboo (da leh). As the gate is renewed each year a nested set of gates evolves over time..Further in the village was the traditional swing used only at the time of the midsummer festival usually in August. Opposite was a small wooden ferris wheel which also provided entertainment at this time. In this general area was the dance ground where teenagers and young adults would meet to dance, sing and court. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5788QRC0bBpMMwi2zrhMNycazQSTpawguTaQ_scehm5OTJ9xZOnHF3GQ9PS2dx1DxMvpX_oTOobPAFEzIfpHflQgCTlog8gRMbTyrq4xVWS1P4UaxMNGZbOPSQGEnqF2HnZT3bd9bPE8/s1600/Swing+at+Lipha+Village+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5788QRC0bBpMMwi2zrhMNycazQSTpawguTaQ_scehm5OTJ9xZOnHF3GQ9PS2dx1DxMvpX_oTOobPAFEzIfpHflQgCTlog8gRMbTyrq4xVWS1P4UaxMNGZbOPSQGEnqF2HnZT3bd9bPE8/s320/Swing+at+Lipha+Village+2.jpg" width="222" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fig. 1 Twin trees, Spirit Gate and Village Swing at Lipha 2</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The village proper consisted of a wide lane which served as a firebreak with traditional houses lining each side. Houses of typical Akha design were made of bamboo with thatched roofing made of imperata grass. Hardwoods tended to be used for piling and main beams.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each house had a veranda where daytime activities would be performed and foodstuffs dried. Each house tended to have its own rice pounder for husking the mountain rice grown in nearby swidden fields. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI84u07ih-10mc0sdYwdRWsGdxzBmMBMqbA5S9IEIV_9zkwvCwvgDjGtPOhvBVH82JoXT-XnQ9eH5l2z4N3YyrVy6dOoH0aeOqg0728lnsaWqKkwA16uQWYoMypN4jWfNSXEshoU0HcOQ/s1600/Lipha+Village+2+Image+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI84u07ih-10mc0sdYwdRWsGdxzBmMBMqbA5S9IEIV_9zkwvCwvgDjGtPOhvBVH82JoXT-XnQ9eH5l2z4N3YyrVy6dOoH0aeOqg0728lnsaWqKkwA16uQWYoMypN4jWfNSXEshoU0HcOQ/s320/Lipha+Village+2+Image+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fig. 2 Houses closest to Spirit Tree and Main Gate</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYLnlsil6zEt6nf4DNJFyFx60PEXvrjrwW8sS6E_IfP3Ple8osSc9QSKXmlIPOCGoulGcsr0ELv2Q1blRwtoogHxx0Q4Hj3RzEOefo742LI_iWrf7Fr9taDk0XwmcSYffTSQquIRsBfU/s1600/Lipha+village+site+2+image+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYLnlsil6zEt6nf4DNJFyFx60PEXvrjrwW8sS6E_IfP3Ple8osSc9QSKXmlIPOCGoulGcsr0ELv2Q1blRwtoogHxx0Q4Hj3RzEOefo742LI_iWrf7Fr9taDk0XwmcSYffTSQquIRsBfU/s320/Lipha+village+site+2+image+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fig. 3 Lipha 2 with Central Lane</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On our first trip we could pick up village sounds from some distance away. The screams of children and the barking of dogs announced our arrival. The newly forming village (Lipha 2) was a beehive of activity with house construction and preparation of roofing materials taking place all over the village site. Subsequent visits too were filled with the play of children spinning tops or riding simple push carts plus the coming and going of women with burden baskets heading to or arriving from the fields. Sometimes small Akha horses would appear carrying supplies from a lowland market. As the afternoon wore on women and children would head out of the village to a nearby spring where bathing took place and large sections of bamboo were filled with water and brought back to the village for domestic use.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB548dBGfP128RPKtukEEBvWOckuzHCP-LY_MqOqciDVjvZZhlAlK-eikSt5hcXEonoHa-VsZ4v6e8rnK-S5bmapQAL77JIVXkcC5urmATGuW7FaU12_KYE6wOPwi_Il_LMCNv2h4JS28/s1600/Lipha+village+2+Image+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB548dBGfP128RPKtukEEBvWOckuzHCP-LY_MqOqciDVjvZZhlAlK-eikSt5hcXEonoHa-VsZ4v6e8rnK-S5bmapQAL77JIVXkcC5urmATGuW7FaU12_KYE6wOPwi_Il_LMCNv2h4JS28/s320/Lipha+village+2+Image+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fig. 4 Mainstreet Lipha 2</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-yNgWYo8ivmg8cPbK9cmlR6qfCn5G22cBnpCvrLjILxt72VT9ung1TgE415Kw6QnvJGdyRPkSy1cvACrlucqBvFuUE7SOxOjC4Su2owtxxZQ-9yZyNzxNCfbRuMJXQMmXC9aNoTNpuw/s1600/Making+roofing+at+new+Lipha+village+site_NEW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-yNgWYo8ivmg8cPbK9cmlR6qfCn5G22cBnpCvrLjILxt72VT9ung1TgE415Kw6QnvJGdyRPkSy1cvACrlucqBvFuUE7SOxOjC4Su2owtxxZQ-9yZyNzxNCfbRuMJXQMmXC9aNoTNpuw/s320/Making+roofing+at+new+Lipha+village+site_NEW.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fig. 5 Preparing Roofing for New House</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK60DnTi9_8w15zFN8rM-s_hrbBQ_N81J0egOlDOwR70ZhyphenhyphenOf1PUI2xkWQnNJPYFKxQpglIi_pENm54-N26KhJJUzKKq7WPmSn1kvzVfqe4bDcgjgPCcb5zDwcSb_Z4l8F5JMxg0w6Soo/s1600/Building+new+house+at+Lipha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK60DnTi9_8w15zFN8rM-s_hrbBQ_N81J0egOlDOwR70ZhyphenhyphenOf1PUI2xkWQnNJPYFKxQpglIi_pENm54-N26KhJJUzKKq7WPmSn1kvzVfqe4bDcgjgPCcb5zDwcSb_Z4l8F5JMxg0w6Soo/s320/Building+new+house+at+Lipha.jpg" width="219" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fig. 6 Supervising New House Construction</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ehzpiz017BP0MgBiDmBY0_dJLTGFngB4N7s_hrq4F9wa3AhwPvmn20ty1BfwAWHJgkQG91BPP4Wf-Osunfddk5jT-SQEBxykCtAd01DJ0RGwQcB89fIMV6pHJhtafFbemuh3WDYt7jw/s1600/Women+bringing+in+rice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ehzpiz017BP0MgBiDmBY0_dJLTGFngB4N7s_hrq4F9wa3AhwPvmn20ty1BfwAWHJgkQG91BPP4Wf-Osunfddk5jT-SQEBxykCtAd01DJ0RGwQcB89fIMV6pHJhtafFbemuh3WDYt7jw/s320/Women+bringing+in+rice.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fig. 7 Bringing in the Harvest</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPPc_ZOf1pWKeUZk1JWUJ3OW76lMp0SyW0el1j9OcNNWK9SBrCjaoVgNJQ0Un_k9B_Ad4qScYxQo4iDKInzX9JqW0_nQ8O6yjWFjHEN9JvY6n0LA4UYmBTABt5VDf_01UtHFKYqewRkDs/s1600/Rice+Pounder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPPc_ZOf1pWKeUZk1JWUJ3OW76lMp0SyW0el1j9OcNNWK9SBrCjaoVgNJQ0Un_k9B_Ad4qScYxQo4iDKInzX9JqW0_nQ8O6yjWFjHEN9JvY6n0LA4UYmBTABt5VDf_01UtHFKYqewRkDs/s320/Rice+Pounder.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fig. 8 Playing on the Rice Pounder</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdZj_jE-nlUC-sJZwsNok-I7B0y52_fqxAJXMGBuEjHvjmKQhosXmoXE1b9eXwwHnXRUYyyi5TqlgoR6PPjkzRZvzBqdyyv2qlikpWo29GOFdIC4MALBPvTmtewi89NkSMuBT79Xe0NE/s1600/Tobacco+drying+Akha+village.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdZj_jE-nlUC-sJZwsNok-I7B0y52_fqxAJXMGBuEjHvjmKQhosXmoXE1b9eXwwHnXRUYyyi5TqlgoR6PPjkzRZvzBqdyyv2qlikpWo29GOFdIC4MALBPvTmtewi89NkSMuBT79Xe0NE/s320/Tobacco+drying+Akha+village.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fig. 9 Tobacco Drying on the Veranda</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the early 2000's each family in turn decided to relocate to the lowlands (Lipha 3) ahead of forcible removal by the Thai Forestry Department. There each family purchased a house site according to their means and for the most part left their traditional ways behind. Though some family members continued to raise crops or tend animals in the mountains others entered the cash economy as day laborers working to plant and/or harvest the crops of lowland Thai farmers. Others entered into construction jobs while a few advanced their education and became employed in salaried jobs in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. Unfortunately some also succumbed to the use and sale of drugs which has seriously impacted the community. The arrival of Christian missionaries has also resulted in the abandonment of many of the traditional beliefs and ceremonies. Traditional gates and swings are nowhere to be found in Lipha 3.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On December 19, 2015 I decided to revisit the site of Lipha 2 and to that end joined four Akha friends and friend George Daher for the hike up. I felt a close connection with this village having helped more than 30 years ago to fund the construction of a water supply system that brought water to each house thus improving sanitation and convenience. Also on the hike and acting as chief cook was Sa and her husband. On one of my early visits to the village we found Sa suffering from severe skin infections so we saw to her evacuation and treatment at Overbrook Hospital in Chiang Rai. Sa and her mother Meena have been forever grateful. As the Akha traditional head dress contained silver British or French coins dating to the late 1800's or early 1900's I gave Mina a Kennedy silver dollar which she proudly wore on her head dress and which on occasion she still brings out to show me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkfKroDiLSsrEnTVMUFM3aJsK5vYzSM5MYWxQs8XmWFl1NtcciMcU7hYne2X9asXOiIEX9ZB7ZbQLqXbjmOxkVXoGGSx-t6T8LUlvlqtv1l2nQTBd1EUjYRjgafmWSZptFjohoTJuGkw/s1600/DSC00490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkfKroDiLSsrEnTVMUFM3aJsK5vYzSM5MYWxQs8XmWFl1NtcciMcU7hYne2X9asXOiIEX9ZB7ZbQLqXbjmOxkVXoGGSx-t6T8LUlvlqtv1l2nQTBd1EUjYRjgafmWSZptFjohoTJuGkw/s320/DSC00490.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fig. 10 Our Group of Intrepid Hikers</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our outing began with a 4 or 5 kilometer motorcycle ride up a steep and winding footpath to the site of an Akha forest farmstead. We then began a 1 1/2 hour hike upward to the fog shrouded ridgetop site of Lipha 2. The trip up was like a moving botany lesson with each of the Akha pointing out economically or medicinally useful plants. We passed active bird snares and the remnants of bamboo which had been opened to retrieve grubs which live inside. Much like eskimos who have many words to describe snow and ice of different qualities we learned that many types of bamboo have unique names and are good for different purposes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the way we passed many large bamboo groves as well as isolated large deciduous trees. At the higher elevations pine trees were also abundant though several had been cut to obtain pieces of wood rich with pitch which makes a good starter for wood cooking fires. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXbwjOOsRp-NgYbAKXsfG9zYjja-BBfmaGm-rp3TJObotuBoF4lED6uRAhEtjb27pPOsyXBnjwnjxWcbU71nOF_dJtDG7s7GMxhl1C7_BEVcbdu24VgfYk7mjKM7B0HrqQWrKGAdj2dI/s1600/DSC00495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXbwjOOsRp-NgYbAKXsfG9zYjja-BBfmaGm-rp3TJObotuBoF4lED6uRAhEtjb27pPOsyXBnjwnjxWcbU71nOF_dJtDG7s7GMxhl1C7_BEVcbdu24VgfYk7mjKM7B0HrqQWrKGAdj2dI/s320/DSC00495.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fig. 11 One of Many Bamboo Groves Along the Way</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFf1LJyH42Md95QsjGRXzZpY9xnq0R0tH8jarSU7CDULRFCsVVZoKP2flGIWc_MGVgKkmdzxxoW6ZqWQSg6x7UeDz7eNCqSHElvAKEEdXZlxpM-kcAEps1rsdjqHe3J7m0J9AJM5F-k4Q/s1600/DSC00492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFf1LJyH42Md95QsjGRXzZpY9xnq0R0tH8jarSU7CDULRFCsVVZoKP2flGIWc_MGVgKkmdzxxoW6ZqWQSg6x7UeDz7eNCqSHElvAKEEdXZlxpM-kcAEps1rsdjqHe3J7m0J9AJM5F-k4Q/s320/DSC00492.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fig. 12 Snare Set to Capture Birds</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_N1hFjO-J-RtvzK3H7cv2KLKutwkVYOdDZqcNkOQgww3bpctDV3TDTLJP5_JwZHq9LeausmPWLE00uopg9ijl15jEWfjGPwwiL8YQhxXHSRo7BwVJgl4SVfYTptROoiFXhtPYKScIsXo/s1600/DSC00493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_N1hFjO-J-RtvzK3H7cv2KLKutwkVYOdDZqcNkOQgww3bpctDV3TDTLJP5_JwZHq9LeausmPWLE00uopg9ijl15jEWfjGPwwiL8YQhxXHSRo7BwVJgl4SVfYTptROoiFXhtPYKScIsXo/s320/DSC00493.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fig. 13 Pine Tree Cut for Pitch</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Upon reaching the site of Lipha 2 we observed that the main village site was still essentially clear of vegetation though there was some encroachment of weeds and bushes around the periphery. The running of cattle on the site has probably helped keep vegetation from obliterating the village site.The large twin tree had fallen over some time before and was not in evidence nor were there any remnants of the spirit gates, swing or houses though the wooden piling of Sa's former house were still there and upright. The water system which had been installed some decades ago was still there and working. What had been a community filled with the sights, sounds and smells of activity had now fallen silent. A stranger wandering through this area in future times would never be aware of the human dramas played out in this space. In that sense it was an emotional reunion with these grounds which for me not to mention its Akha inhabitants held so many memories.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1a8lZC0TAQH7oMzNGW9SgN9TA50Md-qwn6iIbqG16WCIffHhU8yFTWBQJ-ykSGUCB2S1Utw84XBD26coWMCWm2imS7M2MZjAzBVKKAj80OjSeq0OMrRXyyzytB47FhPiKUrAO3FtW2gE/s1600/DSC00500.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1a8lZC0TAQH7oMzNGW9SgN9TA50Md-qwn6iIbqG16WCIffHhU8yFTWBQJ-ykSGUCB2S1Utw84XBD26coWMCWm2imS7M2MZjAzBVKKAj80OjSeq0OMrRXyyzytB47FhPiKUrAO3FtW2gE/s320/DSC00500.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fig. 14 Former Site of Village School</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Pfi5Onf1vUawBrPDZhPgSxwqClpgaWj4pkQRFBhze6BqdCfihrRf54VhbavaOL6_n6ZAL2LdjqcyOMjRM2STdEYvBHghs8BP9C9v0W8Nyed29ClPFvHf4vDNBsIiJCU8smFGnKkuHbk/s1600/DSC00503.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Pfi5Onf1vUawBrPDZhPgSxwqClpgaWj4pkQRFBhze6BqdCfihrRf54VhbavaOL6_n6ZAL2LdjqcyOMjRM2STdEYvBHghs8BP9C9v0W8Nyed29ClPFvHf4vDNBsIiJCU8smFGnKkuHbk/s320/DSC00503.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fig. 15 Former Site of Sa's House</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZr1iKWwfWbI0lLOP3_HH9qRNorLBVoH5QXqbcxx57wx1RmhkEh2hUal5rey4aEs3HuP802HF5aPg10g8q7kIjpl63lSE3ICizf7CqaJq8p6eem3Kxy-dp8ejvngL1RwrBu5DXoq8AyaY/s1600/DSC00504.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZr1iKWwfWbI0lLOP3_HH9qRNorLBVoH5QXqbcxx57wx1RmhkEh2hUal5rey4aEs3HuP802HF5aPg10g8q7kIjpl63lSE3ICizf7CqaJq8p6eem3Kxy-dp8ejvngL1RwrBu5DXoq8AyaY/s320/DSC00504.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fig. 16 Remnant of Water System</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVu_NDjOmAf_QMeoEfXYCntjU9IHLLp3o4Ev3ieKUSuvJUmntUTg_YkAq3hi91cn8uuzM7MKjiDWjNP7WNZaDz5Zx61oXd9Cz-5v2raHGPiU6XZkyOayCyQJHve7NAh1i3ttTvVLJe64/s1600/DSC00522.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVu_NDjOmAf_QMeoEfXYCntjU9IHLLp3o4Ev3ieKUSuvJUmntUTg_YkAq3hi91cn8uuzM7MKjiDWjNP7WNZaDz5Zx61oXd9Cz-5v2raHGPiU6XZkyOayCyQJHve7NAh1i3ttTvVLJe64/s320/DSC00522.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fig. 17 View of Village Site, Compare With Fig. 3</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As lunchtime neared Sa and the others each went about starting a fire, cutting wild banana leaves and bamboo appropriate for cooking and serving the food that had been carried up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the party fashioned bamboo tea cups and chopsticks for eating. All our food was cooked in bamboo - kao lam or sticky rice and coconut was prepared in a smaller diameter bamboo now only found at certain places at higher elevation. A chicken and herb dish was cooked in a larger diameter bamboo. Everything was placed in the fire until done.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Serving was done in split bamboo trays. The end product was varied, delicious and filling and made maximum use of locally available materials. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEG1F8gI3fsK1w_7Qs9FSrJMPhigMQc-NNT2pq_BvDBCWUD1oxp3Y7naMmzwOYllY5OjmZIX5uTtRkZt_if1Zh5-wVgvJLSNCVqTLBjv0GXSbqJ5ypr1CsgHUFE00a7mvsUlar7CRtxcw/s1600/DSC00506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEG1F8gI3fsK1w_7Qs9FSrJMPhigMQc-NNT2pq_BvDBCWUD1oxp3Y7naMmzwOYllY5OjmZIX5uTtRkZt_if1Zh5-wVgvJLSNCVqTLBjv0GXSbqJ5ypr1CsgHUFE00a7mvsUlar7CRtxcw/s320/DSC00506.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fig. 18 Bamboo Tea Cup</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqvwgsKGDmhcvWVpsrw8rbC3ftooA57D5nqHyV_aEouHA-Iat3PEQHCwjMXwchnMEcS3TlUVUAhV_GVFR6jWVrIb_HQhNbsQaIr3_eZv7pelCYkk3nLp6zAFkC2lDVSTcwmlhvmMDdcY/s1600/DSC00510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqvwgsKGDmhcvWVpsrw8rbC3ftooA57D5nqHyV_aEouHA-Iat3PEQHCwjMXwchnMEcS3TlUVUAhV_GVFR6jWVrIb_HQhNbsQaIr3_eZv7pelCYkk3nLp6zAFkC2lDVSTcwmlhvmMDdcY/s320/DSC00510.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fig. 19 Bamboo Chop Sticks</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28H8VJW9_r5G8u9M30WMmVmkm1TY3urWtdE8tFT825-InCiOSnssEyKlBfTtZmf5cKYCN8hCsIDL3TJVqTCuvMimfD_mFjnH0vVSlelYHDfHAkM-lyCUc9fahE35viezjOVtLlNvmCn0/s1600/DSC00507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28H8VJW9_r5G8u9M30WMmVmkm1TY3urWtdE8tFT825-InCiOSnssEyKlBfTtZmf5cKYCN8hCsIDL3TJVqTCuvMimfD_mFjnH0vVSlelYHDfHAkM-lyCUc9fahE35viezjOVtLlNvmCn0/s320/DSC00507.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fig. 20 Preparing Kao Lam</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGeSVaeoetIoNcWmnaAJto9ephYR3hgbqyeSs2fX3haSU3awHi_gfjGU9RVlH43nhhvQiUKfYqPIlYVQU4P1sD9CesOjq5d-YsSq972oIK39gyu1YGcspqHIgh2-FRiwudAGkXCksuaA/s1600/DSC00511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGeSVaeoetIoNcWmnaAJto9ephYR3hgbqyeSs2fX3haSU3awHi_gfjGU9RVlH43nhhvQiUKfYqPIlYVQU4P1sD9CesOjq5d-YsSq972oIK39gyu1YGcspqHIgh2-FRiwudAGkXCksuaA/s320/DSC00511.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fig. 21 Preparation of Chicken and Herbs</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7HE9CExkaAmxaEWjiRjVmdu3RmtYCqsnxiSU36lcYhkFvXZUarRYRm6pnatYscV9xkFt9vqmMQKmPnHOIHUYQj3Uo2tU_DTKzaGPMNqjVtLazbwdIavWh5Q7P0iXy3E-NKPFp3N_rYHQ/s1600/DSC00512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7HE9CExkaAmxaEWjiRjVmdu3RmtYCqsnxiSU36lcYhkFvXZUarRYRm6pnatYscV9xkFt9vqmMQKmPnHOIHUYQj3Uo2tU_DTKzaGPMNqjVtLazbwdIavWh5Q7P0iXy3E-NKPFp3N_rYHQ/s320/DSC00512.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fig. 22 Cooking Underway</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLMww_CWM4_V8GwUcFLrt-fKO3o6i51acElVWyANXlq514mH9RwdQd6A9iUey9jmDEj3tPPqNXzBOgyHlPodyOr6Jp-_UgIPRwzTnCjbhk8XXJ209fZgG9-Saoza2SKrfNc7AxzBatHE/s1600/DSC00517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLMww_CWM4_V8GwUcFLrt-fKO3o6i51acElVWyANXlq514mH9RwdQd6A9iUey9jmDEj3tPPqNXzBOgyHlPodyOr6Jp-_UgIPRwzTnCjbhk8XXJ209fZgG9-Saoza2SKrfNc7AxzBatHE/s320/DSC00517.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fig. 23 Picnic Time at Lipha 2</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our repast over we explored the surrounding forest and in particular walked to a high point which afforded an excellent if somewhat hazy view to Chiang Rai town and environs. Below we could see the site of another abandoned Akha village (Ayoh) which now is a barren ridge top probably serving as a farm for someone. Here also the sounds of village life have long been silenced as the site slowly slips from memory. On the way down we passed another abandoned village (Ajeuh) which was the home of Nid the other woman on our outing. We ended our day trip with mixed emotions about "progress" and the loss of place and memory but full in the friendship of our Akha hosts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3AmTk2VXT3mBJEmwaCuAwAX0KnXSs6Hj9san7OL_c4cr_zqB6kefL1b7BySuMY-WySrkpayb4ErzvwtuGfKMYhd9_TIXhvL1HnyOa1ImgpCV3x9de7wUnyPjCLKXznMR_LadP4tXyzk/s1600/DSC00520.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3AmTk2VXT3mBJEmwaCuAwAX0KnXSs6Hj9san7OL_c4cr_zqB6kefL1b7BySuMY-WySrkpayb4ErzvwtuGfKMYhd9_TIXhvL1HnyOa1ImgpCV3x9de7wUnyPjCLKXznMR_LadP4tXyzk/s320/DSC00520.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fig. 24 View Looking Towards Chiang Rai</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3B33KUrVDK5xNWmda08tk3dIMr7bgY7JUH-rjJ0kWpU2ZIr5mxN0olirNhEBV24UjtDsTh5QxVabXKsEXHu38FH0BCcV50PkmWdpfrh3lllWv5QEYFcmwAOCH4EtnDBJ5s6euHiNyKU/s1600/DSC00518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3B33KUrVDK5xNWmda08tk3dIMr7bgY7JUH-rjJ0kWpU2ZIr5mxN0olirNhEBV24UjtDsTh5QxVabXKsEXHu38FH0BCcV50PkmWdpfrh3lllWv5QEYFcmwAOCH4EtnDBJ5s6euHiNyKU/s320/DSC00518.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fig. 25 Former Site of Ayoh Akha Village</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Steve at Lanna Thai Villahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10643635601243206721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6749323742658731184.post-84535089326238537722015-12-04T19:25:00.000-08:002015-12-04T19:25:03.485-08:00<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: large;">BURMA/MYANMAR 2015 - PART 1, RANGOON/YANGON</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">From October 17th to November 4th we led a group of seven on an excursion through Myanmar</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">which included not only well known attractions but more remote and seldom visited locations. In the next 5 Blog entries come join us as we review highlights of our trip to this most fascinating and rapidly changing destination. Part 1 will cover Yangon and vicinity, Part 2 Bagan, Part 3 Mandalay and vicinity, Part 4 Inle Lake and vicinity and Part 5 Kengtung and vicinity. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Part 1 Burma/Myanmar 2015 - Yangon and vicinity.Our gateway city was Yangon (Rangoon) though it is now possible to enter by air nonstop from Bangkok to Mandalay. After an early morning flight we enjoyed a variety of breakfast items at the popular Feel restaurant.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKqjKAyqsQfUTTqDH6C-TwQwPsRkXiFB3XDO-aoYYNGwSKAi5_AnWkVi3SJQOK2S-pGqgU2j5Ib5czQlE1qIWeModL2CxWH8fqg-UE0NGm1czkPNfVqOscC6nx615eazfcpKcEZhqk8s/s1600/DSC00295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKqjKAyqsQfUTTqDH6C-TwQwPsRkXiFB3XDO-aoYYNGwSKAi5_AnWkVi3SJQOK2S-pGqgU2j5Ib5czQlE1qIWeModL2CxWH8fqg-UE0NGm1czkPNfVqOscC6nx615eazfcpKcEZhqk8s/s320/DSC00295.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reviewing the menu at Feel restaurant. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorCPlbCKcHUlrTQMlt6ACcU6tZT8X2lWLA3MTG0mqYvs52FqTw7NvfOTbFT_eECYpwWL9CPM3UgBI0ZWqOGSC1ucKNcLettS43iL5jfvGcIdG1ImBEi3gxbTzlbIif67wIwc1UifYagc/s1600/DSC00296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorCPlbCKcHUlrTQMlt6ACcU6tZT8X2lWLA3MTG0mqYvs52FqTw7NvfOTbFT_eECYpwWL9CPM3UgBI0ZWqOGSC1ucKNcLettS43iL5jfvGcIdG1ImBEi3gxbTzlbIif67wIwc1UifYagc/s320/DSC00296.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the items on offer for breakfast.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After enjoying our breakfast we headed for the river and Botataung Pagoda located near the Dalah jetty on the Yangon River. The pagoda is believed to be of similar age to the Shwedagon Pagoda and to enshrine a hair of the Buddha. Unfortunately bombed during World War ll the Pagoda was rebuilt along original lines. The golden stupa rises 131 feet and is hollow where inside one can view relics unearthed during its post war reconstruction. Also on the grounds is a large gilded Buddha image which has an interesting history in that it was cast during King Mindon's reign and after residing in King Thibaw's glass palace it was shipped to London when King Thibaw was exiled in India. It was not returned to Burma until 1951. In the complex there are several places where nats or spirits are worshipped including Thagyamin the king of the nats and Bo Bo Gyi believed to be the guardian spirit of the temple. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfSCrFGXtTMyJErplW7Gr8odZeLFXixYsJekIVt0lcejpo7F89srcJR4NVzdaQm3TOC8FI_Urdw4unW8Jig3LZYwn2gZ9SDsUWAvNhYGD1a8NckEyoyRuC_oDYDgXFr28yX2mqKbf-SQ/s1600/DSC00322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfSCrFGXtTMyJErplW7Gr8odZeLFXixYsJekIVt0lcejpo7F89srcJR4NVzdaQm3TOC8FI_Urdw4unW8Jig3LZYwn2gZ9SDsUWAvNhYGD1a8NckEyoyRuC_oDYDgXFr28yX2mqKbf-SQ/s320/DSC00322.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gilded Buddha image in Botataung prayer hall.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg833tMNRN3GkgBQApS27C84f1tVX4852L-AcmRebqsFYf4wRZwTlwiO3LR10E6742BqTVmbRn6U6LHHpdXSQoQiXdOW6NZ8H1t6rBZY2w1E6lQgUDOknSkYAEb9mVxgoKQKcDuQv0HBjo/s1600/DSC00303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg833tMNRN3GkgBQApS27C84f1tVX4852L-AcmRebqsFYf4wRZwTlwiO3LR10E6742BqTVmbRn6U6LHHpdXSQoQiXdOW6NZ8H1t6rBZY2w1E6lQgUDOknSkYAEb9mVxgoKQKcDuQv0HBjo/s400/DSC00303.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sermsri praying at the image of Thagyamin - king of the nats. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlI8T3mxX9D9agFtBfixR3-nMAnlgyYL3QU7WMzRO1rkOg1uYyZcUEeHs8ZsQFTwS5w4YEi9PBuJwAjCU9zxiZzvgjH6yy_NLrPTsZDlpA-oWleShL0Q_Puc6mUm0BfB7m6oFQ3jP9Hs/s1600/DSC_0129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlI8T3mxX9D9agFtBfixR3-nMAnlgyYL3QU7WMzRO1rkOg1uYyZcUEeHs8ZsQFTwS5w4YEi9PBuJwAjCU9zxiZzvgjH6yy_NLrPTsZDlpA-oWleShL0Q_Puc6mUm0BfB7m6oFQ3jP9Hs/s320/DSC_0129.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prayer beads for sale at Botauthaung Pagoda</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicuj-fYxXEaPFMsEBk7-N6FKNg_9pjDK-7OcSqtp8Vp7a29xqVbyToiDjXEfAt7JHdWEMLf5p8eR-nB5Jb8NSZHaYOpSJzArVH5VXP0DZSNVgiUIm7WbVMaN58z9kGQSEQKLqYVXrDMfA/s1600/DSC_0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicuj-fYxXEaPFMsEBk7-N6FKNg_9pjDK-7OcSqtp8Vp7a29xqVbyToiDjXEfAt7JHdWEMLf5p8eR-nB5Jb8NSZHaYOpSJzArVH5VXP0DZSNVgiUIm7WbVMaN58z9kGQSEQKLqYVXrDMfA/s320/DSC_0144.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buddha image at Botauthaung Pagoda</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLMWQE5qe4wqJLTe5MaJCg18xAYuM1f5aQp7G9V4qI6xvTWmDRdynoiFn14C0YNkPrExZb4IETqFPYBR1Q_FoEkd7qenORrzxzQS2NUTV8j7mDKPJgrClO4Yiy9Gtr56R19ZIM_sxcGI/s1600/DSC00301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLMWQE5qe4wqJLTe5MaJCg18xAYuM1f5aQp7G9V4qI6xvTWmDRdynoiFn14C0YNkPrExZb4IETqFPYBR1Q_FoEkd7qenORrzxzQS2NUTV8j7mDKPJgrClO4Yiy9Gtr56R19ZIM_sxcGI/s320/DSC00301.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Botauthaung Stupa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
High on our itinerary was the incomparable Shwedagon Pagoda believed to have been built over 2500 years ago though some historians believe it was built by Mon people some 600 to 1000 years AD. The central gilded stupa rises 325 feet above Singuttara Hill. It is believed to enshrine relics of four past Buddhas thus making it the most sacred pagoda in all of Burma and an important destination for pilgrimage. The central stupa is surrounded by a vast array of prayer halls, lesser pagodas, Buddha images and other auspicious monuments and shrines.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0KZ1L1RkIdhQr2HtCuT4qqQF7PTWTaoaVSsOo0YS2je8erXlTyABUsJoC-KIs2bodf0v0Fa9vo1SD5h1g_3Lzq74teTVKPRY4YPQJk9izAS4soMSV6UOUue0ogiO849ewHGn0f9NnfbI/s1600/DSC_0163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0KZ1L1RkIdhQr2HtCuT4qqQF7PTWTaoaVSsOo0YS2je8erXlTyABUsJoC-KIs2bodf0v0Fa9vo1SD5h1g_3Lzq74teTVKPRY4YPQJk9izAS4soMSV6UOUue0ogiO849ewHGn0f9NnfbI/s320/DSC_0163.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shwedagon Detail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqiT_-fWoMh-OLYdWeMZDakFTPczDbtvbgDhBVGxRtVd7CBvnQZ6ns7dXnZVTeL80nm1XYVX9JFwycdv39dl4mSJM224cPDyieNiXwEU919RH6Av0ZoG8F0Rno28tYPbkGPxMDJ_Noc0/s1600/DSC00322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqiT_-fWoMh-OLYdWeMZDakFTPczDbtvbgDhBVGxRtVd7CBvnQZ6ns7dXnZVTeL80nm1XYVX9JFwycdv39dl4mSJM224cPDyieNiXwEU919RH6Av0ZoG8F0Rno28tYPbkGPxMDJ_Noc0/s320/DSC00322.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of Many Prayer Halls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt513OwcAkf_bNufxq-PmFxNo_j0-Mt1nZEBy0BAkMYIEpINse6GOv12tscpOrjq4CIF4SIWdY4e7pJFKwSVC795DMYg_rW4lBTf1mjGoIXxgPl9cK7anFhDC8a9XP_OpMsedHzOCWW6o/s1600/DSC_0178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt513OwcAkf_bNufxq-PmFxNo_j0-Mt1nZEBy0BAkMYIEpINse6GOv12tscpOrjq4CIF4SIWdY4e7pJFKwSVC795DMYg_rW4lBTf1mjGoIXxgPl9cK7anFhDC8a9XP_OpMsedHzOCWW6o/s320/DSC_0178.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Place for Meditation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gvnadIAu_caB4BoHcOYWMR84wZ5TxLYSBdKou0tdSFEy1-Xe3tWH5PLouzdVRAdLZiH6tNvx3Dc_6-RcrRYJXmgPolvySnUVUWaU8XevP8Gd4_WUIzkbd6GS0K4dkE4cKz6p2hZQKyk/s1600/DSC00311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gvnadIAu_caB4BoHcOYWMR84wZ5TxLYSBdKou0tdSFEy1-Xe3tWH5PLouzdVRAdLZiH6tNvx3Dc_6-RcrRYJXmgPolvySnUVUWaU8XevP8Gd4_WUIzkbd6GS0K4dkE4cKz6p2hZQKyk/s320/DSC00311.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of Many Buddha Images</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3XLDQfte9HUSnuX8PiGHhmfpGYKEhVpkyI1zEtHElII3RG1hr3KvPUE8LewZ7FNtEJH7uUKVnvHnb4VrkgSyRaE2wptsGylKqMncKxBNERon-c-GsQAdR0gOXxS8p7joXzwVq5IKMxs/s1600/DSC_0186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3XLDQfte9HUSnuX8PiGHhmfpGYKEhVpkyI1zEtHElII3RG1hr3KvPUE8LewZ7FNtEJH7uUKVnvHnb4VrkgSyRaE2wptsGylKqMncKxBNERon-c-GsQAdR0gOXxS8p7joXzwVq5IKMxs/s320/DSC_0186.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evening Sky at Shwedagon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;">There are so many spiritual places to visit it is impossible to see them all even in multiple visits. Two other special temples we enjoyed were the Chauk Htat Gyi or the Pagoda of the Reclining Buddha and the Ngar Htat Gyi or "five storey Buddha." The reclining Buddha began construction in 1899, was completed in 1907 and extensively reconstructed in 1973. Its reconstructed length is 216 feet. The five storey Buddha was originally donated by Prince Minyedeippa in 1558 but the larger modern inage was erected in 1900. Of note is the investment of the image in the regalia of kings such as diadem, ear ornaments and jeweled sashes as opposed to the original monastic robes. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSaAK452fhQ8hYHDW5uqWWRNXOVjCkWerDpnIEimkw_Q2hcyzeY0Va_XCi8-ZKnH7chn6iJZAdCv3AsWsU1z9Xlrcmq-omR1eTj5AiT3RpVgZxH4mNGO2lRK63UO-YBan9NCkeRXGA-bU/s1600/DSC_0161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSaAK452fhQ8hYHDW5uqWWRNXOVjCkWerDpnIEimkw_Q2hcyzeY0Va_XCi8-ZKnH7chn6iJZAdCv3AsWsU1z9Xlrcmq-omR1eTj5AiT3RpVgZxH4mNGO2lRK63UO-YBan9NCkeRXGA-bU/s320/DSC_0161.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Face of the reclining Buddha</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQxRWWj8R44xtpbFoAo38KDp8dx1hNSZrkSU-0znU2p8vZWCw-6ZkcyyA3Upyv8EC5ASI8Qrq5AJ92NJ7w8NjjCyOKiNXMuGUNyUmSg03QXVT6qH2a7DGLf-MvEtuKclv6_I5xktozwk/s1600/DSC_0187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQxRWWj8R44xtpbFoAo38KDp8dx1hNSZrkSU-0znU2p8vZWCw-6ZkcyyA3Upyv8EC5ASI8Qrq5AJ92NJ7w8NjjCyOKiNXMuGUNyUmSg03QXVT6qH2a7DGLf-MvEtuKclv6_I5xktozwk/s320/DSC_0187.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Five Storey Buddha</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In order to obtain a different view from the busy streets of Yangon and the upscale neighborhood of Golden Valley which is home to an excellent art gallery we ventured to Dala pier and took a cross river ferry where we connected with trishaws for our visit to Kamarkaweik fisherman village and other outlying villages. There is considerable traffic of less well to do workers who commute to work in the city but return to their lower rent housing on the opposite side of the river. We enjoyed the friendliness of the people and were happy to gain a wider perspective of life. The waterfront is a busy place with cross river traffic by new large ferries, small motorized or rowed water taxis plus wharves with freighters from near and far. Once across we visited with local fishermen, saw the remains of the Buddhist Saint U Pinnya at Shwe Zar Yan Pagoda and laughed with kids and villagers along the way.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Near the end of our ride we were impressed to find the well constructed Mahar Thingan Pagoda.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WcUr0IDsER1aiczEW7Fk6zHTMUHZm6EwfAQBo-g_H2sgjoNwdipBaXHDd97LVYFy4eKcs04fztZKYcmuEWb8lNL0YD66Ub6E0Q6oAN48_lEiF7ozrCUfdmbtiHXMGvBPKAubsoMho_Y/s1600/DSC00347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WcUr0IDsER1aiczEW7Fk6zHTMUHZm6EwfAQBo-g_H2sgjoNwdipBaXHDd97LVYFy4eKcs04fztZKYcmuEWb8lNL0YD66Ub6E0Q6oAN48_lEiF7ozrCUfdmbtiHXMGvBPKAubsoMho_Y/s320/DSC00347.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Busy Yangon Waterfront</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgddcI7AE7b8REFHfXoKJlsHmhd6d4fSXaGQvtvSWw5ySrNwMQLxQ8HOc5KDxkj4lkp1f05YVYQWBonmuvw57HyW8JMxkdtCj5O9tv0T7UF51PhtzA9LZOIyipgayyZQdOi24o1nkq1mBU/s1600/DSC_0192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgddcI7AE7b8REFHfXoKJlsHmhd6d4fSXaGQvtvSWw5ySrNwMQLxQ8HOc5KDxkj4lkp1f05YVYQWBonmuvw57HyW8JMxkdtCj5O9tv0T7UF51PhtzA9LZOIyipgayyZQdOi24o1nkq1mBU/s320/DSC_0192.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cross River Taxis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7sMxVYsNP5VGPVOjP3ItOfy1Bqgi45h3uaQUfFiwSjSgjvHLvK-8woXe_-tqkubqJmVdx8dbQ41Cx5nRe2VzV0ag-Len6biT8D2sg6t1RKAt5hDVk4aKdagNPopPB6undIqAantXekI/s1600/DSC00346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7sMxVYsNP5VGPVOjP3ItOfy1Bqgi45h3uaQUfFiwSjSgjvHLvK-8woXe_-tqkubqJmVdx8dbQ41Cx5nRe2VzV0ag-Len6biT8D2sg6t1RKAt5hDVk4aKdagNPopPB6undIqAantXekI/s320/DSC00346.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cross River Ferry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJ7Y_fjhFmvF7QgSesmavp0Zri7Ty0OFTRA97BCUfHKH-_favKN-iFkdEKecYXJnRYpHTmpeHzx06rAKC8s84-SjJPpCqhfdKJ3KND83XWok5GSdgEZnWPbtTTW4FnImcj3eUs1iWqZc/s1600/DSC00352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJ7Y_fjhFmvF7QgSesmavp0Zri7Ty0OFTRA97BCUfHKH-_favKN-iFkdEKecYXJnRYpHTmpeHzx06rAKC8s84-SjJPpCqhfdKJ3KND83XWok5GSdgEZnWPbtTTW4FnImcj3eUs1iWqZc/s320/DSC00352.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Rural Transport </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwfbh-3x8pXl1SodCN77cufRu8SJj0isO-8_ekHAz7LSgLbOavsrE0zgPumjQ78GXyQfMnmtVtWnyGUTKXq2HeB6wP9yEUDT1Qht3_zXcxKZQ-rRVU2jAtYeErrr_y8p3oGUxtPMGT9U/s1600/DSC00355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwfbh-3x8pXl1SodCN77cufRu8SJj0isO-8_ekHAz7LSgLbOavsrE0zgPumjQ78GXyQfMnmtVtWnyGUTKXq2HeB6wP9yEUDT1Qht3_zXcxKZQ-rRVU2jAtYeErrr_y8p3oGUxtPMGT9U/s320/DSC00355.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Remains of Saint U Pinnya at Shwe Zar Yan Pagoda</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjce6zPo-ZgsHHBluH-dsr07pcvbn-D292T0jEYp8W-jXGfKRWdnZieyBluBp1pZ1QeoTpGk2BeCBhKtolCoQN1g4pTj9F6wjyUxKVaqJmMKn-sPg0xUQDowpIEsrPBT2O0cz7ZKs1Ugfs/s1600/DSC_0196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjce6zPo-ZgsHHBluH-dsr07pcvbn-D292T0jEYp8W-jXGfKRWdnZieyBluBp1pZ1QeoTpGk2BeCBhKtolCoQN1g4pTj9F6wjyUxKVaqJmMKn-sPg0xUQDowpIEsrPBT2O0cz7ZKs1Ugfs/s320/DSC_0196.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rural LIfe Around Kamarkaweik Fishing Village </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVytyifL9Go5kk__KBcU96RN7qWnmolXj2RlBfPd_RVNx8V6exrgXd3b6wfjUDfyzwDB8AO18hG81GGv6-rY1HCwh-Aq1DoSyKhIfmZHCMSPqh7H2AizEbBzza0hcZrxmjqChgRrQbTvo/s1600/DSC_0195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVytyifL9Go5kk__KBcU96RN7qWnmolXj2RlBfPd_RVNx8V6exrgXd3b6wfjUDfyzwDB8AO18hG81GGv6-rY1HCwh-Aq1DoSyKhIfmZHCMSPqh7H2AizEbBzza0hcZrxmjqChgRrQbTvo/s320/DSC_0195.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fixing Lunch on a Fishermans Boat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKqZsjF65WxPf-N9yAakNmjXtR14NAK7smD7Mxbhhtl-IBCnGOPICZ2LRzTbX4Fdjk_MP4zJAfBdSxzmU2zvzWjJzA0eMj8SBXLG3fw4YwIc7TyyBD0LMxvBjaUwKJnf72a9aj4UKhwc/s1600/DSC00357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKqZsjF65WxPf-N9yAakNmjXtR14NAK7smD7Mxbhhtl-IBCnGOPICZ2LRzTbX4Fdjk_MP4zJAfBdSxzmU2zvzWjJzA0eMj8SBXLG3fw4YwIc7TyyBD0LMxvBjaUwKJnf72a9aj4UKhwc/s320/DSC00357.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local Boats</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXjp9bG5R-gW0rDkz1S4WHM5jaARLOxqUz_SCI74ScTRgGqtjHSxgr-StnXQrQEmPXhA9Fl78MDg0oB_tkqVYs827MdNQ22Nwwy68OOEMGL1fUgBmbsDUKLx7SiJ9zcC869fiNZyOQKM/s1600/DSC00371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXjp9bG5R-gW0rDkz1S4WHM5jaARLOxqUz_SCI74ScTRgGqtjHSxgr-StnXQrQEmPXhA9Fl78MDg0oB_tkqVYs827MdNQ22Nwwy68OOEMGL1fUgBmbsDUKLx7SiJ9zcC869fiNZyOQKM/s320/DSC00371.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lost in a Rice Field</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnr8lPDgWsRHsShQb2ZLm87DQI8QjOlvoKsryy0BDz37Opp8S4v2K2NISW1WfyswxvRQ0HqtxrA0tsj744IITkZQBXeCYjBL-S6fLBDbJvKrHPgaPCyl-iM1ZRe3-5TI6WitwDRxme28/s1600/DSC_0197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnr8lPDgWsRHsShQb2ZLm87DQI8QjOlvoKsryy0BDz37Opp8S4v2K2NISW1WfyswxvRQ0HqtxrA0tsj744IITkZQBXeCYjBL-S6fLBDbJvKrHPgaPCyl-iM1ZRe3-5TI6WitwDRxme28/s320/DSC_0197.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local Housing Across the River from Yangon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ovmNPIVEjsMTVRl8J-WKNnjeEZefmokiZGdnUWV_pIWw1gZ_UANbZXgCOWqZMFnfDMC-7z5h0Avd3JJRwLaxc7YAv3YFFX9m2Dte_0DF9YeqOABR_lriRTb3ESA8GEW621yj-NY8dqk/s1600/DSC00365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ovmNPIVEjsMTVRl8J-WKNnjeEZefmokiZGdnUWV_pIWw1gZ_UANbZXgCOWqZMFnfDMC-7z5h0Avd3JJRwLaxc7YAv3YFFX9m2Dte_0DF9YeqOABR_lriRTb3ESA8GEW621yj-NY8dqk/s320/DSC00365.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Childhood Joy at Receiving a Treat</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSXw1-K3xp5uZf6FhFjCowc6nMDNVpMnoy6Wh3MtPzsajCD7vEAm15zKsGnZDCFT8kkMXD0mLsRThIq_-IqBOEHDemQluEuJRV3Tgres1Wk1I9Lg_M24UtA23pOY1OWbPMmwTw_jSxoQ/s1600/DSC_0200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSXw1-K3xp5uZf6FhFjCowc6nMDNVpMnoy6Wh3MtPzsajCD7vEAm15zKsGnZDCFT8kkMXD0mLsRThIq_-IqBOEHDemQluEuJRV3Tgres1Wk1I9Lg_M24UtA23pOY1OWbPMmwTw_jSxoQ/s320/DSC_0200.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home Typical of the Rural Poor Around Yangon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bzp9THiACnI2a9HBkRugSWPeTFyMTStsJffbmnNbz7oSS54wXcETTJHol3CVtOnaXmFQ_MpHkS1DKMwPaCgXvgQ5bla-_gBVaEQdRicQjJYZ7xKwsoNGmBc72b54837K9GQekl0qABQ/s1600/DSC_0203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bzp9THiACnI2a9HBkRugSWPeTFyMTStsJffbmnNbz7oSS54wXcETTJHol3CVtOnaXmFQ_MpHkS1DKMwPaCgXvgQ5bla-_gBVaEQdRicQjJYZ7xKwsoNGmBc72b54837K9GQekl0qABQ/s320/DSC_0203.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Youthful Smile</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSF7XEere9QA298wtkZHGIcVn8wiohc0YGjAa5mc2O6XunSjZaegAgt6t6oVOddfunD0m0Q4GyxxzlwyL9SO8OemWFL3I5ws06TZEsYTC9-EuQI-QELTrbQYFxpUUY4ji0vPEwsUbYe3k/s1600/DSC00370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSF7XEere9QA298wtkZHGIcVn8wiohc0YGjAa5mc2O6XunSjZaegAgt6t6oVOddfunD0m0Q4GyxxzlwyL9SO8OemWFL3I5ws06TZEsYTC9-EuQI-QELTrbQYFxpUUY4ji0vPEwsUbYe3k/s320/DSC00370.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Village Still Life</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD34AYLv44-v4oBn9kUd8Q1wIhi516CoeV7I_pgSCwa393Cr0NAPgYVhCuN3xkavY9Khd-mfpHZcMkKeGZoN2HUl-zpClT-2MuGC2JBBgIqGY3luXzAL3dYLeRtVP4Ll7RvfBN15B4EPk/s1600/DSC00369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD34AYLv44-v4oBn9kUd8Q1wIhi516CoeV7I_pgSCwa393Cr0NAPgYVhCuN3xkavY9Khd-mfpHZcMkKeGZoN2HUl-zpClT-2MuGC2JBBgIqGY3luXzAL3dYLeRtVP4Ll7RvfBN15B4EPk/s320/DSC00369.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Village Seller of Sweets</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPlnAyGoJUCTNsoQ-lxyKtv2CLOGLTpXLVzzVEaUYxqeGZuvEJMf-ZloU8B5hxqOtSFlzr7l04Fbty2CMjNKEU1JJgUeWBdCEwxFLhxoLV6JJzKO1JPA_dpuWhRibgxnxwh4M72PGH36U/s1600/DSC00375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPlnAyGoJUCTNsoQ-lxyKtv2CLOGLTpXLVzzVEaUYxqeGZuvEJMf-ZloU8B5hxqOtSFlzr7l04Fbty2CMjNKEU1JJgUeWBdCEwxFLhxoLV6JJzKO1JPA_dpuWhRibgxnxwh4M72PGH36U/s320/DSC00375.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mahar Thingan Pagoda</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After completing our journey to the delta area across from Yangon we returned to visit the bustling activity of the Yangon fish market where trawlers would pull up to the quay and unload their catches. Fish were sorted, iced and loaded on trucks for delivery all over Burma. Walks around cental Yangon included markets such as the well known Scotts Market, local street markets and views of colonial era buildings as well as the National Independence Monument set in the expansive Maha Bandoola Garden. To complete our tour of Yangon we rode a train on a segment of the Yangon Circle Route which introduced us to suburban areas without having to negotiate Yangon's increasingly heavy traffic. Our visit also included a stop at the home of two royal white elephants which indeed were a very light shade of pink and are said to bring peace, stability and prosperity to the nation. A positive note on which to end our tour of Yangon. Next stop Bagan.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br /><span style="font-size: small;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKfjG_g6M-rGd18p7ZNXXXBB2OiUuTeI0XpibjaojvFWKzplPqeMqsPA-lb7Vu5PdC2t1E_PepyJq6dT_j26oKQ1xxzcl-6L48feKuem5UAl4JL77C04lrbE1c4VV-Cy9YN25f0i1Upk/s1600/DSC_0206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKfjG_g6M-rGd18p7ZNXXXBB2OiUuTeI0XpibjaojvFWKzplPqeMqsPA-lb7Vu5PdC2t1E_PepyJq6dT_j26oKQ1xxzcl-6L48feKuem5UAl4JL77C04lrbE1c4VV-Cy9YN25f0i1Upk/s320/DSC_0206.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unloading The Days Catch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0YNZd2Z_rLJyH-TsP1yX4qR1KjnZ_zAe-sJL79J3pZEEMtdLrNJxssGB7qyR_GuuSzldeEROo7vYThFRO1fceTtfh2i9Q6lSDMXtUdVPDjpP9G4sBiflxCCTkkaqBzfo5qvafUbKG8A/s1600/DSC_0216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT0YNZd2Z_rLJyH-TsP1yX4qR1KjnZ_zAe-sJL79J3pZEEMtdLrNJxssGB7qyR_GuuSzldeEROo7vYThFRO1fceTtfh2i9Q6lSDMXtUdVPDjpP9G4sBiflxCCTkkaqBzfo5qvafUbKG8A/s320/DSC_0216.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Lane in the Central Fish Market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qgwNAKPxhmnt5bQxuUU46v31O7k7YgSHq0wI9Y1916AiPrkaFuzTpeDXX5s-1_J6yRlQYE7nEBUOzyCw53KutRB-0OndTK-TWzc45NWJ-cn4Iz-MbjVsF9hpbZ4-jm1MgzBGMLw65H0/s1600/DSC_0213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qgwNAKPxhmnt5bQxuUU46v31O7k7YgSHq0wI9Y1916AiPrkaFuzTpeDXX5s-1_J6yRlQYE7nEBUOzyCw53KutRB-0OndTK-TWzc45NWJ-cn4Iz-MbjVsF9hpbZ4-jm1MgzBGMLw65H0/s320/DSC_0213.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice for Fish to be Shipped Around Burma</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7r2qK2ZDBw2btWeYO8W_vJgeC5JTsad1uVsMn0vc3ni8MpVwZ5IvOs-1qqYPXoqjrRZ5a-8ZaGRC8q2HEyX7rO-G0XwdgFbZxKUlwf1NNnROZyEppjZ2zF8IsPYsiTgXW2A-rkokmTU/s1600/DSC_0226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7r2qK2ZDBw2btWeYO8W_vJgeC5JTsad1uVsMn0vc3ni8MpVwZ5IvOs-1qqYPXoqjrRZ5a-8ZaGRC8q2HEyX7rO-G0XwdgFbZxKUlwf1NNnROZyEppjZ2zF8IsPYsiTgXW2A-rkokmTU/s320/DSC_0226.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Produce in Streetside Market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgav1-adnmNin-_kZqriAIVHO2wRy-YBMBG-kU1IyGIRoSEvFWM6zU0aEQgBULmV-uDDT7BM1o2G3XPBzzKPjc5XBsVwvw-ns0s44vomUqTmY5s0V1qqN19Ls_Oebr83k_5337YcNDAPX8/s1600/DSC_0233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgav1-adnmNin-_kZqriAIVHO2wRy-YBMBG-kU1IyGIRoSEvFWM6zU0aEQgBULmV-uDDT7BM1o2G3XPBzzKPjc5XBsVwvw-ns0s44vomUqTmY5s0V1qqN19Ls_Oebr83k_5337YcNDAPX8/s320/DSC_0233.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building Dating to the Colonial Era</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4r2tXvnpflvmDXyvTKC_dcGzY0PGqd7zLDYM9eqs5V1cBMbOGQQO_hUfJcQpjDsmbi5ISs6kYKyRPw2tCEU2-A-7beKlroY-3n6pSLbqv_oTup8cWoPgMpVBgytJgdSlXyu9CbQkTuc/s1600/DSC_0238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4r2tXvnpflvmDXyvTKC_dcGzY0PGqd7zLDYM9eqs5V1cBMbOGQQO_hUfJcQpjDsmbi5ISs6kYKyRPw2tCEU2-A-7beKlroY-3n6pSLbqv_oTup8cWoPgMpVBgytJgdSlXyu9CbQkTuc/s320/DSC_0238.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting the Lawn at Maha Bandoola Garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguS0pQWSF-6An5b7p-RYfB6R1hAmkZ3U2WCfta6XP5UBI6RC7ZipQ48emwaBFhSoCGIhp-f_yjlPf_2D7WmgsqQvm8R3TF7fVlQV_66PGUQHZ7nArQKi7gjsocKkI1zWPgc3PoB7aiihQ/s1600/DSC00327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguS0pQWSF-6An5b7p-RYfB6R1hAmkZ3U2WCfta6XP5UBI6RC7ZipQ48emwaBFhSoCGIhp-f_yjlPf_2D7WmgsqQvm8R3TF7fVlQV_66PGUQHZ7nArQKi7gjsocKkI1zWPgc3PoB7aiihQ/s320/DSC00327.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So Much to Choose from at Scott Market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcGP1MxNHV4Jsz-yu7oSnsz2rJkWUUX3Bbv390qIq8jgWdfI2W33XzLMIsLNBvTufb7CLeBC6nd6Bt-N9XH7uN6yTf82oQYrWaSDFaJUJPxkCMh2huXaMlJmOBpn3mYQBDdyhKypwN4A/s1600/DSC00330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNcGP1MxNHV4Jsz-yu7oSnsz2rJkWUUX3Bbv390qIq8jgWdfI2W33XzLMIsLNBvTufb7CLeBC6nd6Bt-N9XH7uN6yTf82oQYrWaSDFaJUJPxkCMh2huXaMlJmOBpn3mYQBDdyhKypwN4A/s320/DSC00330.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young Fan Seller at Scott Market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyEZTlVxSMhyphenhyphenfnAtNk6XFqtvNzdHsrWb2kbbavdQSC2bsWm7Zu8usKA7YDxehvGZvRdzgEIgT11uXBjTxilAXcjb9ETRPFOTaI0WzBbaXbhQpkeofiO0hQ0m3SLtxGw6Yon-FpGqncmI/s1600/DSC_0234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyEZTlVxSMhyphenhyphenfnAtNk6XFqtvNzdHsrWb2kbbavdQSC2bsWm7Zu8usKA7YDxehvGZvRdzgEIgT11uXBjTxilAXcjb9ETRPFOTaI0WzBbaXbhQpkeofiO0hQ0m3SLtxGw6Yon-FpGqncmI/s320/DSC_0234.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shopped Out at Scott Market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKqUJV1FeOTdkBi3TSC88bxsEnNRrYarLgEen-L0S-Y26pc7SJb4Lck_TQUp7cidvi5uz3NtqX5zJyYbLmk3c3Ki3qc2YrGPPyRYXDdvMm6QUJMesqaDCA3cJE69PyZT3eQOb1ZMWyH0/s1600/DSC_0243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKqUJV1FeOTdkBi3TSC88bxsEnNRrYarLgEen-L0S-Y26pc7SJb4Lck_TQUp7cidvi5uz3NtqX5zJyYbLmk3c3Ki3qc2YrGPPyRYXDdvMm6QUJMesqaDCA3cJE69PyZT3eQOb1ZMWyH0/s320/DSC_0243.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleaning the Carriages</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHSuWrGLv2mCpXSWPL8Krt8Jo9gC4NvBDtTUObkZH9yWj0LlynwCLMo6pwDh6Fbzrw8oMSUss4OqcHfuTiwCj-bTHWRmsMAuQQmV8NPrUqSfEXX2jN6ZIL8ep0pQMIdirC1p3i3GFDc4/s1600/DSC_0265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHSuWrGLv2mCpXSWPL8Krt8Jo9gC4NvBDtTUObkZH9yWj0LlynwCLMo6pwDh6Fbzrw8oMSUss4OqcHfuTiwCj-bTHWRmsMAuQQmV8NPrUqSfEXX2jN6ZIL8ep0pQMIdirC1p3i3GFDc4/s320/DSC_0265.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Stop on the Circle Route</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7Q0pgqLcQkRsAQF3a68UYKkAu4Qzqx1hJDL7I_pBQ67t8dLsEZO_vdIA7qxbL9cONp-3KTsLrGdEJ9eZ4fVq1NpsD3q5kHVX_myjv1AtvopBssJElu9Xd-1Fvr8WaqJ4VofmMqgHbJU/s1600/DSC_0267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7Q0pgqLcQkRsAQF3a68UYKkAu4Qzqx1hJDL7I_pBQ67t8dLsEZO_vdIA7qxbL9cONp-3KTsLrGdEJ9eZ4fVq1NpsD3q5kHVX_myjv1AtvopBssJElu9Xd-1Fvr8WaqJ4VofmMqgHbJU/s320/DSC_0267.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watermelon on the Platform</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJFhS3G0k-xABvHPig14EQBmQaopSmZGYga7iYA2FDL9_nTCUWA4Us6gtzeYtWBHIntjLsz1fzmVM_QSSXFpav4D-LQxWbMV6HY_4dIP6q4lhlzIWTFOo2Djq0EfwPmhlR1MtU4-zdVU/s1600/DSC_0269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJFhS3G0k-xABvHPig14EQBmQaopSmZGYga7iYA2FDL9_nTCUWA4Us6gtzeYtWBHIntjLsz1fzmVM_QSSXFpav4D-LQxWbMV6HY_4dIP6q4lhlzIWTFOo2Djq0EfwPmhlR1MtU4-zdVU/s320/DSC_0269.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Royal White Elephant at Hsin Hpyu Daw Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span>Steve at Lanna Thai Villahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10643635601243206721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6749323742658731184.post-16058020013090717762014-07-15T05:13:00.000-07:002014-07-18T00:44:42.300-07:00HILL TRIBE VILLAGES IN CHIANG RAI Part 2<span id="goog_843263753"></span><span id="goog_843263754"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hill Tribe Villages in Chiang Rai, Change and Continuity 2</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In Part 1 we discussed how the present context of hill tribe villages depart from the images</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">frequently presented in tourist oriented brochures and publications. A variety of factors have</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">combined to accelerate changes in hill tribe culture to the point that it is near impossible to</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">find villages following traditional life ways. Of course it would be unrealistic to expect any </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">culture to remain in a "museum state" forever especially in the face of modern technology </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">and communication. This does not mean that culturally sensitive visits to hill tribe villages </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">would not be of interest especially if they are done with respect and from a perspective of learning and sharing. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are several options for tourists interested in visiting a hill tribe village. A few villages </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">even if some residents have converted to Christianity still attempt to follow traditional ways. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One such village is Ahpa village in Chiang Rai Province. Here they have a basic guest </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">house and a mix of traditional and modern house styles. Satellite tv dishes are abundant </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">as are motorcycles and the occasional pickup. However the village maintains its spirit </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">gate and swing which is used in August at the time of the "womens new year." If you </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">happen to visit the village at the time of a funeral you may witness an exorcist scare </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">away bad spirits from the village.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Other villages have cooperated with such NGO's as The Mirror Art Group or PDA to establish sustainable and appropriate tour programs in select villages. Visits to these villages usually require a small entrance fee which entitles one to a village tour and brief demonstrations or video presentation of cultural activities such as hunting, music and dance, looming, blacksmiths etc. At the Akha Ban Lorcha visitors can usually enter a typical house to have a view of domestic life. Crafts are available for sale at a single point and monies generated from tourists are shared back to the villagers.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Another option for Lanna Thai Villa guests is to visit with us tribal friends we have made over the past 30 years. We may be invited to a wedding or we may pay villagers who would like to put on a performance of typical songs and dances. In this way participation is voluntary </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">and is rewarded. With the use of translators we are able to sit and learn from each other through discussions on life ways and problems. Our approach is to meet each other with respect and the desire to learn and honor each cultures way of answering life's demands </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">and questions.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yet another way of accessing tribal cultures is by visiting hill tribe display villages which were discussed in Part 1. These typically involve walking a path which connects mini villages of several different ethnic groups. Each village will have a few houses typical of that village's culture. A brief culture show may be included along with the sale of souvenirs which may or may not have been produced by the given ethnic group. "Villagers" will have been drawn from Chiang Rai villages save for members of the Palaung and Padaung (Long Neck Karen) tribes which originate in Burma. Some of these villages have their own school for children. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Residents are reported to receive a monthly wage plus proceeds from craft sales etc. Residents are permitted to return to their home villages and to go out for visits to the </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">doctor or shopping. In general, residents report being better off than in their home villages, </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">especially those from Burma. Nonetheless many view this set up as a human zoo </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">though in some ways it does not differ significantly from accessing Ban Lorcha to </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">view that Akha village.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It should be noted that some hill tribe people are not happy to let tourists come in to inspect village life and that wish must be respected. Some feel that they are being put on display and being encouraged or forced to wear their most ornate clothing or to perform ceremonies that have no meaning when done out of context. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finally, at various times of the year there are public or open events which can be observed without negative attachments. For example in Amphur Chiang Kham there is an annual</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lue cultural festival </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">that lasts 2 or 3 days and features parades, cultural performances and ethnic food. Every February in Amphur Thoeng the Hmong celebrate Dop Sio Ban near Phu Chi Fah. Here you will find performances, contests and many traditional items for sale. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Some Hmong and Akha New years celebrations are also open to the public and feature </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">many people</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> in their finest clothing along with performances both traditional and modern. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We believe there is much to learn from people of all cultures and if the interaction is based on mutual respect and honoring what we can learn then both sides w<span id="goog_454072555"></span><span id="goog_454072556"></span>ill have gained.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTVR8o4cXuySk-uaHVh8UDWXhhiW9T-IxpfMjvMnHRxY3tk3ujlN-huFRLQXA7DwyWtRSJQV337jTUwjDxs2hIwc85NBRGlehj33wUfh-MC_E4EEApC3vpniIVRM3K-NExwqkOUrvm5M/s1600/DSC_0301.JPG" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="212" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Village Swing at Ban Ahpa</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_6zIZOiRUPjc-DtyKrPJkHO2P6UojbswcHDL6zQe6BoxddpFC1G5pjDUsk4EIu7DerwqgLMZjPX6twXbH6X8JyMdh1tsw1uOGcASs1UnJxVt4dXnsNZkaeySFZeRD5TC05WJa292x2s/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjnWXBAlpzywLn8hMY-1A1TG3RIyIT_yaMUpbQer86ogAzPGoD_2xBVQ-yNhml8UtoKyPkIyGdyDXKDonEk4TW8wDdHjFHtYm1aqCf133dADBBFTCBiL_V5mE4k8eoE7VTkwo6E3uG5c/s1600/DSC_0303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjnWXBAlpzywLn8hMY-1A1TG3RIyIT_yaMUpbQer86ogAzPGoD_2xBVQ-yNhml8UtoKyPkIyGdyDXKDonEk4TW8wDdHjFHtYm1aqCf133dADBBFTCBiL_V5mE4k8eoE7VTkwo6E3uG5c/s1600/DSC_0303.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Village Spirit Gate at Ban Ahpa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WzKIeIVFD8dpXaKnYXdNP4b8BzEby0w7X4_ErlLjpoNxvg5M_VmjhFsFpyV0g81XTyuWtN945z9rOJVg7JcBPAEKOfDatb5y2kU_ln0Pn2u6NjeVV9mBSKPGze3AWO2bd4oKqaHxnHM/s1600/DSC_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WzKIeIVFD8dpXaKnYXdNP4b8BzEby0w7X4_ErlLjpoNxvg5M_VmjhFsFpyV0g81XTyuWtN945z9rOJVg7JcBPAEKOfDatb5y2kU_ln0Pn2u6NjeVV9mBSKPGze3AWO2bd4oKqaHxnHM/s1600/DSC_0037.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exorcist Preparing for Ceremony Ban Ahpa </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRAolmSDqhC0_u_uJ6wSAc2dEatGSbH_TtOWvqWaH-Op01-r7UT1tpmuTMB_qVXRK1RYms7G1FuL4u4O5zJI-sH7lCuUN18KTZktJ1trhDVwzzv9m_VWXDjYJKNpXuQBYBIzdZg-iA6k0/s1600/DSC_0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRAolmSDqhC0_u_uJ6wSAc2dEatGSbH_TtOWvqWaH-Op01-r7UT1tpmuTMB_qVXRK1RYms7G1FuL4u4O5zJI-sH7lCuUN18KTZktJ1trhDVwzzv9m_VWXDjYJKNpXuQBYBIzdZg-iA6k0/s1600/DSC_0060.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exorcist with Hammer and Phallus to Exorcise Malevolent Spirits at Ban Ahpa Funeral </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_Y5x2ahnznmpy9AqqTScLAGawg8P_-a4PcowQ4YsIZT5OchAOGRRqT1qBKxWlTTk5bXdAFBZoEpUhkzwfuvKgJCusAKSk7LPVoCY9JeCCiFYlDgnTvECQbggQNgvYXoPpLgOKpxXnLY/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_Y5x2ahnznmpy9AqqTScLAGawg8P_-a4PcowQ4YsIZT5OchAOGRRqT1qBKxWlTTk5bXdAFBZoEpUhkzwfuvKgJCusAKSk7LPVoCY9JeCCiFYlDgnTvECQbggQNgvYXoPpLgOKpxXnLY/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ban Ahpa Residents Viewing Proceedings in Mixed Dress </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_6zIZOiRUPjc-DtyKrPJkHO2P6UojbswcHDL6zQe6BoxddpFC1G5pjDUsk4EIu7DerwqgLMZjPX6twXbH6X8JyMdh1tsw1uOGcASs1UnJxVt4dXnsNZkaeySFZeRD5TC05WJa292x2s/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_6zIZOiRUPjc-DtyKrPJkHO2P6UojbswcHDL6zQe6BoxddpFC1G5pjDUsk4EIu7DerwqgLMZjPX6twXbH6X8JyMdh1tsw1uOGcASs1UnJxVt4dXnsNZkaeySFZeRD5TC05WJa292x2s/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pahmi Akha Guide at Ban Lorcha </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmp-wksbOqmgHLZVFO5o_KEe5f-PpnOn9pn-zF5Y-mwtyFmO71hxdxSqnaGpWhuBCUh0YS-fy5eCNLqHA6dRcbGl5OJmhhRaRmoGFR7aGaMtsvU7LX4TCshn8dDY1shaOydXlhECeQSS4/s1600/DSC_0012+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmp-wksbOqmgHLZVFO5o_KEe5f-PpnOn9pn-zF5Y-mwtyFmO71hxdxSqnaGpWhuBCUh0YS-fy5eCNLqHA6dRcbGl5OJmhhRaRmoGFR7aGaMtsvU7LX4TCshn8dDY1shaOydXlhECeQSS4/s1600/DSC_0012+%25283%2529.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Figures at Ban Lorcha Spirit Gate </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtre1lHqnGM3remCpWRcvRTJw35AOWGfzBvINDWO3HG4BzasFj77I4yDUQ__xFSZ6hdPwlDK1OzY_W0zRCspYGfM4J1U2mTmmtTODz7avg20XtSMxGoehLds9RPJ8sVjSWejEA9lmv26U/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtre1lHqnGM3remCpWRcvRTJw35AOWGfzBvINDWO3HG4BzasFj77I4yDUQ__xFSZ6hdPwlDK1OzY_W0zRCspYGfM4J1U2mTmmtTODz7avg20XtSMxGoehLds9RPJ8sVjSWejEA9lmv26U/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Demonstrating Snare at Ban Lorcha</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50rtwr-W8YnYP6VraHZGySA26YkpOS3fw-oyR1c9SQjGRnL9wdVFFt-Y1xV4FcrJrHMkn2TLKTwf99geqMiLEpwSLoUNSysey5WlV73RZesmnnGpuT0uyq-OnqLrstCBdlF4YYYCVIoE/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50rtwr-W8YnYP6VraHZGySA26YkpOS3fw-oyR1c9SQjGRnL9wdVFFt-Y1xV4FcrJrHMkn2TLKTwf99geqMiLEpwSLoUNSysey5WlV73RZesmnnGpuT0uyq-OnqLrstCBdlF4YYYCVIoE/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looming Demonstration at Ban Lorcha </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-FgLYIDPQ3NTMHISTCQyMn7HPOFx9OWYfav_6UersDb1V5ra_A1dly5nE3bpQZP_hIOsI_CY_1BZbn-bSSJVLkdqUDA6UNCiiBIehQObQK6zJfIkUTy7Oap7pfCctWSUt1u6VzYj-yA/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-FgLYIDPQ3NTMHISTCQyMn7HPOFx9OWYfav_6UersDb1V5ra_A1dly5nE3bpQZP_hIOsI_CY_1BZbn-bSSJVLkdqUDA6UNCiiBIehQObQK6zJfIkUTy7Oap7pfCctWSUt1u6VzYj-yA/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traditional House at Ban Lorcha </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQaZnZQMbACebNEsNW-Xb0Wm3ahaR9Qze-mZqVLvaZLh8M9XWCit0ExggNTog7acEvd6I4ksCD4aoeJl9UsbOVZduJZEZ6tVVS0uU9_xOxBILczfkLpUUSldm8zMxgO0v3cug1foOSOI/s1600/DSC_0060+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQaZnZQMbACebNEsNW-Xb0Wm3ahaR9Qze-mZqVLvaZLh8M9XWCit0ExggNTog7acEvd6I4ksCD4aoeJl9UsbOVZduJZEZ6tVVS0uU9_xOxBILczfkLpUUSldm8zMxgO0v3cug1foOSOI/s1600/DSC_0060+%25282%2529.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wedding with father and bride (right) in traditional dress, sisters in western dress </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZsULyDt_CF42axYB4tim5co6j1DRXjZb_r4g0w8MaBOVPuRVzOSKlEMgG3WbOklRtyWmqfNInUkoyIndMfCvS3ZlHUATvNL1i6SSRvQV3BfjJd5_fX6BaBGqSpoTVAt9Pzeqp44Rerk/s1600/DSC_0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZsULyDt_CF42axYB4tim5co6j1DRXjZb_r4g0w8MaBOVPuRVzOSKlEMgG3WbOklRtyWmqfNInUkoyIndMfCvS3ZlHUATvNL1i6SSRvQV3BfjJd5_fX6BaBGqSpoTVAt9Pzeqp44Rerk/s1600/DSC_0083.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Paying Bride Price to Brides Father </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZyHAeZ7zsBlueJMYrvRuCkHM3hOcZmp9EKoSRmn9-TdOaAKTkz9OPiaeXo-piIMMATj5MGFUqb3jhQ2gowS36iiZ6Nid4zf3P4Pxw6dpYNMKq0W6SJC5tonGS-CFS79sEQbTQ-EeqbM/s1600/DSC_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZyHAeZ7zsBlueJMYrvRuCkHM3hOcZmp9EKoSRmn9-TdOaAKTkz9OPiaeXo-piIMMATj5MGFUqb3jhQ2gowS36iiZ6Nid4zf3P4Pxw6dpYNMKq0W6SJC5tonGS-CFS79sEQbTQ-EeqbM/s1600/DSC_0057.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Loimi Akha Wedding Guest</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_I0RmftAHV1hNelFidLDjgRThDK1sJYLmXISZzsmFNx8vvxkA502xeAIjmfibj8f0wWT2RU-LPZ0XTAisr2CSFwpcS4FR0I9ah-50qiRLBKiu6Z-Ee4QEzPxPxj0qU9QnC0VnldxcaE/s1600/DSC_0117.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_I0RmftAHV1hNelFidLDjgRThDK1sJYLmXISZzsmFNx8vvxkA502xeAIjmfibj8f0wWT2RU-LPZ0XTAisr2CSFwpcS4FR0I9ah-50qiRLBKiu6Z-Ee4QEzPxPxj0qU9QnC0VnldxcaE/s1600/DSC_0117.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sermsri Enjoying Lighter Moment with Akha Elder</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8MjB3KuX396sqT1Nvk3-JfoPryBVNjEkYpbLRKYpJ7GY7502Oj4trxjgHovMjEUYPk758ZeAS4DhzjT-Xq2ZvUscVmU7dn9fGFO5QCVKh4JOSLb4j8vH1zLx1Ic4BfGRixr7TuLsxuM/s1600/DSC_0107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8MjB3KuX396sqT1Nvk3-JfoPryBVNjEkYpbLRKYpJ7GY7502Oj4trxjgHovMjEUYPk758ZeAS4DhzjT-Xq2ZvUscVmU7dn9fGFO5QCVKh4JOSLb4j8vH1zLx1Ic4BfGRixr7TuLsxuM/s1600/DSC_0107.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lahu Culture Show at Hill Tribe Display Village</span> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxshImyeNTU2EqdSmbK-Qq3m8__aetXot04U5r4arHlNh9MMg5J0SDjszxdiqJHNwisIJqEgWlNIplYkSu9sddm-fxVf0wnTb57MVfzrfvt4nWo9-fVfGT6dQKQVVj3nVU0y2AFYSLaw/s1600/DSC_0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxshImyeNTU2EqdSmbK-Qq3m8__aetXot04U5r4arHlNh9MMg5J0SDjszxdiqJHNwisIJqEgWlNIplYkSu9sddm-fxVf0wnTb57MVfzrfvt4nWo9-fVfGT6dQKQVVj3nVU0y2AFYSLaw/s1600/DSC_0099.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Akha Culture Show at Hill Tribe Display Village </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5_grLxOzbZcsRVD7grfsnAhrGtxJLp-wOxJzjKX9Oft-VgFsnqXjoSyQvM_WM4atm9POFIPrDkIP7HhCdhoDRaq-jagIhKE23Ddlfgi0349UT8RYq6NALimQtMDayKTVGZ9MY3JOVR4/s1600/DSC_0132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5_grLxOzbZcsRVD7grfsnAhrGtxJLp-wOxJzjKX9Oft-VgFsnqXjoSyQvM_WM4atm9POFIPrDkIP7HhCdhoDRaq-jagIhKE23Ddlfgi0349UT8RYq6NALimQtMDayKTVGZ9MY3JOVR4/s1600/DSC_0132.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">American and Padaung</span>, <span style="font-size: small;">Making Friends at Hill Tribe Display Village </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazxoRMC22JeQDInK_xKOUxM3Y9vV35zITrflvY0QFnrSd7x6DUHkkSvprlt7oz1MzdUsPQlNf5oR9x5nVaUJDPaBIFq0y9RfZ5sfabkT6mIlfz3WkHvIbB4ApjyFc1Aa63mTx7yqnLpQ/s1600/DSC_0094+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazxoRMC22JeQDInK_xKOUxM3Y9vV35zITrflvY0QFnrSd7x6DUHkkSvprlt7oz1MzdUsPQlNf5oR9x5nVaUJDPaBIFq0y9RfZ5sfabkT6mIlfz3WkHvIbB4ApjyFc1Aa63mTx7yqnLpQ/s1600/DSC_0094+(2).JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">UK Couple Learning About Akha Housing at Hill Tribe Display Village</span></span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOItHCrhtRd5qlj24oKNj0VtseiYFhajjzFoCXjUa7Q4dVSYuihzmmp5NI38Yznm8ew9SIIDYlme5AYCmKu3nOZGzvuuzMCP64kCWIcwZYcXHEybJqpK13V8D_UopHoeU3AI63R8MgDLM/s1600/DSC_0103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOItHCrhtRd5qlj24oKNj0VtseiYFhajjzFoCXjUa7Q4dVSYuihzmmp5NI38Yznm8ew9SIIDYlme5AYCmKu3nOZGzvuuzMCP64kCWIcwZYcXHEybJqpK13V8D_UopHoeU3AI63R8MgDLM/s1600/DSC_0103.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Donating to School in Hill Tribe Display Village </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkUEfAjrX6201aiy-d08yxcNGMG6jOmBtYXxM8ivi7LmYyLtlF7K91-i-uCxm8jE6KvzCr_IxGuZguTqfyp2nGJH6iPrFc_QqirT9a9ZaJfumMIX56f_6PVPL_KDhViTG3oS5lnPl8h4/s1600/DSC_0119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkUEfAjrX6201aiy-d08yxcNGMG6jOmBtYXxM8ivi7LmYyLtlF7K91-i-uCxm8jE6KvzCr_IxGuZguTqfyp2nGJH6iPrFc_QqirT9a9ZaJfumMIX56f_6PVPL_KDhViTG3oS5lnPl8h4/s1600/DSC_0119.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lue Women Parade with Ceremonial Flags</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PxS2OC0DB9_RCGuKRSxYDgh0-Lxbk3oO4ppgjqaQ8EKKJSGoX7LQ4Nyu-m44Ng6tZbMyZd2CbGRfW0MTiuzeQgWrvug-ry8CL8lz7p74l-jsbWwqRHUGOZXvQ__Wq5irCmjTqwaO5Z0/s1600/DSC_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PxS2OC0DB9_RCGuKRSxYDgh0-Lxbk3oO4ppgjqaQ8EKKJSGoX7LQ4Nyu-m44Ng6tZbMyZd2CbGRfW0MTiuzeQgWrvug-ry8CL8lz7p74l-jsbWwqRHUGOZXvQ__Wq5irCmjTqwaO5Z0/s1600/DSC_0040.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Shopping at the Lue Culture Festival</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6HQEEJXhJC-1xw0owpDHTlLnmkwE6vlZZ_n63-IAwKjpu7JMCq67YUTe_m_nODGYhghps_-Ip88aKRsA2prc1LN4kkkQCGugWUuadAbj_MjpTM8uEoPSV1igmvqtM3GZ_Cjk40ULU4s/s1600/DSC_0089+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6HQEEJXhJC-1xw0owpDHTlLnmkwE6vlZZ_n63-IAwKjpu7JMCq67YUTe_m_nODGYhghps_-Ip88aKRsA2prc1LN4kkkQCGugWUuadAbj_MjpTM8uEoPSV1igmvqtM3GZ_Cjk40ULU4s/s1600/DSC_0089+(2).JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Performance at Lue Culture Festival </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7OECl6lgFhAooPjg_8AOjnZggmd_VQ4LFaLmqMbtpxLogaA1wrBIlYZaFEbXymx64nEbAsOmz9FR4IEy5Ep_WXuqQX-4GqJ3_Gh7Kq7qCPW3p2Xy78jxhA-VouqzR4gRlxz4k3HI3fU/s1600/DSC_0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7OECl6lgFhAooPjg_8AOjnZggmd_VQ4LFaLmqMbtpxLogaA1wrBIlYZaFEbXymx64nEbAsOmz9FR4IEy5Ep_WXuqQX-4GqJ3_Gh7Kq7qCPW3p2Xy78jxhA-VouqzR4gRlxz4k3HI3fU/s1600/DSC_0055.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sword Dance at Lue Culture Festival </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFqJ2bs-Wuyz3MJFOZVufTZya4jAfvrirj1v7RIr15mBKfqRzm0YUmVAWolCRnAehA9KiQW-PM8m4wwZOS6CWtlrZEmpdHPqWGUKfeQPe-rtlFzT5uqvyz5wUyCH8oc5yVairfjHOvrc/s1600/DSC_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFqJ2bs-Wuyz3MJFOZVufTZya4jAfvrirj1v7RIr15mBKfqRzm0YUmVAWolCRnAehA9KiQW-PM8m4wwZOS6CWtlrZEmpdHPqWGUKfeQPe-rtlFzT5uqvyz5wUyCH8oc5yVairfjHOvrc/s1600/DSC_0041.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Visiting Traditional Lue Home</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlryiIOyrgnv8ZZBUznjrNv5drFeuZMWyZFtZ4RxCVg6zeOtk0PoaJrbssq1pI6V7i0NyU-UDEjHHQ-62yTPhPR0O6oIBuRrIztcI4z09dQBdSAqt_8K3zX6UIf8BCZO4fRL2uRY2VL8/s1600/DSC_0245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlryiIOyrgnv8ZZBUznjrNv5drFeuZMWyZFtZ4RxCVg6zeOtk0PoaJrbssq1pI6V7i0NyU-UDEjHHQ-62yTPhPR0O6oIBuRrIztcI4z09dQBdSAqt_8K3zX6UIf8BCZO4fRL2uRY2VL8/s1600/DSC_0245.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Making Friends at Hmong Dok Sio Ban Festival</span></span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_SsL2Xgc-_Z1Yb7p1vqN2dKuL8dhPtA-NVXlnfeCKp9CbxjraWhqTLtACWErbDNMbvyFzfdGSiPX8SPg6oQiggddzwcuSMfRxavbc4lZNOb977I07NHZSJp_FokXnUi04VSdOJrC-hQw/s1600/DSC_0061+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_SsL2Xgc-_Z1Yb7p1vqN2dKuL8dhPtA-NVXlnfeCKp9CbxjraWhqTLtACWErbDNMbvyFzfdGSiPX8SPg6oQiggddzwcuSMfRxavbc4lZNOb977I07NHZSJp_FokXnUi04VSdOJrC-hQw/s1600/DSC_0061+(3).JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Colorful Hmong New Years</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINifPzjaRQbrsgZqdqLHvkg-ltKFaeqnVfgGSsPL6LsX-nwLUo0MKiDIDG6Jzb4ytDFL70nku1a6ORqOr58PAav1kdpdo8aNiDGa-nUaE3Wel-xE3USIH09bUsi1snaqXJYaFFim4LRM/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINifPzjaRQbrsgZqdqLHvkg-ltKFaeqnVfgGSsPL6LsX-nwLUo0MKiDIDG6Jzb4ytDFL70nku1a6ORqOr58PAav1kdpdo8aNiDGa-nUaE3Wel-xE3USIH09bUsi1snaqXJYaFFim4LRM/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hmong Beauty Contestants</span></span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8J3LCHp538QHYjSHI5fUFy0bT80uQo0o6h1rXu6kLFnq5YocIL7k7QusUzBoynEsp1dv_fsgiVVlKJoZW4RLauE7mAW8Ky_VFATSoyxidYyBqjIf5DMpcvUblCDXEIYNHzhK1CYQcn8/s1600/DSC_0266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8J3LCHp538QHYjSHI5fUFy0bT80uQo0o6h1rXu6kLFnq5YocIL7k7QusUzBoynEsp1dv_fsgiVVlKJoZW4RLauE7mAW8Ky_VFATSoyxidYyBqjIf5DMpcvUblCDXEIYNHzhK1CYQcn8/s1600/DSC_0266.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dance Performance at Hmong New Years</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-phBHWNSKtvyyGkQqCl21omoWEMBGpv00DRqfP72b6T7ndfNlxAxgRQGcdyHafpfIy0HZScpDm5LntYaBCWkGFwsr5Pp5gPUr2uBxXKO51EQQ-z5CutG9Q6Ld2I7X-mvNqXwd7k2Gpk/s1600/DSC_0057+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-phBHWNSKtvyyGkQqCl21omoWEMBGpv00DRqfP72b6T7ndfNlxAxgRQGcdyHafpfIy0HZScpDm5LntYaBCWkGFwsr5Pp5gPUr2uBxXKO51EQQ-z5CutG9Q6Ld2I7X-mvNqXwd7k2Gpk/s1600/DSC_0057+(3).JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Photo Op at Hmong New Years</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9clWicqKWWnxjM206l-NGxcopMpzXY2TqxPKqNjzvoJV2pjeDUeEAczfg7_WEr7Y-Y7NRhjvYwxffEfcCChEPuPzp7tOvJP6DelCbN4L6skZW0brjkkBkFfwiak5nTFBbT7qV17Mf2nU/s1600/DSC_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9clWicqKWWnxjM206l-NGxcopMpzXY2TqxPKqNjzvoJV2pjeDUeEAczfg7_WEr7Y-Y7NRhjvYwxffEfcCChEPuPzp7tOvJP6DelCbN4L6skZW0brjkkBkFfwiak5nTFBbT7qV17Mf2nU/s1600/DSC_0048.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Reception Line at an Akha New Years Celebration</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLem_5UG6Vxf-_10Q5SGEzAXRgk_yyduP2WP0Nxh1z0O9I2iRQjcDclCGnlVS7-OkL0_JhCP2WiUrmOLSdAiAGbzhUH2iJq_8TvJVxlhLoE0MseiNgMMoNWTAyDXuCpZS4g2anJlw2X2g/s1600/DSC_0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLem_5UG6Vxf-_10Q5SGEzAXRgk_yyduP2WP0Nxh1z0O9I2iRQjcDclCGnlVS7-OkL0_JhCP2WiUrmOLSdAiAGbzhUH2iJq_8TvJVxlhLoE0MseiNgMMoNWTAyDXuCpZS4g2anJlw2X2g/s1600/DSC_0072.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dance Performance at Akha New Years Celebration</span> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aPQKQY1uy05FsPivNWIBpcB5hfiKpeoACOoYAgU7F919iHfsETcKZBbeu6yPeeIpk3EpKpVdNnsqvfHTd6jqspLWDoXS1qJZSEZu2QOqbrIEpRNJ0KXZGpRgmuHyECIb-BTjYjgwLc4/s1600/DSC_0294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aPQKQY1uy05FsPivNWIBpcB5hfiKpeoACOoYAgU7F919iHfsETcKZBbeu6yPeeIpk3EpKpVdNnsqvfHTd6jqspLWDoXS1qJZSEZu2QOqbrIEpRNJ0KXZGpRgmuHyECIb-BTjYjgwLc4/s1600/DSC_0294.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Village Dance Performance for Lanna Thai Villa Guest </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_gbKtjrDIoiL5_kV5-nFEd3B-8ZN_NFHpRdx66AG-vp5-Q6dUeHb3OcfhHBSIwUVtLeAe993c7wHHSoAjGLB-I6B5lWz98-v0hHD5PrcGuHzIdgOFYfd_EuqRo7PxZi2Q15VEMkNOGI/s1600/DSC_0302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_gbKtjrDIoiL5_kV5-nFEd3B-8ZN_NFHpRdx66AG-vp5-Q6dUeHb3OcfhHBSIwUVtLeAe993c7wHHSoAjGLB-I6B5lWz98-v0hHD5PrcGuHzIdgOFYfd_EuqRo7PxZi2Q15VEMkNOGI/s1600/DSC_0302.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Joining in at Village Performance </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigssdufJKXYpuXoTn_nJLLbbZlWQ6PoGn4zfYS9IcPbciDO8GT057oN52A-WE1G2QXbjJXd9FvhSAf9LAhclWEPwYUvANnGDr_-tRj4H0U22h8TsYDDU3gldGKYKEC-lY7HUMIWLNIivs/s1600/DSC_0151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigssdufJKXYpuXoTn_nJLLbbZlWQ6PoGn4zfYS9IcPbciDO8GT057oN52A-WE1G2QXbjJXd9FvhSAf9LAhclWEPwYUvANnGDr_-tRj4H0U22h8TsYDDU3gldGKYKEC-lY7HUMIWLNIivs/s1600/DSC_0151.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Peace to All Who Read This </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span>Steve at Lanna Thai Villahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10643635601243206721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6749323742658731184.post-76978397412542487912014-07-14T03:19:00.000-07:002014-07-18T00:41:07.072-07:00Hill Tribes in Chiang Rai<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hill Tribe Villages in Chiang Rai,Change and Continuity</span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: large;">1</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUP0-ppK4o73a2RWQR7Q1dgNtHXp01LX8RfHSUN89S4zrHOhcW-OhAZwLwkahPhBSV1zhF96zDUGZT5pNlOZigVYwAsyj9gyX7v6E9KhhhCCYv1eNJDZrlrudP9Nj63P0VJY7LOl5fDXo/s1600/Swing+at+Lipha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">One of the things that draws tourists to Chiang Rai is the opportunity to experience an encounter with one or another of the tribal peoples who inhabit both upland and lowland sites. A first encounter may be via photographs in websites or tourist guides which usually feature a woman or young person wearing a beautifully crafted, unique and colorful suit of clothes adorned with decorative headgear and leggings.Often further adornment is evidenced by abundant silver ornaments, bracelets, earrings etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In order to keep ones expectations in line with the on the ground reality some aspects of the situation confronting tribal peoples must be acknowledged. Though tourist brochures and sites emphasize the exotic appearance of tribal groups these are most often staged and can provide a false sense of day to day life. It would be very rare to encounter a village living totally by traditional means. Cultural change of course is part of human existence and cannot be halted so one should not expect peoples to remain in a "museum state." Besides this natural process there are several other factors which have affected the life of Thailand's tribal peoples.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Royal Thai Government policy has tended to look at tribal peoples as not Thai and hence inferior to the dominant culture. Migrating to Thailand over the past 100 - 150 years (or longer in some cases) it is only recently that some have managed to obtain Thai citizenship thus opening the door to health, education and other services enjoyed by members of the dominant society. Security concerns in hinterland areas have resulted in the construction of roads which provide hitherto unprecedented access to formerly remote areas. Also part of security policy has been the relocation of many villages down to lowland locations where traditional agricultural practices are no longer possible owing both to the nature of the land and the lack of access to land. The Royal Thai Forestry Department has enacted regulations to limit the area which upland peoples can use in pursuit of their normal practice of swidden agriculture thus forcing many to enter at a low level the cash economy of rural Thailand.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Coming from outside the country has been the increased activity of
Christian missionaries. As a result there has been significant impact on
the traditional customs of tribal peoples.For example some
"Christianized" Akha villages no longer erect or maintain village gates
or perform various ceremonies such as the swing ceremony. The increase in tourism has also impacted
traditional village life leading to both positive and negative
outcomes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Though older villagers who have been forced to relocate to the lowlands will express that they miss the upland village younger residents though recognizing the hardships of their new location feel overall that life is better. They cite access to schooling and medical care as examples not to mention modern material goods like motorcycles etc. Relocated villagers had to buy new agricultural land and those with little money had little if any farm land. Now more bonded to the lowland cash economy many have to work outside the village in construction, factory or daily wage labor. In its upland location Lipha village had no stores or churches but in the new lowland location there are four stores and three churches, one catholic and two christian all with Akha clerics. The village is now 100% Christian. Education levels are increasing and around three or four persons have graduated from university. Though families have a good suit of traditional clothes they are hardly ever worn. Western clothing now dominates as children and adults are uncomfortable wearing traditional clothing in lowland contexts as it can invite unwanted comments etc.. Lipha village no longer has the traditional village gates or swing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The combination of the above factors means that well meaning tourists wishing to observe and participate in traditional tribal cultures will have to accept that they will be observing communities dealing with a variety of stresses on their traditional way of life and undergoing rapid change. Material life has changed significantly over the past 30 years. Plastic containers have replaced hand crafted baskets, aluminum ornaments have replaced the more expensive pure silver and hand made fabrics are being replaced by machine produced items from China. Villages that took hours to walk to are now accessed in minutes by motorcycle or pickup. Satellite dishes now festoon roofs that are finished with asbestos tiles instead of woven grass. Concrete is fast replacing wood as a preferred building material. Churches are now part of the architectural landscape of many villages.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">On a positive note, NGO agencies like PDA and the Mirror Art Group have worked with tribal villages to develop sustainable and culturally appropriate tourist experiences. The Akha village of Ban Lorcha and the Lahu village of .Ban Jalae's Hilltribe Life and Cultural Center are examples whereby for a small fee access is granted to the villages and presentations on the group's spiritual and material culture are made. Souvenirs are sold at a central store only. The income from these ventures is then shared among all villagers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Another type of experience, one which has both supporters and detractors are the hill tribe display villages. Composed of villagers from several ethnic groups who live in traditional houses and who follow some agricultural pursuits but otherwise are available to put on brief cultural shows and sell souvenirs not necessarily related to their particular group. These gained notoriety for the presence of long necked Karen who are not native to Thailand and also Palaung people both from neighboring Burma. Initial complaints focused on the lack of freedom of movement and possible exploitation of those installed in what was described as a "Human Zoo". Over time conditions have improved and when interviewed participants from Burma and Thailand suggest that their life is better than that faced at home in their regular village. In some "villages" schooling is provided for your residents. While offering the chance to see a variety of tribal people in a single location the decision to visit these operations is an individual matter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here at Lanna Thai Villa we afford the opportunity to see not only the villages mentioned above but also to take advantage of our long term relationship with numerous tribal villages in less traveled areas. Our contacts cover the spectrum from lowland Thai Lue villages to those still resident on mountain ridges such as Akha and Hmong. Though any visit is interesting we try to stay abreast of any special ceremony or other event which may offer the visitor a particularly interesting experience. Photography is permitted with the permission of the subject being photographed. When feasible we try to return prints as a way of thanking those whose images we take. We also encourage donations to appropriate projects within the villages we visit so that the experience is positive in both directions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_7mmcpygqriyp11OcoQUxgmkCXzOojKuxa90DUFvmA_X675bjH6QRfSKfxMlyX-89D0PzdkuTy9rrDS7N3BbJlhlVET4wYwfm41EK5qrJL9RyYmfkIEmXG9Je0J3CuSPXZy8TGihQkOs/s1600/Lipha+village+site+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_7mmcpygqriyp11OcoQUxgmkCXzOojKuxa90DUFvmA_X675bjH6QRfSKfxMlyX-89D0PzdkuTy9rrDS7N3BbJlhlVET4wYwfm41EK5qrJL9RyYmfkIEmXG9Je0J3CuSPXZy8TGihQkOs/s1600/Lipha+village+site+4.jpg" height="241" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1983 View of Lipha Village with Sacred Trees at Far End</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFY3bYoJo8AujYwtLMiXxCOXl5BwnSlRHTfo6JVYTaPqX-c_fMfn15VLngns-HHTO2UmS0MPgNb1FU1UFY8dpvHT6ruZQZqQq0AYFjvJGD_IyQIyQ6-wySVCqU4F0zV1sWo2MOufTiTCk/s1600/Lipha+village+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFY3bYoJo8AujYwtLMiXxCOXl5BwnSlRHTfo6JVYTaPqX-c_fMfn15VLngns-HHTO2UmS0MPgNb1FU1UFY8dpvHT6ruZQZqQq0AYFjvJGD_IyQIyQ6-wySVCqU4F0zV1sWo2MOufTiTCk/s1600/Lipha+village+2.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Main Street Lipha Village 1983</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3v27ofvtdldWgPagJETEP3yJeaqc45aa8gKll0vZ8_RPrUtx7nuXj3kOIQGCpt-MezHNqChvVR179UV2O5XvYIGARDX7M5_TTrJJleGIn-DVJeE8GYci7du7TMnFSodWLdWhXKDlPQ8/s1600/Lipha+Village+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3v27ofvtdldWgPagJETEP3yJeaqc45aa8gKll0vZ8_RPrUtx7nuXj3kOIQGCpt-MezHNqChvVR179UV2O5XvYIGARDX7M5_TTrJJleGIn-DVJeE8GYci7du7TMnFSodWLdWhXKDlPQ8/s1600/Lipha+Village+1.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Traditional House Styles and Spacing at Lipha Village</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUP0-ppK4o73a2RWQR7Q1dgNtHXp01LX8RfHSUN89S4zrHOhcW-OhAZwLwkahPhBSV1zhF96zDUGZT5pNlOZigVYwAsyj9gyX7v6E9KhhhCCYv1eNJDZrlrudP9Nj63P0VJY7LOl5fDXo/s1600/Swing+at+Lipha.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUP0-ppK4o73a2RWQR7Q1dgNtHXp01LX8RfHSUN89S4zrHOhcW-OhAZwLwkahPhBSV1zhF96zDUGZT5pNlOZigVYwAsyj9gyX7v6E9KhhhCCYv1eNJDZrlrudP9Nj63P0VJY7LOl5fDXo/s1600/Swing+at+Lipha.jpg" height="320" width="222" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Traditional Village Swing and Gate</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdvhK3nuIjA6gxA1crAF9azyw4aPMyNtLDMs5BtgAMV_xWkGy0BCz6Cs6L2b3l5xfNawMlzz9Z40LtHGb05hyL1rPaqSPWduItE4zR0wf3bGfmKJuh1Qit1fOUqj4Jmv7Mk0UdzRu560/s1600/woman+weaving+roof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdvhK3nuIjA6gxA1crAF9azyw4aPMyNtLDMs5BtgAMV_xWkGy0BCz6Cs6L2b3l5xfNawMlzz9Z40LtHGb05hyL1rPaqSPWduItE4zR0wf3bGfmKJuh1Qit1fOUqj4Jmv7Mk0UdzRu560/s1600/woman+weaving+roof.jpg" height="320" width="205" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Making Grass Roof While Wearing Typical Ornamentation</span></span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jKU2lHMuyZLH14sxhc4Yd3-Jy7gC8F2feeiAXTymQqSq_xnfzIE5UzlhjJskt0i26m38697gyl10iPvoT1UHa8wu_kvZLUH-MaUwHWPx5HnpuS_yRCHYLqRhWITg17pzxEGYkRsUYLw/s1600/Building+new+house+at+Lipha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jKU2lHMuyZLH14sxhc4Yd3-Jy7gC8F2feeiAXTymQqSq_xnfzIE5UzlhjJskt0i26m38697gyl10iPvoT1UHa8wu_kvZLUH-MaUwHWPx5HnpuS_yRCHYLqRhWITg17pzxEGYkRsUYLw/s1600/Building+new+house+at+Lipha.jpg" height="320" width="219" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Traditional Akha Male Attire and Pipe</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEcy5YaE9WoNBI_m-3NcAQLImILauw2SviMQhNai0p5tAzVf8gOpP6kE5xuHpVY541zFwzZU9KOk1FzZtzZv0ElQpgnarLtuOwdSzyLfdsbBI-2YUiG56mWe1MDTRvOI6lNJ_EV1Xiy3c/s1600/Making+roofing+at+new+Lipha+village+site.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEcy5YaE9WoNBI_m-3NcAQLImILauw2SviMQhNai0p5tAzVf8gOpP6kE5xuHpVY541zFwzZU9KOk1FzZtzZv0ElQpgnarLtuOwdSzyLfdsbBI-2YUiG56mWe1MDTRvOI6lNJ_EV1Xiy3c/s1600/Making+roofing+at+new+Lipha+village+site.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Learning by Watching and Doing</span></span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv2paL02mU3AxNySiCNzbD4J9SxI_bRIJQLgesuJfk8uOg5b6RdoY13DHRxoXEq27FPo8NSMnAfTT1Df9DLkr_l7UXlmWxud1W137fvv2_WAgY0WfUArlO2vFQqLjHZTtXeR-WW8nbwdw/s1600/Akha+village+scene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv2paL02mU3AxNySiCNzbD4J9SxI_bRIJQLgesuJfk8uOg5b6RdoY13DHRxoXEq27FPo8NSMnAfTT1Df9DLkr_l7UXlmWxud1W137fvv2_WAgY0WfUArlO2vFQqLjHZTtXeR-WW8nbwdw/s1600/Akha+village+scene.jpg" height="235" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Main Street, Drying Broom Grass and Leading Pack Animal</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKMKy1ehmmD12m_SkyQ8oZlFWga8N7pPt1oGIbfgoBv9a3SGI2h1cwwA7gTsDxIYFwkgfIJG8HNnuJLwJwdPrj9L_QOm1eiqFOFvwQwQ8vSdMJVVDs0709xhbTrpaJFbQLUsUO5A_wms/s1600/Women+bringing+in+rice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKMKy1ehmmD12m_SkyQ8oZlFWga8N7pPt1oGIbfgoBv9a3SGI2h1cwwA7gTsDxIYFwkgfIJG8HNnuJLwJwdPrj9L_QOm1eiqFOFvwQwQ8vSdMJVVDs0709xhbTrpaJFbQLUsUO5A_wms/s1600/Women+bringing+in+rice.jpg" height="314" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bringing in the Rice in Traditional Dress</span></span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqPHZydcdzrW8Juji2z6PJAaGohvb9RiH456Crhhi9lBl4DPSNyZLuOv9hoADH6h0NAx91iF_lXEkOXMzZcCv5aCtMc1UDZXerLpFPYHoWs56IJ1j2ySp9CLg7qLHN_zkgIKgseYv5mY/s1600/Rice+Pounder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqPHZydcdzrW8Juji2z6PJAaGohvb9RiH456Crhhi9lBl4DPSNyZLuOv9hoADH6h0NAx91iF_lXEkOXMzZcCv5aCtMc1UDZXerLpFPYHoWs56IJ1j2ySp9CLg7qLHN_zkgIKgseYv5mY/s1600/Rice+Pounder.jpg" height="320" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rice Pounder</span></span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1462yN6fKdlkTewcrF2MoamslKLiP7jNQId-fo83vwGN9c4zlK2TIw4jwkVKwEfGOKtVZ9FGNH4s1PU1j1lPEbMLkqq-s5FnyqHr7PFABWxNzFQxeYEd-UGMFPlmsGyv_ZPdSd9Gp7ss/s1600/woman+with+headdress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1462yN6fKdlkTewcrF2MoamslKLiP7jNQId-fo83vwGN9c4zlK2TIw4jwkVKwEfGOKtVZ9FGNH4s1PU1j1lPEbMLkqq-s5FnyqHr7PFABWxNzFQxeYEd-UGMFPlmsGyv_ZPdSd9Gp7ss/s1600/woman+with+headdress.jpg" height="320" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Traditional Ulo Akha Headdress</span></span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxers6NhLQbh4eaGJ7s6QUt6yxI94g2ad4sHDwwvnbCaQUHLe1CLjXSMn27fJSRmXmjb34PzRAGH-x3Nm_cPbO0uF1ceiMaPxP5CqEpkqzuDSOxgXBcgr1yieQ34yglOwewq7rLzreFJ0/s1600/Two+Apee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxers6NhLQbh4eaGJ7s6QUt6yxI94g2ad4sHDwwvnbCaQUHLe1CLjXSMn27fJSRmXmjb34PzRAGH-x3Nm_cPbO0uF1ceiMaPxP5CqEpkqzuDSOxgXBcgr1yieQ34yglOwewq7rLzreFJ0/s1600/Two+Apee.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two Village Elders</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_RQeazWx_MIz_JD283tZI2UQRPnLgSrx83Q6ni9nzl96rQqEGy2zdKpdQT2DEddLAIE7dkvuHZQNKQEXKY31iWfLZ-lfebOYbGXwW_7fJcdjYUmgC65Q21mPCvx9W7UE4uqeHeaf2-4/s1600/Old+woman+with+baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_RQeazWx_MIz_JD283tZI2UQRPnLgSrx83Q6ni9nzl96rQqEGy2zdKpdQT2DEddLAIE7dkvuHZQNKQEXKY31iWfLZ-lfebOYbGXwW_7fJcdjYUmgC65Q21mPCvx9W7UE4uqeHeaf2-4/s1600/Old+woman+with+baby.jpg" height="320" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baby Sitting</span></span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Ulo Akha Lipa village in its last incarnation in the mountains as shown above in the early 1980's was located on a high mountain ridge with</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> forested hill slopes on each side. A small waterfall provided a source of water. Access to lowland markets came by a 5-7 hour walk</span> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">on a path</span>. <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here some products like broom grass and herbal or animal products from the hills could be sold for oil, salt and other supplies then carried uphill back home. There was no electricity, vehicle access or any modern means of communication. Houses were closely spaced with lighting by oil lamps or fires set in a fire box on the living floor of the bamboo and thatch houses. Daily life was filled with farming upland dry rice, hunting and gathering and some animal husbandry. Water was collected at the waterfall and carried in large bamboo tubes back to the individual houses. A good deal of time, energy and resources was spent on conducting various ceremonies related to the residents long standing animistic belief system. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The resettled village is now spread out along a paved road with houses dispersed and of varying style many using modern building materials. Those in search of traditional village life will not find it here. Many people of working age are employed outside the village and indeed even in other provinces. The young attend school in nearby villages or in Chiang Rai. The new village is electrified and many houses sport satellite tv antenna and motorcycles and mobille phones are ubiquitous. Few if any residents wear traditional dress. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next Blog Post will detail some ways one can observe and interact with tribal peoples in </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the present context. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixAA0BFOoWh3PICfaGvtqLNSwHy9N0kDblegiulJcH1lUFpajk52_lj8RTHn6p3DDF0uQq-IZjFMc7G1SudoS2f7Skhb_i5LWypbNNJ6mdC5Md3e8U2E038G-BQQlJqEh2QrUZI-FY08E/s1600/Akha+village+and+guests+002.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixAA0BFOoWh3PICfaGvtqLNSwHy9N0kDblegiulJcH1lUFpajk52_lj8RTHn6p3DDF0uQq-IZjFMc7G1SudoS2f7Skhb_i5LWypbNNJ6mdC5Md3e8U2E038G-BQQlJqEh2QrUZI-FY08E/s1600/Akha+village+and+guests+002.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Main Street Lipha Village 2014</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJLOuakpIxLs_F5q9fXL-okR_b27V1g4DLXGzZTE-oevMBMSMUXEaOGiiUOBXj_drVmh-bQGB2yLZ6bzvjp3dDaVyshFp9yrGZ0CfONVxfplBW-v3PMeNufMl0a4_BH_-ErVReavF2dg/s1600/Akha+village+and+guests+015.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJLOuakpIxLs_F5q9fXL-okR_b27V1g4DLXGzZTE-oevMBMSMUXEaOGiiUOBXj_drVmh-bQGB2yLZ6bzvjp3dDaVyshFp9yrGZ0CfONVxfplBW-v3PMeNufMl0a4_BH_-ErVReavF2dg/s1600/Akha+village+and+guests+015.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dispersed Housing of Nontraditional Design</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETX3khRgp8b-nAoFwO9dYnedaZ5bRIFfg75I8KtuQXitEFt4UoO83FvGtDCFQgNYbpQnpzidPzhoRVwPS1FO6-rSAZ6nkaV7KPl_wy8uJs5au0jZsbFRilEeANpc7LJKW_QDtjosHKoU/s1600/Akha+village+and+guests+003.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETX3khRgp8b-nAoFwO9dYnedaZ5bRIFfg75I8KtuQXitEFt4UoO83FvGtDCFQgNYbpQnpzidPzhoRVwPS1FO6-rSAZ6nkaV7KPl_wy8uJs5au0jZsbFRilEeANpc7LJKW_QDtjosHKoU/s1600/Akha+village+and+guests+003.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nontraditional Akha House With Satellite Dish</span> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cZyUzzMBGXIGdR8sSV7Z9ifZjvqFkF_Zc_HT7BsskZZz7R6MdtE1KonLGAVTurgOvm5pvQMpKV0C7aPy-j2Y3FTg5ID5zA375G0_9IAQNlkWvhAbg2BB_SrJTA2cy0zQ10bjRsOf1cY/s1600/Akha+village+and+guests+010.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cZyUzzMBGXIGdR8sSV7Z9ifZjvqFkF_Zc_HT7BsskZZz7R6MdtE1KonLGAVTurgOvm5pvQMpKV0C7aPy-j2Y3FTg5ID5zA375G0_9IAQNlkWvhAbg2BB_SrJTA2cy0zQ10bjRsOf1cY/s1600/Akha+village+and+guests+010.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Store in Lipha Village 2014</span></span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpJKFn-u7IMsdTEVkQYsaSH0am3RuECxcF-1ZH3lhksZSYmNihO4OygLHRry5XjgdBTolpm7qDABwhLd9vGBlpuVvxKMdGiEhvmA5Og1QbF4ZR9CBx9yoRcK0aNombw2qfCoy3K95ewA/s1600/Akha+village+and+guests+020.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpJKFn-u7IMsdTEVkQYsaSH0am3RuECxcF-1ZH3lhksZSYmNihO4OygLHRry5XjgdBTolpm7qDABwhLd9vGBlpuVvxKMdGiEhvmA5Og1QbF4ZR9CBx9yoRcK0aNombw2qfCoy3K95ewA/s1600/Akha+village+and+guests+020.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grandmother Tending Youngster, Compare With Similar Picture Above</span></span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfMP_oZqBXjcNgcPA69UMnIPlc76kvkS_PnBE6teAPD2av6u6vEyTiVPnhAwJ8oWL6bPN_5aN2sP7jSPj6v8DFLM_f-C1nJ0gtvvCwbnQsBwlsKj-eU-sr1rD7cQ9sSqEQutMXkmdeRw/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfMP_oZqBXjcNgcPA69UMnIPlc76kvkS_PnBE6teAPD2av6u6vEyTiVPnhAwJ8oWL6bPN_5aN2sP7jSPj6v8DFLM_f-C1nJ0gtvvCwbnQsBwlsKj-eU-sr1rD7cQ9sSqEQutMXkmdeRw/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Road Passing Akha Village Bringing Power and Access and Change</span></span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehKTSCP36tFWYewkQhIjKQsoqm-duP0xC6S_CwMe9zzbdHHjOGu4a2Yy9jpcJaDhIJC4eVqT0bGGU2i_mKD2yjuv3Fi-lgyPpv1UQQK2QKhsQvLQeMgi1_Cy2vvstKYzxsudoQVkvk_Y/s1600/DSC_0019.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehKTSCP36tFWYewkQhIjKQsoqm-duP0xC6S_CwMe9zzbdHHjOGu4a2Yy9jpcJaDhIJC4eVqT0bGGU2i_mKD2yjuv3Fi-lgyPpv1UQQK2QKhsQvLQeMgi1_Cy2vvstKYzxsudoQVkvk_Y/s1600/DSC_0019.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christian Church in Akha Village</span></span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTW2D2jdKal6AmwgcnTJRNLxD3HPzEFwib7DbiHV2RKj5o9ksfq1PzP09-uE0dUOKs-zYM_JHXZ8qUqAEh8bVeJw7tp_Z21u-F0mlJwpn6QlVc9vLE6A-G-FwQmizVgrvMQYj9eVULG38/s1600/DSC_0313.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTW2D2jdKal6AmwgcnTJRNLxD3HPzEFwib7DbiHV2RKj5o9ksfq1PzP09-uE0dUOKs-zYM_JHXZ8qUqAEh8bVeJw7tp_Z21u-F0mlJwpn6QlVc9vLE6A-G-FwQmizVgrvMQYj9eVULG38/s1600/DSC_0313.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mosque in Lisu Village</span></span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yamVAY3rXtRnhP1kDhaOg4dC5pcJOswFKxpB0jh1dMxLuLM6g2_qjxab6xmvOHh85FQjneJGv0HVo3qnOpbAEXJFvdPIipj-umtWG_dHLlD9ESt56lo1vMlrEmCD71Ef4Gt9k2lOF5E/s1600/DSC_0034+%282%29.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yamVAY3rXtRnhP1kDhaOg4dC5pcJOswFKxpB0jh1dMxLuLM6g2_qjxab6xmvOHh85FQjneJGv0HVo3qnOpbAEXJFvdPIipj-umtWG_dHLlD9ESt56lo1vMlrEmCD71Ef4Gt9k2lOF5E/s1600/DSC_0034+(2).JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Village Sale of Souvenirs and Replica of Images from Akha Spirit Gates</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-kGYtbElGsJU%2FU70OYD1AOzI%2FAAAAAAAAEW0%2F9owj5zoL04o%2Fs1600%2FLipha%2Bvillage%2B2.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFY3bYoJo8AujYwtLMiXxCOXl5BwnSlRHTfo6JVYTaPqX-c_fMfn15VLngns-HHTO2UmS0MPgNb1FU1UFY8dpvHT6ruZQZqQq0AYFjvJGD_IyQIyQ6-wySVCqU4F0zV1sWo2MOufTiTCk/s1600/Lipha+village+2.jpg" -->Steve at Lanna Thai Villahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10643635601243206721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6749323742658731184.post-71280899997068876282014-07-10T03:20:00.001-07:002014-07-10T04:46:52.202-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kR3tZw-ARhvYGnSUR8c88CcIIO6hkCLMM55AudqUJqWqnBIFh3K0aQoP5GmWHsW1QMR2dfd14hm9mnSl0h_Akf4LhbxwVUaRzSnze5ImnHBvVRX6rnKs5_0xIVlvIkmFsquarmWQxlM/s1600/DSC_0028.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WAT NANTARAM A LOCAL GEM IN CHIANG KHAM</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In Chiang Kham some 20km. distant from Lana Thai Villa is the</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> exquisite and </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">unique Shan style temple, Wat Nantaram.There</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> is no precise date available </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> for the founding of a temple at this</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> site which served the Thai Yai community. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Before, the temple was</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> known as Wat Chong Kha. Chong in Tai Yai means temple. Also in</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ancient times the</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> temple roof was covered with Ya Kha </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">or woven</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> grass.Pho Mong Pho Khin donated more than three rai in order to </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">establish </span></span>the temple. Tai Yai Buddhists established the temple on</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the orders of the chief </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pho Thao Ubon. The temple was to be a</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> monastery for the monks. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It became generally known as Wat Chong </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Neua or temple of the north as it was located</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> in the north of Chiang</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Kham municipality.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 1924 Mae Nang Cham Hoeng donated more than 5 rais to enlarge </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> the temple area. </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A Shan man named Pho Thao Nanta was an</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> ancestor of the Wonganan family. He </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">was very rich but believed in and </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">respected the Buddhism. He had the regular habit of </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">spending the rainy</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> season alone in the temple. He was greatly respected by the Thai </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Yai and was given the name Pho Chong Taka Nanta. Pho Chong </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> means the creator </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and Taka is the man who was a good Buddhist </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and who participates in the rains </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> retreat. Pho Thao Nanta donated the</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> money to repair the present viharn. Wang An</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">an created the new viharn </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> to replace the one with the roof of Ya Kha. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Workers were </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">employed to</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">design and build the new viharn which was</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> constructed entirely from</span> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">teak wood in the Shan style. The temple has </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> a series of superimposed </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> roofs covered </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">with wooden tiles. The ceiling</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> is decorated with colored </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">glass patterns. The supporting pillars are</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> rendered in black lacquer designs </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">over a gold base color. At </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the time </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> budget for the project was </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bt.45,000. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In cons</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">equence of all his good </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> works the temple was renamed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wat </span>Nantaram to honor Pho Thao Nanta and his </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">family Wonganan. As </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> the</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> area is now populated by a majority of people of Tai</span> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lue ancestry the </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">overall </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shan style of the viharn is overlaid with Tai Lue motifs such </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> as </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the sun ray or peacock design over the front entrance.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> After completing the viharn, Pho Thao Nanta, searched for a principal </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Buddha image </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to install in the temple. In 1933 he found an image from </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> the </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">deserted temple of Wat </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chong Me Tha located in Ban Don Keao </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Public</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Health Center, Oi,Amphur Pong. The wooden image is in the</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> position of </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">subduing</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Mara sometimes known as the "earth </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">witness" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Buddha for when t</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> demon Mara and his army tried to frighten and</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">tempt the Buddha t</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> demon Mara and his army tried to frighten and</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> from his meditation but the earth roared its witness to his not Mara's </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> enlightenment. This image is decorated in the Shan style. The Buddha is </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> sitting on a pedestal of wood with a perforated back piece decorated</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> with colored glass which is </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">interlaced with angels and mythic animals.</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> As the image was located 50-60 </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">kilometers distant it took numerous</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> villagers one week to transport the image both on foot and by boat. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> In 1934, 10 years after beginning the restoration Pho Thao Nanta made</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> a celebration of 15 days from March 1 - 15. Many events were held including donations, </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> entertainment and they have made donations of necessities to </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> poor people.This was </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the first time for the new temple to engage in good</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> works. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Also within the temple precincts are an ubolsot which is richly decorated </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">with colored</span> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> glass. Behind the ubolsot is a newly constructed chedhi which</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> has been built over a </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">smaller chedhi of older construction. It should be noted </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> that the viharn also houses </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">additional Buddha images of interest as well as</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> typical temple furnishings and </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ceremonial objects. A small museum is</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> located in the rear of the viharn. Also on the grounds are a Chinese and an</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Indian shrine the latter featuring a statue of Ganesh.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The scale and presentation of the temple is unique in Thailand making a</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> visit to this </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">temple a special experience. The grounds are quiet and are</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> well cared for. Lanna Thai </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Villa is only 20km. away making this a good</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> element of a day trip to local sites of interest. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBYw8SYTEMPEZ8qYH8VB1UJzuO3HgOkrJhEEMWpWj5oudapLQKu0Gt5qBlrJ2hMnPlJaqnJGhhq8x4_xU0jYhF3JcjDxf7Ll78pATwRE58vK_j06_Ee65GwjsHiWfwI7yE54_ji9z7QA/s1600/DSC_0001+%282%29.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBYw8SYTEMPEZ8qYH8VB1UJzuO3HgOkrJhEEMWpWj5oudapLQKu0Gt5qBlrJ2hMnPlJaqnJGhhq8x4_xU0jYhF3JcjDxf7Ll78pATwRE58vK_j06_Ee65GwjsHiWfwI7yE54_ji9z7QA/s1600/DSC_0001+(2).JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Wat Nantaram Exterior</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDBA6lB43h90nnrcQX_Iw-axlsJfWb_lD2HNJZlYjqN1iXjzVf2rfsK8h12jxFOfhj5FQJmdGpV6i0OjK5tNHcz0cRd_6fMZ8x7Y3iTO0De-K7QeB5317hRFGbwkvzwc1RP3rYDB5Oe4/s1600/DSC_0330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDBA6lB43h90nnrcQX_Iw-axlsJfWb_lD2HNJZlYjqN1iXjzVf2rfsK8h12jxFOfhj5FQJmdGpV6i0OjK5tNHcz0cRd_6fMZ8x7Y3iTO0De-K7QeB5317hRFGbwkvzwc1RP3rYDB5Oe4/s1600/DSC_0330.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Superimposed Roof Line</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTsc4T-W3UUXgoDQIqW1DvSn-Y4lQLMtz0Hy7UGihZEbKvhEkZ1YtTlyeIY8igS48qo86bZ6OFtxlz6KD9oXuuVLHixsuRHWMI0m5StPGYcYgfm45V02Yl8YoHJ2DEr8Ieykz-LAJaaE/s1600/DSC_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTsc4T-W3UUXgoDQIqW1DvSn-Y4lQLMtz0Hy7UGihZEbKvhEkZ1YtTlyeIY8igS48qo86bZ6OFtxlz6KD9oXuuVLHixsuRHWMI0m5StPGYcYgfm45V02Yl8YoHJ2DEr8Ieykz-LAJaaE/s1600/DSC_0040.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Detail Showing Surviving Original Color of Wood </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJM6PSpcvNGFmVTwR247KREnb_HIjBt9nDpvIgNrQ9XHcQ2A0Pb72ePESi7BkacszKB3MSXVVAvX6j54QW5DLd-pURwNfbXNwfKruF0IWI5Dn4fpiMJEVdzEPYIattYLcwZ7szKB2qLM/s1600/092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJM6PSpcvNGFmVTwR247KREnb_HIjBt9nDpvIgNrQ9XHcQ2A0Pb72ePESi7BkacszKB3MSXVVAvX6j54QW5DLd-pURwNfbXNwfKruF0IWI5Dn4fpiMJEVdzEPYIattYLcwZ7szKB2qLM/s1600/092.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Chinthe or Guardian Lion at Entrance</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirK-aRt7hbB-q93yLjIaqVjD0RQfBRfYFTace2Cpk72xBsGwD6O-Tm-NYtvFWhQ9T3mE9pPqq7by9RFB51qt4sbezA8bh30gwplTUf1A0JmyOax9fC4m1fXd43ngBdhyphenhyphenbJxrqWjuCl69k/s1600/DSC_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirK-aRt7hbB-q93yLjIaqVjD0RQfBRfYFTace2Cpk72xBsGwD6O-Tm-NYtvFWhQ9T3mE9pPqq7by9RFB51qt4sbezA8bh30gwplTUf1A0JmyOax9fC4m1fXd43ngBdhyphenhyphenbJxrqWjuCl69k/s1600/DSC_0042.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Tai Lue Style Sun Ray</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqoVCwz8zaUJGxeCU-eGwqD86BK9kkW8z4vNMpWTAe8JdmhWUXS3t1P-3eY5y50agoBUdsG8hyphenhyphenoreGMG9c4iI0XbbXosIHWHUEjEnDBygo2QshagakbK-TZwah_EY9H2ysYZOOiqcGRk/s1600/DSC_0031.JPG" height="212" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Interior View of Wat Nantaram</span></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With Teak Columns</span></span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFXkk05FTBum8YOW0KJrjWh-F4hfHfcJL12NjqC6v0rLYZ6b7ewJQGuPHa7wPSqPrC90tw-PO74_SWxPwNQfqfMNw-hbve9w3Bhn8smrmubWLbao4dThpa-cNAsgOU6J4NaM7VahghU0/s1600/DSC_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFXkk05FTBum8YOW0KJrjWh-F4hfHfcJL12NjqC6v0rLYZ6b7ewJQGuPHa7wPSqPrC90tw-PO74_SWxPwNQfqfMNw-hbve9w3Bhn8smrmubWLbao4dThpa-cNAsgOU6J4NaM7VahghU0/s1600/DSC_0073.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Main Altar</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9ope-svManTeAx8xL7Zl_dgdUXnkRJpIFgsUIAViUtVctrEatvjqhG5jdNk87MMveUJoSGBN3xrKxpSJKPanWwJZmsHcQWBSTSafJdK8MePz7SrA8eOHmukc14Yka3-5u5W94UyHvrw/s1600/DSC_0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9ope-svManTeAx8xL7Zl_dgdUXnkRJpIFgsUIAViUtVctrEatvjqhG5jdNk87MMveUJoSGBN3xrKxpSJKPanWwJZmsHcQWBSTSafJdK8MePz7SrA8eOHmukc14Yka3-5u5W94UyHvrw/s1600/DSC_0084.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Principal Buddha Image</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwon4MpdXVgg3tFc8U_gKl0oqsBf2gnMYVI2P4XzqI3xmwG9SOVfdCBDT8v65gFbxOOrvHP1FfeMp0aQQbUHEIa3fKsnub0BmQhhPPBriQkXGnyyZWUz35sy1-egBceAdF8cRp25ABYc/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwon4MpdXVgg3tFc8U_gKl0oqsBf2gnMYVI2P4XzqI3xmwG9SOVfdCBDT8v65gFbxOOrvHP1FfeMp0aQQbUHEIa3fKsnub0BmQhhPPBriQkXGnyyZWUz35sy1-egBceAdF8cRp25ABYc/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Decorated Panel Behind Buddha Image</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kR3tZw-ARhvYGnSUR8c88CcIIO6hkCLMM55AudqUJqWqnBIFh3K0aQoP5GmWHsW1QMR2dfd14hm9mnSl0h_Akf4LhbxwVUaRzSnze5ImnHBvVRX6rnKs5_0xIVlvIkmFsquarmWQxlM/s1600/DSC_0028.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kR3tZw-ARhvYGnSUR8c88CcIIO6hkCLMM55AudqUJqWqnBIFh3K0aQoP5GmWHsW1QMR2dfd14hm9mnSl0h_Akf4LhbxwVUaRzSnze5ImnHBvVRX6rnKs5_0xIVlvIkmFsquarmWQxlM/s1600/DSC_0028.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Decorative Trim Around Base of Buddha Platform</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhQj1GRJyctqEy0VOWcyV6aQmOgAtM5d9HbZwBzfMTNcLvRq9G69nkBRFvn0Qs4AL475M1HxGU_VvPdaG-RX08ei9dhZjtR7X0P4XsbQTd3ysp10nOE-HCvRlr9jYDcbJ2OlQOqYcmsE/s1600/DSC_0322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhQj1GRJyctqEy0VOWcyV6aQmOgAtM5d9HbZwBzfMTNcLvRq9G69nkBRFvn0Qs4AL475M1HxGU_VvPdaG-RX08ei9dhZjtR7X0P4XsbQTd3ysp10nOE-HCvRlr9jYDcbJ2OlQOqYcmsE/s1600/DSC_0322.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Roof Detail</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLb8qUsqs4GPYy7iCbXIxsV_LXzNJAb6TQHMTVND-5_SF5ltR_OTA-SV_Uu4FYC5J_H9RP_80YnXd089_eEn46bI8sP7aMrZeUhi6AEVDmVIKg8WtYYo8k93Wknvlj1uGoUdSjo5tdnGE/s1600/DSC_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLb8qUsqs4GPYy7iCbXIxsV_LXzNJAb6TQHMTVND-5_SF5ltR_OTA-SV_Uu4FYC5J_H9RP_80YnXd089_eEn46bI8sP7aMrZeUhi6AEVDmVIKg8WtYYo8k93Wknvlj1uGoUdSjo5tdnGE/s1600/DSC_0036.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Roof Decoration</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GGHcQRmpPO_eSJGDT-gKfLple1rppJQobwFOkYT3M0BjFDKBfAzNBmx2VJ-Gm93uwjVAnmV0qcqdN5m7wK2x_OtP92xd7vD2PNlrBfPbxE43lkFpOwiT7CXRVW1Sin-MAc32Ntzb1J0/s1600/DSC_0020-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GGHcQRmpPO_eSJGDT-gKfLple1rppJQobwFOkYT3M0BjFDKBfAzNBmx2VJ-Gm93uwjVAnmV0qcqdN5m7wK2x_OtP92xd7vD2PNlrBfPbxE43lkFpOwiT7CXRVW1Sin-MAc32Ntzb1J0/s1600/DSC_0020-1.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Roof Decoration</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTIPr8-6j8JAhiIWgKUubjYicw8BLjFr0jm0ZnLQij9bz44_1AwG6iw_6-kZwX9yUDiA8PlbZ1FRNMuX6wA0Lwtqwi0j8w-h2OKwgY17MX1Ns3fXmfrWkx_K1NJ-c01d7fFalhbAGvD4/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTIPr8-6j8JAhiIWgKUubjYicw8BLjFr0jm0ZnLQij9bz44_1AwG6iw_6-kZwX9yUDiA8PlbZ1FRNMuX6wA0Lwtqwi0j8w-h2OKwgY17MX1Ns3fXmfrWkx_K1NJ-c01d7fFalhbAGvD4/s1600/037.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ubolsot</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtq_J8gUaZT-_9uWEfFE5tA6ifBxVjE0z0QLH1ONCK6QZFGWpN1AmahB41lNFNgWXrM2C4JfBJRQ-mBq9RcZJQTYk246eNAnr2kTdSI7ygrIfUftuCcVrtMdC8LuG_4ObqQlDJfWICDg8/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtq_J8gUaZT-_9uWEfFE5tA6ifBxVjE0z0QLH1ONCK6QZFGWpN1AmahB41lNFNgWXrM2C4JfBJRQ-mBq9RcZJQTYk246eNAnr2kTdSI7ygrIfUftuCcVrtMdC8LuG_4ObqQlDJfWICDg8/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Ubolsot Window Detail</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxwQCIXSR5r1FVQzjXBDy9qyybC2xo2c4zRosmVVzUSxy7lU8o4zEaKUHIynUSMRxg1Jk-qJwnmY3Ab1w7RAd2O18eAYE5PmAx95IWNFHQaYnX6okswKY7rlUZUe6d72Me1lCZUF50GU/s1600/072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxwQCIXSR5r1FVQzjXBDy9qyybC2xo2c4zRosmVVzUSxy7lU8o4zEaKUHIynUSMRxg1Jk-qJwnmY3Ab1w7RAd2O18eAYE5PmAx95IWNFHQaYnX6okswKY7rlUZUe6d72Me1lCZUF50GU/s1600/072.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Old Chedhi Inside New Chedhi</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrpCdffbYX1zhjX6HVi2amTCJClRrvBsT833fxHhwWtLHMOXvee0gTuvZfZY9hrj3I2o9gBxodqgGKKXBPpUOEX-UBSiHIooLiZ56Gh6WPYdkrf99tRWUJFrHoU0yaqPWsGV4zLkeZZ8/s1600/075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrpCdffbYX1zhjX6HVi2amTCJClRrvBsT833fxHhwWtLHMOXvee0gTuvZfZY9hrj3I2o9gBxodqgGKKXBPpUOEX-UBSiHIooLiZ56Gh6WPYdkrf99tRWUJFrHoU0yaqPWsGV4zLkeZZ8/s1600/075.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Decorations Inside Chedhi</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmH8D1-4BWhEel0HqLxnuGUWZ8Cw-csnVbjFOWCuVQjMp7eXzdzPaXOMsKQhPy9P4YB5YTxAc1ErdNZwNVtWgPw3DZRwR72CTl2B0nXUv-LfL02WdSDxyXKkpWHSxepP6Ioh3jjSB_x6k/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmH8D1-4BWhEel0HqLxnuGUWZ8Cw-csnVbjFOWCuVQjMp7eXzdzPaXOMsKQhPy9P4YB5YTxAc1ErdNZwNVtWgPw3DZRwR72CTl2B0nXUv-LfL02WdSDxyXKkpWHSxepP6Ioh3jjSB_x6k/s1600/029.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Chinese Oriented Shrine at Wat Nantaram </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8ogftprhKh0HGQ_myQT6D9qe1M6dDNZGVTbS_rg1XgKRvsj-57VkY7B9tPCeCRiTXP1UYcWNp0r7HdgwjPHxyKsaEc-pNK2P4xzTxzWTG_QJhRT0N1SYpxAnVsugOEESewPR3DLPjRM/s1600/083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8ogftprhKh0HGQ_myQT6D9qe1M6dDNZGVTbS_rg1XgKRvsj-57VkY7B9tPCeCRiTXP1UYcWNp0r7HdgwjPHxyKsaEc-pNK2P4xzTxzWTG_QJhRT0N1SYpxAnVsugOEESewPR3DLPjRM/s1600/083.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Statue of Ganesh at Wat Nantaram</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Steve at Lanna Thai Villahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10643635601243206721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6749323742658731184.post-26969413791339401902014-05-15T05:18:00.001-07:002014-05-15T05:23:46.718-07:00<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> VISAKABUCHA CELEBRATIONS IN BAN NGAO</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: small;">May 13th was Visaka Bucha Day here in Thailand. The date changes according to </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> the lunar cycle and is figured as the full moon day of the 6th lunar month - usually</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> falling in May. The celebration is one of the most important in the annual Buddhist </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> calendar as it celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha, events </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> which are believed to have occurred on the same day of the same month. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Visaka celebrations began in Thailand about 700 years ago during a period </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> of active exchanges of monks from Sri Lanka and Thailand. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> This years celebration was centered on a That or Chedi located on a hill only a few </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> hundred meters from Lanna Thai Villa. Nineteen villages or muban were invited. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Preparations began several days in advance with groups of workers clearing the </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> grounds, painting buildings and placing ceremonial flags or tung and placing them </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> along the approaches to the That. In addition villagers prepared donations and </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> constructed "money trees" to carry the offerings to be presented at the ceremony. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Some villages formed dance groups to provide traditional entertainment. Given </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> that the event would draw hundreds of participants who would need to be fed many </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> people cooked food to donate for free distribution as a way of making merit. The</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> event began with participants parading to theThat with offerings and tung. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Offerings included flowers, joss sticks and candles all symbolic of lifes </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> impermanence as flowers will wilt and candles and joss sticks will burn out. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> There were several aspects to the days events. One, a saloong nam that or the </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> washing of the That with scented water (nam san poy). A large container was set up </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> and a pump and hose system would transport water placed into the container to the </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> top of the That where it would drain down over the structure. This activity was symbolic </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> of cleansing bad Karma. Prior to the ceremony day a string had been placed from </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> the principal Buddha image in the prayer hall down and around the entire village </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> with offshoots going to each home which in turn may have been surrounded with </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> the string or perhaps only an offshoot would go into the home's Buddha image. In </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> the prayer hall an overhead lattice of strings was placed prior to the ceremony. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> The lattice was also connected to the principal Buddha image. Hanging down </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> from the lattice were strings which could either be draped on the participants </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> shoulders or wrapped around their head. In this way both the village and the</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> individual participant could directly receive the blessings from the monks chanting </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> which were to invoke peace and happiness for all concerned. Further merit was </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> gained via the cash and food donations. Prior to the chanting villagers presented </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> traditional Lanna style dances. Circulating in the crowds during the day were lottery</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> ticket sellers hoping to make sales from some o0f the many attendees.The day </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> ended with lam vong dancing. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit71lUgUj9vbq0CTCaTsjjGXyWLGOyDw0Xt2DF0KYMgq7z3Eb7-voxcltmDhzHETTVaBdOJIc6nzWlFUFCuqt2rK5vUwj5dQkbNw9f5E9_ij71vzrmcyeTLLuPiS2iY7cVKOXyMVxa6tQ/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit71lUgUj9vbq0CTCaTsjjGXyWLGOyDw0Xt2DF0KYMgq7z3Eb7-voxcltmDhzHETTVaBdOJIc6nzWlFUFCuqt2rK5vUwj5dQkbNw9f5E9_ij71vzrmcyeTLLuPiS2iY7cVKOXyMVxa6tQ/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+032.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">THAT NEAR THE RICE FIELD</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVk514BVp-nC8Nf0qEUiblle9PwvP7Up3uwLsZOoZLyk4LX8vPeq9A4c-8j25zkbrQ_hHo5tYwA91baUO1qXmnVZUswWQK9Hqi7WFYoomu-112foL9fO_CHxox7JIwG9NQE2Xm6ScWwa8/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVk514BVp-nC8Nf0qEUiblle9PwvP7Up3uwLsZOoZLyk4LX8vPeq9A4c-8j25zkbrQ_hHo5tYwA91baUO1qXmnVZUswWQK9Hqi7WFYoomu-112foL9fO_CHxox7JIwG9NQE2Xm6ScWwa8/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+021.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">NAGA ON STAIRWAY TO THAT</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8cGnjpAF58Aw7lpu_Diwit2FlDpgD0xRrqa5V42804EL4Peghj9vnZvwBNPV4fu5BNtAjVjoGZP-jQ2ZJNt4ZNu8lc4mtuV9_ayoj1sk6T0LRzqHbAGpdkxxHBbp-qM5v-9kY9cEJwg/s1600/Snake+and+That+pics+May+2014+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8cGnjpAF58Aw7lpu_Diwit2FlDpgD0xRrqa5V42804EL4Peghj9vnZvwBNPV4fu5BNtAjVjoGZP-jQ2ZJNt4ZNu8lc4mtuV9_ayoj1sk6T0LRzqHbAGpdkxxHBbp-qM5v-9kY9cEJwg/s1600/Snake+and+That+pics+May+2014+011.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">MAKING TUNG OR CEREMONIAL FLAGS </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7CvZXLNSaELEcBhxttQuLsRA9Qvis0glJltcBh1FNQCd7nzHsDbaqyX1Du112jMQg8a0PVb2JXOvaBTe4m0i0WU7skB5p8nlic3Zdjo5CE_b12l-VUnacjySNnhufu-9dYmyURUbMwYE/s1600/Snake+and+That+pics+May+2014+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7CvZXLNSaELEcBhxttQuLsRA9Qvis0glJltcBh1FNQCd7nzHsDbaqyX1Du112jMQg8a0PVb2JXOvaBTe4m0i0WU7skB5p8nlic3Zdjo5CE_b12l-VUnacjySNnhufu-9dYmyURUbMwYE/s1600/Snake+and+That+pics+May+2014+032.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">PUTTING ON THE FINISHING TOUCHES</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbPYsWTGpy41Um4nswTnGOHqMeZeAOuyO4JdIIF3Nsq9sVNDIXhS22ZM9a1OJxXRJjCR4pt-fKSgI1zHRZQLMF9Kh3jLP6SNIIIqMBzTinDzMZRgadYjWgJIhS0OyZT_v4wrd7akNqfU/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbPYsWTGpy41Um4nswTnGOHqMeZeAOuyO4JdIIF3Nsq9sVNDIXhS22ZM9a1OJxXRJjCR4pt-fKSgI1zHRZQLMF9Kh3jLP6SNIIIqMBzTinDzMZRgadYjWgJIhS0OyZT_v4wrd7akNqfU/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+005.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">"MONEY TREE"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgL60AIEQxyep2vHr_My9125pWPQhybkvl55XAukIopbiJLx2I0Faf4OlqYrq6d00Y4Ue3abWv_P0S_7QobgkTZdNu-kueDX-o7RrMN_r1W8WR1KsMWpUYQyKWh88O6p7Ltl4uGhaQQk/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgL60AIEQxyep2vHr_My9125pWPQhybkvl55XAukIopbiJLx2I0Faf4OlqYrq6d00Y4Ue3abWv_P0S_7QobgkTZdNu-kueDX-o7RrMN_r1W8WR1KsMWpUYQyKWh88O6p7Ltl4uGhaQQk/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+030.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">VILLAGE DANCERS</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDAv6xOL9I0nq6f5sLXu_DbtAyrnPBYm8P1_c_hZgDGTHx3v15A8UXNBP9k0MQPCvltWglKI0Ey-TelZfEG3sL3yYDusdrDSOymton4XJL7LDckfd3et_W57fIkxoaVEyYrSZlBH1qcFc/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDAv6xOL9I0nq6f5sLXu_DbtAyrnPBYm8P1_c_hZgDGTHx3v15A8UXNBP9k0MQPCvltWglKI0Ey-TelZfEG3sL3yYDusdrDSOymton4XJL7LDckfd3et_W57fIkxoaVEyYrSZlBH1qcFc/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+059.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">PARADE OF WORSHIPERS</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhXrk6xZnsOpdqKH8s7pcb2YMMq1Qrgi5yVkddlgqT2HU1dKU20Hij6jaULYPedwggN_HPH1pngze-gKQCzE_wGq5TzYnQKO4UAVNQ_DbHEG_xzhppBPSgoACWBb36lvE41_32EAoNqc/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhXrk6xZnsOpdqKH8s7pcb2YMMq1Qrgi5yVkddlgqT2HU1dKU20Hij6jaULYPedwggN_HPH1pngze-gKQCzE_wGq5TzYnQKO4UAVNQ_DbHEG_xzhppBPSgoACWBb36lvE41_32EAoNqc/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+055.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">BRINGING SPECIAL ITEMS</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6licsxsGRonLRSGmhFfswO-KRDwzGm0eLa6mW5J_M8hIowiNgX7QSNu51Cfi6IEhFAsathZwNSmJBADmX9pfzse-m20gJFEOILoghxJka2jl6SGTlDsqgcy53liV9E0_PRC0YCiXzXDI/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6licsxsGRonLRSGmhFfswO-KRDwzGm0eLa6mW5J_M8hIowiNgX7QSNu51Cfi6IEhFAsathZwNSmJBADmX9pfzse-m20gJFEOILoghxJka2jl6SGTlDsqgcy53liV9E0_PRC0YCiXzXDI/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+063.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">JOY OF THE OCCASION IS ON THE FACES</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nuLcig5n_W6_wZMD1LI4GiNbqSyhI0UyOMC6TH5i4deWSfe-tUzK2dkU9bAvAHuWOcnrb5MuM2ObEhUyyM1fCwtyQ01gCJPQktpCn1WJJnfbCf7xIa2S_IlF_WqlfpXBjWwHO_-G6JY/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nuLcig5n_W6_wZMD1LI4GiNbqSyhI0UyOMC6TH5i4deWSfe-tUzK2dkU9bAvAHuWOcnrb5MuM2ObEhUyyM1fCwtyQ01gCJPQktpCn1WJJnfbCf7xIa2S_IlF_WqlfpXBjWwHO_-G6JY/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+089.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">CIRCLING THE THAT WITH A GOLDEN CLOTH</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSnjxwowcdRGuO3KKSqNj-qDzNXVt_LqTPAB-u6PayuSwWrjJUyM0Htd-FN-BcBJIYEwTyA7crq0M2y_iPpE-SD54UpqMjL-9kiKyDOZRiyNd-pFHVexuL1kn4HZHuaVeuf2kfQmus38/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSnjxwowcdRGuO3KKSqNj-qDzNXVt_LqTPAB-u6PayuSwWrjJUyM0Htd-FN-BcBJIYEwTyA7crq0M2y_iPpE-SD54UpqMjL-9kiKyDOZRiyNd-pFHVexuL1kn4HZHuaVeuf2kfQmus38/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+091.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">WORSHIPERS CIRCLE THE THAT THREE TIMES</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAuemKkD0r-oAvbkSX957wxgvdZ4QB0wGIQTxuSohXNipnrvpA0_LWkbePdLkMmalb5GZ6UJQK2scVDfU7cFShWlRsaQOSXlaESaX48PKaK_Rpv-bj7q2UruCn_N2vlWQ05IYETD18_c/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAuemKkD0r-oAvbkSX957wxgvdZ4QB0wGIQTxuSohXNipnrvpA0_LWkbePdLkMmalb5GZ6UJQK2scVDfU7cFShWlRsaQOSXlaESaX48PKaK_Rpv-bj7q2UruCn_N2vlWQ05IYETD18_c/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+040.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">DONATING SCENTED WATER</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJc066q4MWovXN8LxEbQXf9kQW3XEEhvpau5AFBproeM8W9BGSjuIFhOeHvmKfvvbbqyE5YWojtJjSj5Vkw7RdTC-_sweKqyyLLQEpw17uoHt56bwmOVw1dZAxsBl3x0IzKNRTLYkfCg/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJc066q4MWovXN8LxEbQXf9kQW3XEEhvpau5AFBproeM8W9BGSjuIFhOeHvmKfvvbbqyE5YWojtJjSj5Vkw7RdTC-_sweKqyyLLQEpw17uoHt56bwmOVw1dZAxsBl3x0IzKNRTLYkfCg/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+043.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">TAKING A MOMENT FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVibR6zchCJMSNwgFJhqVgRyjewXe0UTXBteg6plV8jyW5_upFBpOHnsm0xDpcwIZ2gFvoTIQDWDuWAiM7TjbOqHKoNBktWqzfptQ3hXdiF1Ass4Wn7c9DK8UIPQsJXDoGDRIo0TZDX4M/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVibR6zchCJMSNwgFJhqVgRyjewXe0UTXBteg6plV8jyW5_upFBpOHnsm0xDpcwIZ2gFvoTIQDWDuWAiM7TjbOqHKoNBktWqzfptQ3hXdiF1Ass4Wn7c9DK8UIPQsJXDoGDRIo0TZDX4M/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+077.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">STRING COMING FROM THE PRINCIPAL BUDDHA IMAGE</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpaxjZIWj7WsolZSgUhTyoCbE7vb1pwlIhQFTYEVM3iKdnE5JS_ZVqjxVP0BKxG_7W5zCKaOPT1UvYEke0JW7TBKUa5xNbBM09XIsr6C8PYYE36wZX8DzFJHdrpbkT3cSUHcwlSs_EP5g/s1600/Snake+and+That+pics+May+2014+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpaxjZIWj7WsolZSgUhTyoCbE7vb1pwlIhQFTYEVM3iKdnE5JS_ZVqjxVP0BKxG_7W5zCKaOPT1UvYEke0JW7TBKUa5xNbBM09XIsr6C8PYYE36wZX8DzFJHdrpbkT3cSUHcwlSs_EP5g/s1600/Snake+and+That+pics+May+2014+004.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">STRING GOING AROUND LANNA THAI VILLA</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0Ws9YDtPgj9ItTw_V63tnkJhV8kAtcFM6oQuA_l2mGCwFXJxmKNIkCDZFEM9PlbX4dQ24P7qK5DN6Kwgfh1c1sOE3aNjpWftjzys6-YdTRXVFVQUSl2ay4Fyt_WO2Y1ssnYSgnwSn44/s1600/Snake+and+That+pics+May+2014+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0Ws9YDtPgj9ItTw_V63tnkJhV8kAtcFM6oQuA_l2mGCwFXJxmKNIkCDZFEM9PlbX4dQ24P7qK5DN6Kwgfh1c1sOE3aNjpWftjzys6-YdTRXVFVQUSl2ay4Fyt_WO2Y1ssnYSgnwSn44/s1600/Snake+and+That+pics+May+2014+023.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">STRINGS IN MEETING HALL</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0Tev2ypQynttwlh6dtenfTXhoCauVDttU789_NwxcJOk4gmQtHe6Ezxv8EXhecRZrMoVFIsWIKzLsL4tby942eOAn39jCeInBjHzQRA1c5MrZjo4uf4S6CyWq0Qmw3TOHEeSWfhmlK0/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0Tev2ypQynttwlh6dtenfTXhoCauVDttU789_NwxcJOk4gmQtHe6Ezxv8EXhecRZrMoVFIsWIKzLsL4tby942eOAn39jCeInBjHzQRA1c5MrZjo4uf4S6CyWq0Qmw3TOHEeSWfhmlK0/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+147.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">YOUNG DANCERS PERFORMING</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrk3i1MzmO70fW3UBHa_55GrwXvDzaaOe2HlETfjxM5YP78kvXFF6lkLv2maRxUYAkP5cuSCwT86j6mMD60w_p6rrmDRfFtYD8wpHfAuLZVcPVt7l0-IWWpr9zU1MmvvRtGG1q_GEk5tQ/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrk3i1MzmO70fW3UBHa_55GrwXvDzaaOe2HlETfjxM5YP78kvXFF6lkLv2maRxUYAkP5cuSCwT86j6mMD60w_p6rrmDRfFtYD8wpHfAuLZVcPVt7l0-IWWpr9zU1MmvvRtGG1q_GEk5tQ/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+148.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">END OF THE DANCE</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0saBvEDo2mHHcXcj69D3kGkWfZ-D5hyuC3pUAOAIEESQraGnjYW5ExleL4Xoro09WGG19a-taf0stZo0k3gvqjLZNbuxD69RFlZ80oBkynt0G4hZ6Po4G9Gm21LIvqVPG8Bua0x_n6P8/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0saBvEDo2mHHcXcj69D3kGkWfZ-D5hyuC3pUAOAIEESQraGnjYW5ExleL4Xoro09WGG19a-taf0stZo0k3gvqjLZNbuxD69RFlZ80oBkynt0G4hZ6Po4G9Gm21LIvqVPG8Bua0x_n6P8/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+157.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">DANCERS FROM A DIFFERENT VILLAGE</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqkyG8u_HOvWTga2q5KHNzcaLwcb6jeNi6UwLuJhEb-Zq4CpSLkpyTkOZtxCI2eyNhSlIILTXIV3nwJ_q2ewkThFMlbPKvCuLZHmrnlFeTYWDpBFnD5TYayi19WPM41H5EqnDggujNrl0/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqkyG8u_HOvWTga2q5KHNzcaLwcb6jeNi6UwLuJhEb-Zq4CpSLkpyTkOZtxCI2eyNhSlIILTXIV3nwJ_q2ewkThFMlbPKvCuLZHmrnlFeTYWDpBFnD5TYayi19WPM41H5EqnDggujNrl0/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+160.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">YOUNG PERFORMER</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4-QtN-oAhZ1gICvMVJ8AkqdR1sBPQE0s5CHxd2sY8FgvxcnS7MmK34ZRQ7X8pl7vQBNHRjDN8hLdA2Mh5ceq82c_hRWqCIrFE20aCjuC1og9GhDW5uD5o7rr5KRfxm_jo064ipxWIh0/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4-QtN-oAhZ1gICvMVJ8AkqdR1sBPQE0s5CHxd2sY8FgvxcnS7MmK34ZRQ7X8pl7vQBNHRjDN8hLdA2Mh5ceq82c_hRWqCIrFE20aCjuC1og9GhDW5uD5o7rr5KRfxm_jo064ipxWIh0/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+024.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">WORSHIPERS WAITING FOR CHANTING TO BEGIN</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWXhqcpYq6maCOuTCKZUsbdv4Eo8FRijD3hJQDYSS3HfQaYmbWkobZNuccmSNWiYEe-C7fVku9fGNI4S6uiWOj6Xk3rkZpB4eQRwCuH1uX0kGnH04AsiYGNNpBNEKtUuBD_YFfUh1BSM/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWXhqcpYq6maCOuTCKZUsbdv4Eo8FRijD3hJQDYSS3HfQaYmbWkobZNuccmSNWiYEe-C7fVku9fGNI4S6uiWOj6Xk3rkZpB4eQRwCuH1uX0kGnH04AsiYGNNpBNEKtUuBD_YFfUh1BSM/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+167.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">DONATIONS</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTtPWCbklzrOJS1HCX1iHUaaRe0vz7QywtilLK9BU0ak367l_le9C1xTj-JyxIc35G8p8LTTliRIUPOqABQbpnftb5ZKfw5FvEpqZRtAQwQg61CP05cW8Tr5AypmfPUeakkpXsssMCXc/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTtPWCbklzrOJS1HCX1iHUaaRe0vz7QywtilLK9BU0ak367l_le9C1xTj-JyxIc35G8p8LTTliRIUPOqABQbpnftb5ZKfw5FvEpqZRtAQwQg61CP05cW8Tr5AypmfPUeakkpXsssMCXc/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+173.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">LIGHTING CANDLES AND INCENSE PRIOR TO CHANTING </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotRRjzGwVhI3-aVgNu8Mw-p0flYVD6zPo_Dj7H9U2MR_feg1TwPjZMD91C5smZrN1D-9HDQ0SKYrXjjn-DwpOPzVvivt2QpBLuDqrlvB93tOArCQdkFlAce6db1dFBleXdkFpTctfUfQ/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotRRjzGwVhI3-aVgNu8Mw-p0flYVD6zPo_Dj7H9U2MR_feg1TwPjZMD91C5smZrN1D-9HDQ0SKYrXjjn-DwpOPzVvivt2QpBLuDqrlvB93tOArCQdkFlAce6db1dFBleXdkFpTctfUfQ/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+170.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">MONKS PREPARING TO CHANT</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvhQR5jXbtRKiC9UNOLHVMwxL4B4eXm-GjsRnle9ZhUgP1R0jRR93xYMGIVrXQNvvKnK4YfCyga_Y6KIRgIkl7s6XXHYf2RymWdjaIPD_06H4rR4BpEX2xfwpRFB-BGkg1jOc1sZpdUs/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvhQR5jXbtRKiC9UNOLHVMwxL4B4eXm-GjsRnle9ZhUgP1R0jRR93xYMGIVrXQNvvKnK4YfCyga_Y6KIRgIkl7s6XXHYf2RymWdjaIPD_06H4rR4BpEX2xfwpRFB-BGkg1jOc1sZpdUs/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+178.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">OVERFLOW WORSHIPERS</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUw0GjtAXG51yxGecsvXnzLDFnTBya4UqcJS_tqloTOtUXZBrxQr32_MLrSqk458T7zhhB-ptjrmHUdfEI34ZsAbP4Aud9DdPd5PITu4JVvruoBvY_nCIuVZD_aiZucBpRZ_8_M9g7Sek/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUw0GjtAXG51yxGecsvXnzLDFnTBya4UqcJS_tqloTOtUXZBrxQr32_MLrSqk458T7zhhB-ptjrmHUdfEI34ZsAbP4Aud9DdPd5PITu4JVvruoBvY_nCIuVZD_aiZucBpRZ_8_M9g7Sek/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+105.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">DONATED FOOD FOR DISTRIBUTION</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCOz1wPUzctJmsQq271apJjAB-3SXNbNSSGUMXa8PEXgWQk-xWjiolChN5gwGZX-DFkYdpRdtyfRxvxaZZMci0wQUKVMbPUbvdI1Brf08MAZAfPzkXE3WfFzUPloUQ_V6PT5YTq-X1W4/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCOz1wPUzctJmsQq271apJjAB-3SXNbNSSGUMXa8PEXgWQk-xWjiolChN5gwGZX-DFkYdpRdtyfRxvxaZZMci0wQUKVMbPUbvdI1Brf08MAZAfPzkXE3WfFzUPloUQ_V6PT5YTq-X1W4/s1600/That+Ceremony+May+13+2014+179.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">EVER PRESENT LOTTERY VENDORS </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Steve at Lanna Thai Villahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10643635601243206721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6749323742658731184.post-1288512930242770812013-12-21T03:49:00.001-08:002013-12-21T03:55:28.943-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<h2>
WATS UP 2</h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">BUDDHA IMAGE CONSECRATION</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>I</b>n
our village we have two temples Wat Salawat and Wat Buanak. At the
latter a young monk Phra Taweepong Titayano (Phra James) has started an
International Meditation Center. A focal point of this center is a Full
Moon Meditation Garden. The garden is the site of a large white Buddha
image which was constructed by artisans in Chiang Rai and then brought
to the garden and consecrated in an impressive ceremony (ngaan bun) held
in January, 2013.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">After
installation of the image it was necessary to have a religious ceremony to consecrate the image. The actual ceremony was preceded
by the volunteer work of many villagers and monks to prepare the
necessary ceremonial items and offerings. </span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8bz6sg5HbYMIZJHtqtvP3RqfQ-ZpXPE1tH9xfH_8RbgZE-o9iMDNBPYPd49QaonoIDxQHFgdEFIcXJZC6ELgjbbySA4HvEOurofUbHgF54W_25riz48ec4YFkOnJIFOM9odL0VGYgmk/s320/DSC_0002.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">VILLAGERS MAKING ITEMS FOR CEREMONY</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8bz6sg5HbYMIZJHtqtvP3RqfQ-ZpXPE1tH9xfH_8RbgZE-o9iMDNBPYPd49QaonoIDxQHFgdEFIcXJZC6ELgjbbySA4HvEOurofUbHgF54W_25riz48ec4YFkOnJIFOM9odL0VGYgmk/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"> </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju75iHbTasa6OC10tMexiEJyiwoZEuytFLaa0BZB-HJpvirEqNZaANkbxmY39yeT1JnBfKZwYNt1Hx7OEK4LpYnf6BqZJj93hgQ6Ui24DPUoGHhpUBAY2-ufRK92AjEBiw2HI4hhTbJM4/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju75iHbTasa6OC10tMexiEJyiwoZEuytFLaa0BZB-HJpvirEqNZaANkbxmY39yeT1JnBfKZwYNt1Hx7OEK4LpYnf6BqZJj93hgQ6Ui24DPUoGHhpUBAY2-ufRK92AjEBiw2HI4hhTbJM4/s320/DSC_0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">DECORATING VEHICLE TO CARRY AUSPICIOUS ITEM</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A small procession was organized and the ceremonial objects and "money trees" were </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">brought to the garden in the evening. The following days events included a variety of </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">traditional entertainments and the placing of the symbolic "heart and liver" inside </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">the image. The days events included both sacred and secular elements. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKyQyjB3XSUtxfZYLEckpo_hlgdQlWrSk6htLnLggOXiZbYiX5pDBKqFsBH-KbgApMMc2Rzcw3KSNWI8wL26Nk70O3BoOPPOC590uGmzwRpf1SaHzEXZKbbl8_oDxC2TxEjc_1VbtoJU/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKyQyjB3XSUtxfZYLEckpo_hlgdQlWrSk6htLnLggOXiZbYiX5pDBKqFsBH-KbgApMMc2Rzcw3KSNWI8wL26Nk70O3BoOPPOC590uGmzwRpf1SaHzEXZKbbl8_oDxC2TxEjc_1VbtoJU/s320/DSC_0014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">MUSIC TO ACCOMPANY PROCESSION</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjs21wuO0bsGOystPHmIJtxJkFIVqDA-lemb1mnfuW20UYIlMCe7uo2YReUtQDa9fsCEzJViZcrGDEeHqsCCDgNHaoWsbWSp_XTIYwqb6GHxRotOFVdhVG62LvwrPW41DwyPULmJPRdo4/s1600/DSC_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjs21wuO0bsGOystPHmIJtxJkFIVqDA-lemb1mnfuW20UYIlMCe7uo2YReUtQDa9fsCEzJViZcrGDEeHqsCCDgNHaoWsbWSp_XTIYwqb6GHxRotOFVdhVG62LvwrPW41DwyPULmJPRdo4/s320/DSC_0024.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"MONEY TREE" DONATION</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bM6VtZ27ijIsDwNWbEEHYvIO6VscGsMdyALq3xvq2CzBvpgBeIaR-uF-KEkuj_v2DfVP7XNOM4cahVwfeN7hQGBlH5Xf2wFSkjFk8V5lDOvA3hxF7XngRN25CmiDOZqdM9jRq8YN5P0/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bM6VtZ27ijIsDwNWbEEHYvIO6VscGsMdyALq3xvq2CzBvpgBeIaR-uF-KEkuj_v2DfVP7XNOM4cahVwfeN7hQGBlH5Xf2wFSkjFk8V5lDOvA3hxF7XngRN25CmiDOZqdM9jRq8YN5P0/s320/DSC_0023.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">SYMBOLIC BUDDHA HEART</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxE4k7bcJOjaIj9q_SNFvrb-D02BLzj6_khhGrtKRVFOpSTbSCFg-nTLrNn-83iNpxJKySCRpDprqAmbvoQ2Xtw-0qUjrSQr9DVMVp4HI6IgmuQwB0_kiIVzF1p-IHsaUHqDRkPuq9m4U/s1600/DSC_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxE4k7bcJOjaIj9q_SNFvrb-D02BLzj6_khhGrtKRVFOpSTbSCFg-nTLrNn-83iNpxJKySCRpDprqAmbvoQ2Xtw-0qUjrSQr9DVMVp4HI6IgmuQwB0_kiIVzF1p-IHsaUHqDRkPuq9m4U/s320/DSC_0041.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">WELCOMING ARRIVAL OF PROCESSION</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeWFtAh-fxdsrXC4KNoIeweYbCxmu1JERh4I-2ol9IzVtUQupnT02i9lDZBUmfvusV35wATYXDJKdYsziG-2k_tql4eXKUBTpaP4uMMtg7-hxIiSh7K_ZDYzJpqNSm_4yFkTm-6rsZiA/s1600/DSC_0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeWFtAh-fxdsrXC4KNoIeweYbCxmu1JERh4I-2ol9IzVtUQupnT02i9lDZBUmfvusV35wATYXDJKdYsziG-2k_tql4eXKUBTpaP4uMMtg7-hxIiSh7K_ZDYzJpqNSm_4yFkTm-6rsZiA/s320/DSC_0069.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">EVENING WELCOME DANCE</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bwLkH7F3lVUrw-8udWPIDHzkDki7CnSBYOnoTj1SUuTm2I7iCnlP9d5KlDyjBHrykJaDO-JBoOYqAtMYU5xs_D70IB2DwXdN4JMbhZxBfquG0_9tDdyNrltq53e1capPriqAqOg08Vk/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bwLkH7F3lVUrw-8udWPIDHzkDki7CnSBYOnoTj1SUuTm2I7iCnlP9d5KlDyjBHrykJaDO-JBoOYqAtMYU5xs_D70IB2DwXdN4JMbhZxBfquG0_9tDdyNrltq53e1capPriqAqOg08Vk/s320/DSC_0009.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">HOLE IN BACK SIDE OF BUDDHA IMAGE FOR RECEIVING "HEART"</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRFy210ULZ9LOlDAL_RovFGDAkKsN6IgGNmyyg-r_ncVihgaRDSQ3QBbP7DaXMY9N_WL2VY_rG6U4V8FNo_03ELOcZValUSaQW_0jZUjUFzdmL0oJ0VsmZVT4YvKe2kewu_VRjGiZ9yw/s1600/DSC_0094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRFy210ULZ9LOlDAL_RovFGDAkKsN6IgGNmyyg-r_ncVihgaRDSQ3QBbP7DaXMY9N_WL2VY_rG6U4V8FNo_03ELOcZValUSaQW_0jZUjUFzdmL0oJ0VsmZVT4YvKe2kewu_VRjGiZ9yw/s320/DSC_0094.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">BUDDHA IMAGE IN FULL MOON MEDITATION GARDEN</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwFpBNiScu_T00WIuVDK-gG8cAscETxLcRNCQO5GAfitKaLIUe4Go5_EWAnV7txYzFBfGv4GVYSwVMtL3r_yB18uLwOI11e3Qxwaf32Uf_JQl90bD1Sipv6yH5_R_btQM2ftX_i0tLL4/s1600/DSC_0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwFpBNiScu_T00WIuVDK-gG8cAscETxLcRNCQO5GAfitKaLIUe4Go5_EWAnV7txYzFBfGv4GVYSwVMtL3r_yB18uLwOI11e3Qxwaf32Uf_JQl90bD1Sipv6yH5_R_btQM2ftX_i0tLL4/s320/DSC_0082.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">OFFERINGS OF FRUITS AND FLOWERS</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9gKKVHQ5N4hrbI3dDRQi212EpJwVIj9z5Lhf-C-FV0X-mtSSRfIw9qI_hkzlpvS4yD1qnhwWOrtiGP78p1iaZ8GOiJMBvZz2QVC0AvyR0SgCGibsnCjCNxkBLAoskd18Em0bvnIZIreY/s1600/DSC_0100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9gKKVHQ5N4hrbI3dDRQi212EpJwVIj9z5Lhf-C-FV0X-mtSSRfIw9qI_hkzlpvS4yD1qnhwWOrtiGP78p1iaZ8GOiJMBvZz2QVC0AvyR0SgCGibsnCjCNxkBLAoskd18Em0bvnIZIreY/s320/DSC_0100.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">WELCOME DANCE</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_W8QB1WK4lH4oQk6cUASC09SZIvoB7qMeoMSnJUpJWeVFQ2rAzN66CngIXmhS_s0CkH26b60dAXhaJvBcw2fopJTXA-Wz96i3lIC5c6Opocjk8oEqkBks3jXt-r1nPENfijbLanFQwno/s1600/DSC_0103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_W8QB1WK4lH4oQk6cUASC09SZIvoB7qMeoMSnJUpJWeVFQ2rAzN66CngIXmhS_s0CkH26b60dAXhaJvBcw2fopJTXA-Wz96i3lIC5c6Opocjk8oEqkBks3jXt-r1nPENfijbLanFQwno/s320/DSC_0103.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">CONTAINERS OF DONATIONS FOR VISITING MONKS</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgrsNHQhaBCZsplPo9fFlBuwUEOoq3WYfGA299QVraw7iuNojbn4omyaBR2QLvECnGVadHtSr_QVphrR797Ro9eAJ6OzLemgvmwtHk2hzlFz0xqZ90QgEi2MBLXfGrVNBS0dkHNioCYU/s1600/DSC_0106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgrsNHQhaBCZsplPo9fFlBuwUEOoq3WYfGA299QVraw7iuNojbn4omyaBR2QLvECnGVadHtSr_QVphrR797Ro9eAJ6OzLemgvmwtHk2hzlFz0xqZ90QgEi2MBLXfGrVNBS0dkHNioCYU/s320/DSC_0106.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">DONATIONS INCLUDING FRAMED HAND PRINTS OF TEMPLE ABBOT</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS8O1o1tpYLsfaO6TkJxGZDcicGO82AQfJ906F0wP6NgwKL-JcmWE7oUVS3HUaWX2DxS5nJdCUf4Veznb47LSdc7NTLo4nwsgExDlWCU4GKzzmHtxR90iQFxM1toRa3zrrZhHOmmp7waU/s1600/DSC_0112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS8O1o1tpYLsfaO6TkJxGZDcicGO82AQfJ906F0wP6NgwKL-JcmWE7oUVS3HUaWX2DxS5nJdCUf4Veznb47LSdc7NTLo4nwsgExDlWCU4GKzzmHtxR90iQFxM1toRa3zrrZhHOmmp7waU/s320/DSC_0112.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">VISITING MONKS</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzAJvy6XjY49dwRw72DOW9U7Y8c1ZuaFXjXweeANEVcHOpM184AEpZcLDEeMUQs06ensyMvdk_6OVlT3KjUzsj2otLYVdG7BQTHxKIHQbo9NhuyLUstvWqa1oV7LAtfNZ1wt2HHhwir0/s1600/DSC_0138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzAJvy6XjY49dwRw72DOW9U7Y8c1ZuaFXjXweeANEVcHOpM184AEpZcLDEeMUQs06ensyMvdk_6OVlT3KjUzsj2otLYVdG7BQTHxKIHQbo9NhuyLUstvWqa1oV7LAtfNZ1wt2HHhwir0/s320/DSC_0138.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">APPLYING GOLD LEAF TO BUDDHA "HEART"</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphent2RAMsi01rWFOBOhKiM56f8SLUshC8PShX5LpjeJxjUnzX9wXQGAao7jP9ooXB-xIZ__8GTtVLld9dezbYesdgvUJFJCq1sY99f8w1-3V_BtE9syMPoy2uuJwmeq64aXselS7Lzvr4/s1600/DSC_0156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphent2RAMsi01rWFOBOhKiM56f8SLUshC8PShX5LpjeJxjUnzX9wXQGAao7jP9ooXB-xIZ__8GTtVLld9dezbYesdgvUJFJCq1sY99f8w1-3V_BtE9syMPoy2uuJwmeq64aXselS7Lzvr4/s320/DSC_0156.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">ABBOT BLESSING HOLY OBJECT TO BE PLACED IN "HEART"</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzd11sfGdoOYURLcWa7yD1JKzSzc761oKSi2Nl_gtZx7cDKOZjkIjMWLR0Sfx_PMUfAmtseMiWUQ2GflIHMIVLHw2htbNX3Hqp9-qiDvF9B3Gz40cj8B4VE5lQiIHFvD1zgMKBQ78_82g/s1600/DSC_0158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzd11sfGdoOYURLcWa7yD1JKzSzc761oKSi2Nl_gtZx7cDKOZjkIjMWLR0Sfx_PMUfAmtseMiWUQ2GflIHMIVLHw2htbNX3Hqp9-qiDvF9B3Gz40cj8B4VE5lQiIHFvD1zgMKBQ78_82g/s320/DSC_0158.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">PLACING DONATED SACRED ITEMS INTO "HEART"</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ziUHXRLJPsjYhw2dLppNRSJV91RClHWYgEJqAB1mDm7jUwbA5WAriueZvLFdS5LXxPk6NaeF7rLdy_1jIFlWmfBf6DSB0Ugr6h5eyXT3fpf0xdv4-6-aH0FwkGjlahQeRcxjKUgOqC8/s1600/DSC_0169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ziUHXRLJPsjYhw2dLppNRSJV91RClHWYgEJqAB1mDm7jUwbA5WAriueZvLFdS5LXxPk6NaeF7rLdy_1jIFlWmfBf6DSB0Ugr6h5eyXT3fpf0xdv4-6-aH0FwkGjlahQeRcxjKUgOqC8/s320/DSC_0169.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">PHRA TAWEEPONG PLACING "LIVER" INTO BUDDHA IMAGE</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8KCaamNz-y01g_1ECeL64e_8YZHWm9Com6sSgit4ndHpdSZ-rwoPSUWhAvUunvBCCZtjIeB_U6rkbiYEMRpoGMr52-QQGpFG0tTfQ-mPRXRZ00eM2lMjVKEp7eIs8jrZkd-aAkWeSXI/s1600/DSC_0201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8KCaamNz-y01g_1ECeL64e_8YZHWm9Com6sSgit4ndHpdSZ-rwoPSUWhAvUunvBCCZtjIeB_U6rkbiYEMRpoGMr52-QQGpFG0tTfQ-mPRXRZ00eM2lMjVKEp7eIs8jrZkd-aAkWeSXI/s320/DSC_0201.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">DRUMS AND CONCH SHELLS USED DURING CEREMONY</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11bhfTv3DQAEOtNSSB9hR_DTcDTSrXMGuw1ZRm_WWb7IBDI1XhS705hJzTN7hyUKavJk6T9w9Qgl1mTTeeErB9YaIWu78C16-hLfA6x3krfdDhMo2t66YTcTvph69yRTL4RLY5ynfOAU/s1600/DSC_0202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11bhfTv3DQAEOtNSSB9hR_DTcDTSrXMGuw1ZRm_WWb7IBDI1XhS705hJzTN7hyUKavJk6T9w9Qgl1mTTeeErB9YaIWu78C16-hLfA6x3krfdDhMo2t66YTcTvph69yRTL4RLY5ynfOAU/s320/DSC_0202.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">FLORAL AND FRUIT DONATION TABLE</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmU5Olp6BoTCPbsY3t1HfDq9Ed9RffhyphenhyphenlOL22Z3HDlJYOZazcZlWYEsspqaoQDBl_3_K47IwMKdY3FWx9fBSXJ7KOEPQmvTEL1Cj_XBS3vhijHU64j7LNLZRlvwWYsonulzn48m9vZ44/s1600/DSC_0200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmU5Olp6BoTCPbsY3t1HfDq9Ed9RffhyphenhyphenlOL22Z3HDlJYOZazcZlWYEsspqaoQDBl_3_K47IwMKdY3FWx9fBSXJ7KOEPQmvTEL1Cj_XBS3vhijHU64j7LNLZRlvwWYsonulzn48m9vZ44/s320/DSC_0200.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">PARTICIPANTS BEING BLESSED WITH WHITE MARK ON FOREHEAD</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The ceremony to consecrate the Buddha image was largely led by a secular adjarn or ceremonial specialist. Many of the procedures were accompanied by the drone of a </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">large gong and the beat produced by small drums overlain with the pulse of a conch </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">shell horn.</span></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The large offering table was filled with a variety of fruits and flowers</span></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">other special offering items. Attendees were able to bring their own Buddha images </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">or valuable precious or semi precious stones to be placed within the Buddha heart </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">before it was placed on hooks inside the Buddha image. </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This was an extraordinary </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">opportunity for villagers to make merit both by attending the ceremony and donating </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">funds to help support the International Meditation Center. The Full Moon Meditation </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Garden is located adjacent to the Ngao River and is shaded by very old and large</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">trees and when completed will make an excellent venue for practicing Vipassana </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">or insight meditation. Both short and longer duration meditation courses are open </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">free to the public.</span></span>Steve at Lanna Thai Villahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10643635601243206721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6749323742658731184.post-15427469411235624782013-09-08T02:19:00.000-07:002013-09-08T02:19:50.503-07:00Lanna Thai Villa Sunsets<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Normally we think of spectacular sunsets occurring in mountain or south sea island environments but throughout the year here at Lanna Thai Villa we are also blessed with</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">stunning sunsets - especially during the monsoon season. Below is a collection of local sunsets photographed from within the grounds of Lanna Thai Villa. We are putting them here for your enjoyment.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8hfePL1_7lq-XLs1_MAHog-lDzQtlVFQlrk9A38-b_pNj3AFUr0zOa13crut7yWGW_Rd6spHb024kUBg36ha2UY07LN5kS8L06Mln72zNevk4qMYrtH1cUjTbmVOA-uUj6Sgr2NpzRo/s1600/DSC06191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8hfePL1_7lq-XLs1_MAHog-lDzQtlVFQlrk9A38-b_pNj3AFUr0zOa13crut7yWGW_Rd6spHb024kUBg36ha2UY07LN5kS8L06Mln72zNevk4qMYrtH1cUjTbmVOA-uUj6Sgr2NpzRo/s1600/DSC06191.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWuK4B__cF_ZzLQ77a4g7ruAD8Usp0HzNtR30RiS6BU8dmNxWp368Bpp5MjyDITbdn3BBcwXEgWpQ3FNrILwOYue9HPdVl-rhXySb0bi9QAUBy3LKKjdDrbWcYidR1VKkylkiKADzMR0/s1600/DSC06229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWuK4B__cF_ZzLQ77a4g7ruAD8Usp0HzNtR30RiS6BU8dmNxWp368Bpp5MjyDITbdn3BBcwXEgWpQ3FNrILwOYue9HPdVl-rhXySb0bi9QAUBy3LKKjdDrbWcYidR1VKkylkiKADzMR0/s1600/DSC06229.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAq9Oal8IeZCiypv_tDzCZ3ptp3uGIjnqbyZzO_6xwnlzl08AOwDeX3AcNSbG35vaDZuI76TbtHSLmTD2tPQndf4a10dynHyZf9irPmeO1C7tAv6EWNrB7qiv5TgXhlHAwxltEl3o9LGI/s1600/DSC06237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAq9Oal8IeZCiypv_tDzCZ3ptp3uGIjnqbyZzO_6xwnlzl08AOwDeX3AcNSbG35vaDZuI76TbtHSLmTD2tPQndf4a10dynHyZf9irPmeO1C7tAv6EWNrB7qiv5TgXhlHAwxltEl3o9LGI/s1600/DSC06237.JPG" height="226" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6Nk2lY__CrJlFbwwis84yKjk23Ib8ruuuekgGqwOHqIePYVGWiMiXmIVqHFhn_DyG9B5S9oOlH6MKSvAXDvNF1yksiWbOfxhjAFSFrTTzBnUNWXwY7pGKyQkJb2gyrN9nc2ev-Eqgpw/s1600/DSC06244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6Nk2lY__CrJlFbwwis84yKjk23Ib8ruuuekgGqwOHqIePYVGWiMiXmIVqHFhn_DyG9B5S9oOlH6MKSvAXDvNF1yksiWbOfxhjAFSFrTTzBnUNWXwY7pGKyQkJb2gyrN9nc2ev-Eqgpw/s1600/DSC06244.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0HlgQUBVqv0fW64niYna0ydbwnQgxgHSScmORZtM27HlBq04PnMIbh-HYmK_UaxNxh2mhlW6t4OPIQHf4VcdBYSEM16Qn7Iu-Se6c2_7m-3C2BhwdlH_Bz7EXqwWM0Fdzw7T6_PNx_EI/s1600/DSC06245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0HlgQUBVqv0fW64niYna0ydbwnQgxgHSScmORZtM27HlBq04PnMIbh-HYmK_UaxNxh2mhlW6t4OPIQHf4VcdBYSEM16Qn7Iu-Se6c2_7m-3C2BhwdlH_Bz7EXqwWM0Fdzw7T6_PNx_EI/s1600/DSC06245.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKdLJ2PAbDK-UDg8gl5upNq_eMjktH39Or601tDJpxGVKjyuy2invlm2SY092lFkJ1jUAoHZfIALXXQQukwGfxkKSK2KtZIr_cYJQ-osKZzyWf9SIvvVeTYhsXTTz2OrUz8K6mOSXwZ4/s1600/DSC06256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKdLJ2PAbDK-UDg8gl5upNq_eMjktH39Or601tDJpxGVKjyuy2invlm2SY092lFkJ1jUAoHZfIALXXQQukwGfxkKSK2KtZIr_cYJQ-osKZzyWf9SIvvVeTYhsXTTz2OrUz8K6mOSXwZ4/s1600/DSC06256.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9SoYz1VYodICpMVs3Ck-DWoLbMSOaPQcmpPlEOf_C4e5iF2eBnr9l0MKGbWJ1QzFNr-6CyGzRKAvHVMgW6TVgyyS-m0KKy2xYYjsOm-t7OWUsdkEZ4j0wVXLb6nsJvwgr8UcaQ2PrRB4/s1600/DSC06257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9SoYz1VYodICpMVs3Ck-DWoLbMSOaPQcmpPlEOf_C4e5iF2eBnr9l0MKGbWJ1QzFNr-6CyGzRKAvHVMgW6TVgyyS-m0KKy2xYYjsOm-t7OWUsdkEZ4j0wVXLb6nsJvwgr8UcaQ2PrRB4/s1600/DSC06257.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKusrjde4bayDjvVN5TwGjiY62s0sj7CuxLkb6U3Riysnei0B3csDWn10_wKKILd6eQq_tZEfAZ-g8AA0fYXVl3isWRH76nDsNZvlmqXhuphI0TPpRKtc8ylHTC4J35y-Jls9E_2eHwec/s1600/DSC06272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKusrjde4bayDjvVN5TwGjiY62s0sj7CuxLkb6U3Riysnei0B3csDWn10_wKKILd6eQq_tZEfAZ-g8AA0fYXVl3isWRH76nDsNZvlmqXhuphI0TPpRKtc8ylHTC4J35y-Jls9E_2eHwec/s1600/DSC06272.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGGQ67EmQo9EOTbPWTtj02iMrfU2wgi4-4MsFH6POBDMBuilkbLSQ5kGwu62VD_xMbxkc-DCal2tSgAAbEM4KjL68toNhS7Cj8rfbRDCj6WEQM_X90A04SqFLlJallj7jW2OP09FNNYg/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGGQ67EmQo9EOTbPWTtj02iMrfU2wgi4-4MsFH6POBDMBuilkbLSQ5kGwu62VD_xMbxkc-DCal2tSgAAbEM4KjL68toNhS7Cj8rfbRDCj6WEQM_X90A04SqFLlJallj7jW2OP09FNNYg/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtjL7C2jybfPBF5KYBPp4ac1YZw3QYCtutqdRjZcNAZXRfNe-KCGX7iUVGSMdRRLcVYy0wGvdGRqh_grocQQef3_AJGi0CjgLXEzf170Gcw_rC_dy9RoyG-z-ZEUdGzBTJ8f-CpdQl18/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtjL7C2jybfPBF5KYBPp4ac1YZw3QYCtutqdRjZcNAZXRfNe-KCGX7iUVGSMdRRLcVYy0wGvdGRqh_grocQQef3_AJGi0CjgLXEzf170Gcw_rC_dy9RoyG-z-ZEUdGzBTJ8f-CpdQl18/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJogp1gAtWrxA2QRXyRSpFwAZ8tmDsjFkX-1aAOyuelmkx6KFUbRvy-zsUeWKSxIAqZWMLsNtEHnDadqlqwLFipZ75mfI5dMkzvLYkedVnF2FHTnQlez2IeSfUKgm07h8niJUF2IvF3Y/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJogp1gAtWrxA2QRXyRSpFwAZ8tmDsjFkX-1aAOyuelmkx6KFUbRvy-zsUeWKSxIAqZWMLsNtEHnDadqlqwLFipZ75mfI5dMkzvLYkedVnF2FHTnQlez2IeSfUKgm07h8niJUF2IvF3Y/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIE-G9mESr20xGUDF9z19GOzHZ_3zdsjwGVjmTLCEx3p4GXrKSWbienUZd_0ub0S1lSJTVRcSLiZNT9JXl5HftWbU6ps0Q3oy7sO1jIQsvWTpLO5pNE-0Hck9HKGV_RfbDqDvWXnaNKDc/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIE-G9mESr20xGUDF9z19GOzHZ_3zdsjwGVjmTLCEx3p4GXrKSWbienUZd_0ub0S1lSJTVRcSLiZNT9JXl5HftWbU6ps0Q3oy7sO1jIQsvWTpLO5pNE-0Hck9HKGV_RfbDqDvWXnaNKDc/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHYpTkHvacufRd-2VOrh6dH3knG0H08wUDOlAoD4zA8IT8pWnY-2vhGLnewGuPt_JzurhFFV5VaPfBh-Q6JrWQnMZJ2231qQArklk_9-POOK2pawFwl6If5gQJfBiOKoBU9aMXYDqRs0/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHYpTkHvacufRd-2VOrh6dH3knG0H08wUDOlAoD4zA8IT8pWnY-2vhGLnewGuPt_JzurhFFV5VaPfBh-Q6JrWQnMZJ2231qQArklk_9-POOK2pawFwl6If5gQJfBiOKoBU9aMXYDqRs0/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34GY8J-i2i9Ct5auS6oF7a4GU1rTISUQFmtR-ZIlQtsnEXMMTmzUg1zcSVFk43sLiWr5YlUdjKJGVFAWTfav35N-m7FE8TUo1p3uQwISSQnQN4keVFdvQVRWSjFkh793B6vEylHn53yc/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34GY8J-i2i9Ct5auS6oF7a4GU1rTISUQFmtR-ZIlQtsnEXMMTmzUg1zcSVFk43sLiWr5YlUdjKJGVFAWTfav35N-m7FE8TUo1p3uQwISSQnQN4keVFdvQVRWSjFkh793B6vEylHn53yc/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rtEi5uuhhcMxOIooOIyclCJG6IABG5J4BqjLb1GOrUDxD7oVmEmMytxnTywHugCeJaHEHEzGB6PUgiRrZtf6K-xcyKoJsJaW40s3I153g9ReB_qy93EShybSCKQmnzI2iZK-C01zdjk/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rtEi5uuhhcMxOIooOIyclCJG6IABG5J4BqjLb1GOrUDxD7oVmEmMytxnTywHugCeJaHEHEzGB6PUgiRrZtf6K-xcyKoJsJaW40s3I153g9ReB_qy93EShybSCKQmnzI2iZK-C01zdjk/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhecRkY4GJVkLbVGZ2JufqYfScJq749RVB_cR9fqENIJl9d9zdISfSyYRPSq4Jwb5Xsg9YYW3E8mNmw6XNFrEpQ1TTokuxqSL9kUDfSPC7FgObQA2Tyl0Y_-39izWRxyXCMjjMg9Q2tM/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhecRkY4GJVkLbVGZ2JufqYfScJq749RVB_cR9fqENIJl9d9zdISfSyYRPSq4Jwb5Xsg9YYW3E8mNmw6XNFrEpQ1TTokuxqSL9kUDfSPC7FgObQA2Tyl0Y_-39izWRxyXCMjjMg9Q2tM/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxQODDNtaO2-og3VczGBN6kYDPd5jT6C8VW7y95esFJqJAml5GLCEmbbQHPDiRAnq-qFXZoU6eQvMc2nrvSIqIF6tOVvPxhyphenhyphenQrPQgaU7hyphenhyphenLI4hBbmgsKxgGTymusEV-w-JLVU_EMN4GY/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxQODDNtaO2-og3VczGBN6kYDPd5jT6C8VW7y95esFJqJAml5GLCEmbbQHPDiRAnq-qFXZoU6eQvMc2nrvSIqIF6tOVvPxhyphenhyphenQrPQgaU7hyphenhyphenLI4hBbmgsKxgGTymusEV-w-JLVU_EMN4GY/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyO9_7MGYg6XBXTAnuz4rSd03HcLMWLJdA7lRS6k4cYAVxPKjJsxlTJ6bDLa0b1Xoy3_JePc2XfihZ5_4x9iiYWY-d0JroObJ7pMHa1xWt6gRaPSTWijGHkXjtIIIxvMs5AuSdi1vEi3A/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyO9_7MGYg6XBXTAnuz4rSd03HcLMWLJdA7lRS6k4cYAVxPKjJsxlTJ6bDLa0b1Xoy3_JePc2XfihZ5_4x9iiYWY-d0JroObJ7pMHa1xWt6gRaPSTWijGHkXjtIIIxvMs5AuSdi1vEi3A/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG" height="200" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3HodeMHP6_MluD9zua7Ja4yZHTII5osF3jWyeAsaBBI6tIY72eSqoCSG8ogFD-9lSMMxDzmB3z-qibmLvL9MBeniFCh77BzMj1OJbAyW79i16yjkqJI5CXTZvWd-K4bwc8XTPcmf7ow/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3HodeMHP6_MluD9zua7Ja4yZHTII5osF3jWyeAsaBBI6tIY72eSqoCSG8ogFD-9lSMMxDzmB3z-qibmLvL9MBeniFCh77BzMj1OJbAyW79i16yjkqJI5CXTZvWd-K4bwc8XTPcmf7ow/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyf7toSBbFNVeDjniW1_Kc0a77tIcXYGLeeaLdu1AenugIh8UvWj7x14vGK1Jc_yoT_yOy9qePYlS56V6M2tSqiaRtYkRC8i5-PHiKUp0CoUxw6q5K4HvetfZ0U3sUlxTvq1jGrLl_Qhg/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyf7toSBbFNVeDjniW1_Kc0a77tIcXYGLeeaLdu1AenugIh8UvWj7x14vGK1Jc_yoT_yOy9qePYlS56V6M2tSqiaRtYkRC8i5-PHiKUp0CoUxw6q5K4HvetfZ0U3sUlxTvq1jGrLl_Qhg/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIsTqHnPJzsR0zkDlwzLyjNsVeWjacMM4EQlfKbkCaxBoMKDbG6v0uYOkezZcZpupeLAls73E5Gg27xVflwcduD9K2cG5wFqdicaxAMeidr4R4Zc4Qey2j4vKJ1ZBN_gscZPfJlpxn_o/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIsTqHnPJzsR0zkDlwzLyjNsVeWjacMM4EQlfKbkCaxBoMKDbG6v0uYOkezZcZpupeLAls73E5Gg27xVflwcduD9K2cG5wFqdicaxAMeidr4R4Zc4Qey2j4vKJ1ZBN_gscZPfJlpxn_o/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidyXP_8J4w6g03K1flHc0H0qUsK3r96f9DzKIGAth1f-EcyTQOeqwksNpTqdut08Bvxb2g0IsvGz5v_8NIe60Eb34JGCFzzyeecIpdJnIouozKlcKzS0m1i9r35FfCDoxq6nGTt8WF6Yg/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidyXP_8J4w6g03K1flHc0H0qUsK3r96f9DzKIGAth1f-EcyTQOeqwksNpTqdut08Bvxb2g0IsvGz5v_8NIe60Eb34JGCFzzyeecIpdJnIouozKlcKzS0m1i9r35FfCDoxq6nGTt8WF6Yg/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42rdC6fXhGAargqC6iQ4X98AF31iY_QP7Ahk0vvo0KF0pwINgPKQdNjIrWJMuWR6K-a9Ld7LPI429wsFRB4t1tMb_7W19H5Pw_KpxTziSJ07OmUxSAbBn2aKIR_TdtQspKxKugGYeiaI/s1600/DSC_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42rdC6fXhGAargqC6iQ4X98AF31iY_QP7Ahk0vvo0KF0pwINgPKQdNjIrWJMuWR6K-a9Ld7LPI429wsFRB4t1tMb_7W19H5Pw_KpxTziSJ07OmUxSAbBn2aKIR_TdtQspKxKugGYeiaI/s1600/DSC_0036.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gqe8lVIAjH5D8Bj4e05Q5Ajlpgx7wkLedPQGJwL10Y_UKMAzZhhhsy7-HIvpuFP21Z6O674RJHh5GFkswVHslarErpfikTM_RWMunu02bsvZPG3d5svXNazv2JIrQvXCCqpeZ8fZY_Y/s1600/DSC_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gqe8lVIAjH5D8Bj4e05Q5Ajlpgx7wkLedPQGJwL10Y_UKMAzZhhhsy7-HIvpuFP21Z6O674RJHh5GFkswVHslarErpfikTM_RWMunu02bsvZPG3d5svXNazv2JIrQvXCCqpeZ8fZY_Y/s1600/DSC_0042.JPG" height="209" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHRGvF8kCOzIDFTQdm7v4dssYbYlZihZp66zHC50xtXKMALaJ-5YRkYPQ_yTaAWuwZkBp8z4Zz5WILfqodj_G9hyphenhyphenTwhktmO-AEGls_W1rQY57vQV-EXh5mZxHLt2ELW7KrsWe-P3Cw-I/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHRGvF8kCOzIDFTQdm7v4dssYbYlZihZp66zHC50xtXKMALaJ-5YRkYPQ_yTaAWuwZkBp8z4Zz5WILfqodj_G9hyphenhyphenTwhktmO-AEGls_W1rQY57vQV-EXh5mZxHLt2ELW7KrsWe-P3Cw-I/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqno-fZ8fqiJC36W4FFH0QP7MXc0SgFXqDTKsiIfZPZLpKoWeSUAs0Hxa-15ggILgEZseC2B8FQnGy2o5XUcCIu_XkCipevf53E4Ipsfxamkq_QRrJhQAh4uQHoky7CGzbHiWQddh_wfg/s1600/DSC_0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqno-fZ8fqiJC36W4FFH0QP7MXc0SgFXqDTKsiIfZPZLpKoWeSUAs0Hxa-15ggILgEZseC2B8FQnGy2o5XUcCIu_XkCipevf53E4Ipsfxamkq_QRrJhQAh4uQHoky7CGzbHiWQddh_wfg/s1600/DSC_0084.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju4TTkqaC-Ikc3mSzywxhOqagSmCzwANJlRJJYKHjyGMzMO9cpN_5FGg88ROo3U1555Ur6q1MrEyxPAqFQKLTtjnFb-8HSGOQs1NcQg0mvycUqEBqKbHxEifwKjb6fE9MFBnyN85apqyc/s1600/DSC_0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju4TTkqaC-Ikc3mSzywxhOqagSmCzwANJlRJJYKHjyGMzMO9cpN_5FGg88ROo3U1555Ur6q1MrEyxPAqFQKLTtjnFb-8HSGOQs1NcQg0mvycUqEBqKbHxEifwKjb6fE9MFBnyN85apqyc/s1600/DSC_0092.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVH8FTEh1X3FE9_u_WtWUSCZdY-JfkHORvq6nZYnsYobFZk4UpGKtrrG_Tl4m65XDTELh9GdqFjsRmM6yXt4Z2GfV8Yk0hdR2yW-1stbFo_ZnriDh5NDZDo_woWjZySry8uHAnYK2ZGk/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVH8FTEh1X3FE9_u_WtWUSCZdY-JfkHORvq6nZYnsYobFZk4UpGKtrrG_Tl4m65XDTELh9GdqFjsRmM6yXt4Z2GfV8Yk0hdR2yW-1stbFo_ZnriDh5NDZDo_woWjZySry8uHAnYK2ZGk/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkeiLsgRooKX3sAeLI9a6TrH_xmZKbTpPA0kiYdDUcdmqTB_jx4E2qHar5_WHY4wm0KQg7qSuR2_1pv-c4Fc18pDs2u9jDjLGJuLYNXGnDjz1HfC4iDJL8Wd_ucQVY2Vfb5u-fHaVkJj0/s1600/DSC_0270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkeiLsgRooKX3sAeLI9a6TrH_xmZKbTpPA0kiYdDUcdmqTB_jx4E2qHar5_WHY4wm0KQg7qSuR2_1pv-c4Fc18pDs2u9jDjLGJuLYNXGnDjz1HfC4iDJL8Wd_ucQVY2Vfb5u-fHaVkJj0/s1600/DSC_0270.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoU_kmKDKqJY89YgSVjiiDhuPWNqvWGcuAvMI5p8BR7xuosrjjVOfeiuw9Wi3q7jEnNQsy_dHesD_u2o21KtzeqWpDIaxL_vDCVZHh-IhPe3aZvOLiVJQHrS0RMhkV9IrQeep0k60lBZg/s1600/DSC_0279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoU_kmKDKqJY89YgSVjiiDhuPWNqvWGcuAvMI5p8BR7xuosrjjVOfeiuw9Wi3q7jEnNQsy_dHesD_u2o21KtzeqWpDIaxL_vDCVZHh-IhPe3aZvOLiVJQHrS0RMhkV9IrQeep0k60lBZg/s1600/DSC_0279.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoA2vxOimZMqGjqniMFQwE0-BCA9mYrRGJdu10QZVqYOQbe4MzioS5Bjf0C-xuG_8IOu6yauWcX_kN0OaffQp2PzDpFJbGJWFlhZ0qlFwFlDqtPMAENOu81ztK6MTjAqT4y2ORjpxmCy8/s1600/DSC_0286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoA2vxOimZMqGjqniMFQwE0-BCA9mYrRGJdu10QZVqYOQbe4MzioS5Bjf0C-xuG_8IOu6yauWcX_kN0OaffQp2PzDpFJbGJWFlhZ0qlFwFlDqtPMAENOu81ztK6MTjAqT4y2ORjpxmCy8/s1600/DSC_0286.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKuWVCm9CVdYcWhcEPZof5PUixJMEftkeuDFUlZ7SJCR-eIEai0s77p19RU_kXAJF4NcRbKHBtFWF-0QSnaHQ8UaLZoBo4ZAjn-YquNEpT1vTnV3gxSlsq32wEWMnQ46AMx4OxFNkTRmE/s1600/DSC_0328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKuWVCm9CVdYcWhcEPZof5PUixJMEftkeuDFUlZ7SJCR-eIEai0s77p19RU_kXAJF4NcRbKHBtFWF-0QSnaHQ8UaLZoBo4ZAjn-YquNEpT1vTnV3gxSlsq32wEWMnQ46AMx4OxFNkTRmE/s1600/DSC_0328.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />Steve at Lanna Thai Villahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10643635601243206721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6749323742658731184.post-56680826756554307862013-09-06T01:13:00.003-07:002013-12-21T04:00:25.391-08:00Wats Up?<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">WANDERING MONKS</span></h2>
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">INTRODUCTION</span></span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Situated upcountry, visitors to Lanna Thai Villa are often treated to a variety of temple ( wat in Thai) and non temple related religious activities and ceremonies that are normally not practiced in the busy city centers like Bangkok where life moves at a fast pace and migrants from the countryside are dispersed over a wide area. Our village context, however, provides the setting and expertise necessary to organize and carry off a large variety of Buddhist ceremonies that enrich the spiritual life of the villagers. From consecrating a new Buddha image to feeding itinerant or tudong monks there are frequent opportunities to witness spectacular Lanna or northern Thai cultural traditions. The following descriptions and photographs provide a glimpse into some of the activities that Villa guests have been able to witness this year.</span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">WANDERING MONKS </span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">The modernization and development of rural Thailand has seen the near disappearance of the tradition of wandering meditation ascetics. The disappearance of Thailands forests, the former home of ascetic monks who would travel jungle trails and sleep in caves and cremation grounds has led to the occasional sight of ascetic monks plying the shoulders of the nations highways on foot - often bare foot. Such ascetic monks are known as phra tudong. Practicing some of the 13 ascetic practices mentioned in Buddha's discourses tudong monks eat only one meal per day, sleep outdoors in forests or cremation grounds and make do with only a few possessions. Meditation is an important part of their daily ritual. The lives of wandering monks in early twentieth century Thailand are detailed in the very interesting and readable book titled Forest Recollections by Kamala Tiyavanich.</span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">After the annual rains retreat monks will often join a tudong experience and may travel alone or in small or large groups and may cover significant distances over a month or more of walking. Some men will ordinate just for the tudong experience and after their journey leave the monk hood. In January, 2013 we had the opportunity to both witness and participate in the passing and resting of a tudong procession of over 100 mo</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">nks which had begun its walking in Saraburi Province some 600+ km. distant.</span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5wv9zhKkH6ORPQb-p79t3qNYnTtJl_PgkpbiOQJ6eFWWKFe2UfPDrM9IIs6QhIayfRuSguxn_M54T1qgyTcjhvf9Opaz3a-_XI1Vk9N8WeuCg2pFsounqcTV284drZL05qdPoTVFG8g/s1600/DSC_0252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5wv9zhKkH6ORPQb-p79t3qNYnTtJl_PgkpbiOQJ6eFWWKFe2UfPDrM9IIs6QhIayfRuSguxn_M54T1qgyTcjhvf9Opaz3a-_XI1Vk9N8WeuCg2pFsounqcTV284drZL05qdPoTVFG8g/s320/DSC_0252.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">TUDONG PROCESSION</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">The procession was spotted resting in a field not far from Lanna Thai Villa. We were pleased to be able to bring them water and to alert other villagers of their approach. This resulted in a roadside stand being set up from which water and other donated items could be dispensed. The procession then made its way to our nearby cremation grounds where they established their camp for the night. Each monk carried a simple circular tent, bedroll and other personal items.</span></span></h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfT9_x76-I7IMdtHIbXito0P6cS6FK06q6IKBoJlTRzkqmB7CSTHtoXqn8oG99b7-hYf5GIGcJOSsk0xi9Xgp7unbXJc7MJTnr_5KVM18HtGLcw76LXeHYkvdWl2O4zBsWfMC_F_jjMxg/s1600/DSC_0238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfT9_x76-I7IMdtHIbXito0P6cS6FK06q6IKBoJlTRzkqmB7CSTHtoXqn8oG99b7-hYf5GIGcJOSsk0xi9Xgp7unbXJc7MJTnr_5KVM18HtGLcw76LXeHYkvdWl2O4zBsWfMC_F_jjMxg/s320/DSC_0238.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">MONKS RESTING IN FIELD</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvkTPM42lN6Be7m7j-KvKsLMaohA6C0hUgMAgQAWRiC8AxzNBiuVrBw2Szg8MkYAKg4e7wQI8XKDZL0t5FoCmGh3NJp48e6bKCz_MtqLdaTT1JVVhYAfo4Y2z7_VgGQo78wAKx7pc720/s1600/DSC_0267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvkTPM42lN6Be7m7j-KvKsLMaohA6C0hUgMAgQAWRiC8AxzNBiuVrBw2Szg8MkYAKg4e7wQI8XKDZL0t5FoCmGh3NJp48e6bKCz_MtqLdaTT1JVVhYAfo4Y2z7_VgGQo78wAKx7pc720/s320/DSC_0267.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">MONKS COLLECTING DONATED WATER</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the early morning many villagers arrived to both hear short informal talks by senior monks on the tudong and to make donations of food. The tudong procession was also accompanied by a support vehicle which carried some cooking equipment and food. After the morning meal, cleanup and packing continued its march north. </span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8I0PVxVcXOII-BV5KtZWLudVoqeDhJcxXu3ZQTYGFTX5RzE267_JDeUpEQiH3wxsYWyTBdcERDoGIeKax9E4meJcIKDk6DV0o25HhZ5WHkZY4NyJzvlJ-tavqEknpPBM1BSBWwhCFa74/s1600/DSC_0345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8I0PVxVcXOII-BV5KtZWLudVoqeDhJcxXu3ZQTYGFTX5RzE267_JDeUpEQiH3wxsYWyTBdcERDoGIeKax9E4meJcIKDk6DV0o25HhZ5WHkZY4NyJzvlJ-tavqEknpPBM1BSBWwhCFa74/s320/DSC_0345.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">TUDONG BEDROLL IN CREMATION SITE</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVLFNQeTJahSH8ngQ6w-uSSAI8xyMnKeHzHPREUS1anK_Znx4bYWwxvEDSBiE52VTLJW9bIDy0fJv9izysbeGYz39T1PsRgQxiaR8dJEQDESzryM1GbRRpfb4TJF_xJUGKlCEshp2AwkM/s1600/DSC_0309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVLFNQeTJahSH8ngQ6w-uSSAI8xyMnKeHzHPREUS1anK_Znx4bYWwxvEDSBiE52VTLJW9bIDy0fJv9izysbeGYz39T1PsRgQxiaR8dJEQDESzryM1GbRRpfb4TJF_xJUGKlCEshp2AwkM/s320/DSC_0309.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">VILLAGERS LISTENING TO SENIOR MONK </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM35uosstDJLIOSXfyJ6pECn8dDEsO1ukE1aZkXqe6reMdFa2-_QTIjQ1rEGUNS99hKmX7jbwLacQGpKbtWUAzvhyphenhyphenHh0xXKufQ32dzDF0-rSK2seA3lpSi1OJfGYnyspRDtB43ODKbeNU/s1600/DSC_0306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM35uosstDJLIOSXfyJ6pECn8dDEsO1ukE1aZkXqe6reMdFa2-_QTIjQ1rEGUNS99hKmX7jbwLacQGpKbtWUAzvhyphenhyphenHh0xXKufQ32dzDF0-rSK2seA3lpSi1OJfGYnyspRDtB43ODKbeNU/s320/DSC_0306.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">SENIOR MONK GIVES A SHORT INFORMAL TALK</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XNyP58hymvXMNr_BXH_lPTkIvvP5lHOlnb-xZqUrBkM3oNx9qEG16xTKy5XeJpCf_mr3TrVRMPdGkmfRM4kcQ2Bz2IFWx9oTpx0cvSrLz4bIvn_Nlpfz1MMXzK9GxUqoQsxW3nALVKg/s1600/DSC_0322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XNyP58hymvXMNr_BXH_lPTkIvvP5lHOlnb-xZqUrBkM3oNx9qEG16xTKy5XeJpCf_mr3TrVRMPdGkmfRM4kcQ2Bz2IFWx9oTpx0cvSrLz4bIvn_Nlpfz1MMXzK9GxUqoQsxW3nALVKg/s320/DSC_0322.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">MONKS WAITING TO RECEIVE FOOD DONATIONS</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6IJzi7LdMy783GzNRyg7kzb3WgEoebTW59Md-oCsCEVpaoaGoxJC5LcCAA8JW0LH1OeP3vYJAkOqWFUJm18IMw4QZLYZniaCOLqbxJ9CuaAdsLfeO6BLcLPkDPshWvrRqLm2FYPKfwM/s1600/DSC_0338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6IJzi7LdMy783GzNRyg7kzb3WgEoebTW59Md-oCsCEVpaoaGoxJC5LcCAA8JW0LH1OeP3vYJAkOqWFUJm18IMw4QZLYZniaCOLqbxJ9CuaAdsLfeO6BLcLPkDPshWvrRqLm2FYPKfwM/s320/DSC_0338.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">VILLAGERS MAKE MERIT BY DONATING FOOD</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtSiefParUU0RGR0fYXGho6P_JZzIoKi6vcQeCxAQq1ILxr0wQsMvxxEO4_JWLxYugoPMEwYEdZcWEyXk1TJUiau8ts29OCMYGX-mmjsNE4xXjSuXzenaj7-oc-_35ZdJCybE6ouOycA/s1600/DSC_0362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtSiefParUU0RGR0fYXGho6P_JZzIoKi6vcQeCxAQq1ILxr0wQsMvxxEO4_JWLxYugoPMEwYEdZcWEyXk1TJUiau8ts29OCMYGX-mmjsNE4xXjSuXzenaj7-oc-_35ZdJCybE6ouOycA/s320/DSC_0362.jpg" width="320" /></a></h2>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">MONKS RECEIVING MORNING MEAL</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dE92VDhaLV1J4PS4KtRtTre-OLxjRvKZOmljsQAwPS3wvV7b79MeAzRzbc-Jr6hzIxggz8G9fNgvzd5yd06b0tStg1-iPyR05ms-w3YMMfRnzyWODVfeTAf4gs_ugLgkyXHmkZoVF0U/s1600/DSC_0373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dE92VDhaLV1J4PS4KtRtTre-OLxjRvKZOmljsQAwPS3wvV7b79MeAzRzbc-Jr6hzIxggz8G9fNgvzd5yd06b0tStg1-iPyR05ms-w3YMMfRnzyWODVfeTAf4gs_ugLgkyXHmkZoVF0U/s320/DSC_0373.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>TUDONG PROCESSION BEGINS ANEW</b></span></span><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></span></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span>Steve at Lanna Thai Villahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10643635601243206721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6749323742658731184.post-80796759408471808032013-01-20T04:34:00.001-08:002013-01-20T04:34:34.846-08:00<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">BURMA - CHEDIS and <span style="font-size: large;">CHAUNGS, PART<span style="font-size: large;"> 2<span style="font-size: large;"> -</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">BURMESE FACES</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">BURMESE FACES</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">On <span style="font-size: small;">our trip through both urban and ru<span style="font-size: small;">ral </span></span>areas of Burma we had the distinct</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">pleasure of meeting and interacting wit<span style="font-size: small;">h a wide range of people varying in</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">age, occupation and gender. All exhibited a sincere friendliness and openness</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">as we entered their worlds both as tourists but also as <span style="font-size: small;">people wanting to <span style="font-size: small;">l</span>earn</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">as much as we could from them about the human condition of their lives. </span></span>Despite</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">the large increase in tourist numbers we were always well received and met with gracious hospitality be it at private homes or in bu<span style="font-size: small;">sy hotels. It was easy <span style="font-size: small;">to sense a <span style="font-size: small;">new</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">optimis<span style="font-size: small;">m (albeit tempered with caution) about the future di<span style="font-size: small;">rection of Burmese development.</span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our guides provided in depth and <span style="font-size: small;">wide ranging information about the sites we visited.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">They were also willing to engage openly about current ch<span style="font-size: small;">an</span>ges in Burmese society.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">After years of suffering and poverty i<span style="font-size: small;">t <span style="font-size: small;">was heartening to sense <span style="font-size: small;">winds of <span style="font-size: small;">positive change.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The following pictures are <span style="font-size: small;">a sample of portraits of the people we met <span style="font-size: small;">during our travels.</span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjiu9gaDjPjAxcthIggeJe6F8V9vBo1jQp07nr7NqM6qVsCSp4Ow9nVWm_7fcULaqC17a8Nc77MY89NuLGsjWl68k4aOppFCX1k-HLxTupp1MlFf0OL7Z1qydZYTqmptRlb9aQqLQxMk/s1600/DSC_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjiu9gaDjPjAxcthIggeJe6F8V9vBo1jQp07nr7NqM6qVsCSp4Ow9nVWm_7fcULaqC17a8Nc77MY89NuLGsjWl68k4aOppFCX1k-HLxTupp1MlFf0OL7Z1qydZYTqmptRlb9aQqLQxMk/s320/DSC_0044.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vendor at Ubein Bridge</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOZsmwkx25YhL6TF8GKhbIOLvkCnoR0wdcWpkiLQCUxw3cR05jdaUAyiLA7u-I8n3vqRMVCiacKSPtoacCh9_bdVkYQ93tDahEqxU5vgJ3Dt2vh4tgRnUiPdP7KqsO1KwEP_RDF9artw/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOZsmwkx25YhL6TF8GKhbIOLvkCnoR0wdcWpkiLQCUxw3cR05jdaUAyiLA7u-I8n3vqRMVCiacKSPtoacCh9_bdVkYQ93tDahEqxU5vgJ3Dt2vh4tgRnUiPdP7KqsO1KwEP_RDF9artw/s320/DSC_0008.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Traditional and Modern, Daughter of <span style="font-size: small;">Friend Suu Suu in Nyaungshwe</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2pvqi-r_FKg4ccwXQZsawvhETqRuAC0-1ICM3i4wTbdC0yPxPwl6a_DSsYj9lU2KVDolaI5HMk0FFLsvvwjhXaeEmY3yGpmcLDI2dTy1a7meQv1QbRLkCOviF0Ix0Jq9xN_SvYhqSuS4/s1600/DSC_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2pvqi-r_FKg4ccwXQZsawvhETqRuAC0-1ICM3i4wTbdC0yPxPwl6a_DSsYj9lU2KVDolaI5HMk0FFLsvvwjhXaeEmY3yGpmcLDI2dTy1a7meQv1QbRLkCOviF0Ix0Jq9xN_SvYhqSuS4/s320/DSC_0076.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Having Fun on a Sand <span style="font-size: small;">I</span>sland Near Mingun</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OsBtcIQgcK8hwOpG-dCi4yR2ERQB2AfLOdVyrMl_epRo2yil6DyIyY5qgJ9CyuIHWfT5I654jnINGWYlVqR0EIL1TOBLY8tR_lugTPT7AlOfp_qPEU9lFj_9eFGJ5CMXhWZGX3JTwMo/s1600/DSC_0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OsBtcIQgcK8hwOpG-dCi4yR2ERQB2AfLOdVyrMl_epRo2yil6DyIyY5qgJ9CyuIHWfT5I654jnINGWYlVqR0EIL1TOBLY8tR_lugTPT7AlOfp_qPEU9lFj_9eFGJ5CMXhWZGX3JTwMo/s320/DSC_0081.JPG" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Checking Out the Visitors, Sand Island</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1zxG6yVLIAhu7p2vDMoH3963JMBiNY2iGycqNbxcMMQ46AGUCaSm0fi9Xqec0w2ZNZWrv1vYwVpNYt4W2GWRmTLfn4chtzn6x3o9ShcUfoFMN5vb2j0VLCPrEaUpY7xYhW6-cFB4O6g/s1600/DSC_0125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1zxG6yVLIAhu7p2vDMoH3963JMBiNY2iGycqNbxcMMQ46AGUCaSm0fi9Xqec0w2ZNZWrv1vYwVpNYt4W2GWRmTLfn4chtzn6x3o9ShcUfoFMN5vb2j0VLCPrEaUpY7xYhW6-cFB4O6g/s320/DSC_0125.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Souvenir Seller Bagan</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRX3Mh_qZ3uLk3Wo1Qk2jvlxlvNGz5qWLjriTnVdaDE_XDni-ROubincRYz-yOJefHoDLYY-1su6RouuabZRf-FFh6AcuiQj0HUnXo5ziwflBnwhvK8DyZX6GBzY4gyvJ8AxspTYN9UQ/s1600/DSC_0109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRX3Mh_qZ3uLk3Wo1Qk2jvlxlvNGz5qWLjriTnVdaDE_XDni-ROubincRYz-yOJefHoDLYY-1su6RouuabZRf-FFh6AcuiQj0HUnXo5ziwflBnwhvK8DyZX6GBzY4gyvJ8AxspTYN9UQ/s320/DSC_0109.JPG" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Balancing the Load, Bagan</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivU-_nxVtwjzqsqLktnE0fluQjB9YnNXN4EFGNQKgFljlKjm0Vl3qgSpakcwIZNRA5efixT5_PnYX-mnYWzUOtrJgf2MgZ70gKKJmp-PZpw4Qf58mUwEGeVlDle9X-bSGaJB_hd1w3SCI/s1600/DSC_0126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivU-_nxVtwjzqsqLktnE0fluQjB9YnNXN4EFGNQKgFljlKjm0Vl3qgSpakcwIZNRA5efixT5_PnYX-mnYWzUOtrJgf2MgZ70gKKJmp-PZpw4Qf58mUwEGeVlDle9X-bSGaJB_hd1w3SCI/s320/DSC_0126.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Personable </span>Vendor , Bagan</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ytrsPUStpiSz3iPPjiDHXHCMQF5a5dkdvLSYqqVQUB8IOgXt7JbbdSlO_CV926LELITszos5e5ZMMUM90U99YsUYHpzILlsQyd2Gmwrf8xYi5Z5xtpCD3MOzc0A0Rm7LaDZ1nmwTotc/s1600/DSC_0154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ytrsPUStpiSz3iPPjiDHXHCMQF5a5dkdvLSYqqVQUB8IOgXt7JbbdSlO_CV926LELITszos5e5ZMMUM90U99YsUYHpzILlsQyd2Gmwrf8xYi5Z5xtpCD3MOzc0A0Rm7LaDZ1nmwTotc/s320/DSC_0154.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">On Temple Steps, Rangoon</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Q_VxqOnE2aXhV7RcJKzH22UhKdpJvbCSv-NQGlvWvGdGqZofl3bfrL7nz53Swq-xbPGcRDrHvSwe1uxOSF5pu5Wn8RLDD_BKT3gs9UrnHnlKVCn0L0UadQO1769qnSzsakwe8fY9cP4/s1600/DSC_0129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Q_VxqOnE2aXhV7RcJKzH22UhKdpJvbCSv-NQGlvWvGdGqZofl3bfrL7nz53Swq-xbPGcRDrHvSwe1uxOSF5pu5Wn8RLDD_BKT3gs9UrnHnlKVCn0L0UadQO1769qnSzsakwe8fY9cP4/s320/DSC_0129.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Friend of 15 Years, Khine Khin Oo</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrW5YxxLpSkiHFmPj7PpCUVeiEMPcH05frnk-BhlbPVs-f9zzp_vxesv1sOVTKSw3sWWIuiKHePqiqmZlJj84TzPSexcX6mUctl2RQlhjO2ab3yM7dc-ojFkX7Iyw_KpE5gE07-sm28UI/s1600/DSC_0137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrW5YxxLpSkiHFmPj7PpCUVeiEMPcH05frnk-BhlbPVs-f9zzp_vxesv1sOVTKSw3sWWIuiKHePqiqmZlJj84TzPSexcX6mUctl2RQlhjO2ab3yM7dc-ojFkX7Iyw_KpE5gE07-sm28UI/s320/DSC_0137.JPG" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lottery <span style="font-size: small;">Seller, Rangoon</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR214EoYtcTN8aj_ARjH7Z91vj3ZFk3Ms_4NanFFEsrukJ8cZqeg9MX1NkKEEq_G1qlPWw1B-6F-FOYc7vLP7psUIknNeLV483sMdp93ZMzCkL5-XtH7XQnJWA5mOn4XVFO8Vkbx_vjl0/s1600/DSC_01541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR214EoYtcTN8aj_ARjH7Z91vj3ZFk3Ms_4NanFFEsrukJ8cZqeg9MX1NkKEEq_G1qlPWw1B-6F-FOYc7vLP7psUIknNeLV483sMdp93ZMzCkL5-XtH7XQnJWA5mOn4XVFO8Vkbx_vjl0/s320/DSC_01541.JPG" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Student in Taung Sha<span style="font-size: small;">ye Village</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCROd-2TqLaiKpH2MGeqHGj8MlVflmKECig5IpqwNAKpo663ZXnTjEiOkzQavli8BpCcMKr7G0e61FTUEk60WVIhS_BXqE40JncX-hR_vVpf_uyxi_DP6hDfIQN-1EwbXzOj5DJAQ9HU/s1600/DSC_0167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCROd-2TqLaiKpH2MGeqHGj8MlVflmKECig5IpqwNAKpo663ZXnTjEiOkzQavli8BpCcMKr7G0e61FTUEk60WVIhS_BXqE40JncX-hR_vVpf_uyxi_DP6hDfIQN-1EwbXzOj5DJAQ9HU/s320/DSC_0167.JPG" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ready to Dance, Taung Shaye Village</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdsCh1kFrF6y1rfkbcNGVSP8ycQY4hE3BGEISDg5DU9F6mehVtRX5_B-T-JVFGOoMtXSixA7o4qEagWkF4wLMeH5FQhswDEfclbxj6M4G5xi5nnStbHneofT5mc4vLzm_p9BMaBflZpQ/s1600/DSC_0176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdsCh1kFrF6y1rfkbcNGVSP8ycQY4hE3BGEISDg5DU9F6mehVtRX5_B-T-JVFGOoMtXSixA7o4qEagWkF4wLMeH5FQhswDEfclbxj6M4G5xi5nnStbHneofT5mc4vLzm_p9BMaBflZpQ/s320/DSC_0176.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Souvenir Seller, at Nanthida Jetty, Rangoon</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhElJ6hllEmSUaguX3WruhI7Vc0YI0yjmrTF_smkrz_liViDXG0s3TIksI0FGaSIv9Nbo0GItDKVE4D6wEAMCkFFzB0RAZvG15YZg_RRkq7FNN6_r7SQFcmc-YS5xYkLQwZFarp5orfRkc/s1600/DSC_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhElJ6hllEmSUaguX3WruhI7Vc0YI0yjmrTF_smkrz_liViDXG0s3TIksI0FGaSIv9Nbo0GItDKVE4D6wEAMCkFFzB0RAZvG15YZg_RRkq7FNN6_r7SQFcmc-YS5xYkLQwZFarp5orfRkc/s320/DSC_0183.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vendor at Nanthida Jetty</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadxIR1NagmVf6XcvZE0usBdgqbJrwM-mpSW8k5EUS1gyRdIIX1xLsi3jlbdv_8WZktAnrchq6nZI1hUE4RlZMbPY1YyHhvM0slPhm4MyVLxhWauu8hhcPumZ9SRUF1EAe8c_cRtZat-Y/s1600/DSC_0188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadxIR1NagmVf6XcvZE0usBdgqbJrwM-mpSW8k5EUS1gyRdIIX1xLsi3jlbdv_8WZktAnrchq6nZI1hUE4RlZMbPY1YyHhvM0slPhm4MyVLxhWauu8hhcPumZ9SRUF1EAe8c_cRtZat-Y/s320/DSC_0188.JPG" width="215" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Spectator at Kyauk S<span style="font-size: small;">e Fest<span style="font-size: small;">ival</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YJPMoIfQsHuQbcQlvLIzGHjIrCtz9Hdb1aj3q-f_ss3hsU084oVTMzH7oPuruc9OXS6xh4vDjAg7KnsYCdNhFCViqUVdK0TiX4q-cDX_HMXO8-1SpJZskT0LVcP0QNFWaJnzO0XKzMA/s1600/DSC_01881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YJPMoIfQsHuQbcQlvLIzGHjIrCtz9Hdb1aj3q-f_ss3hsU084oVTMzH7oPuruc9OXS6xh4vDjAg7KnsYCdNhFCViqUVdK0TiX4q-cDX_HMXO8-1SpJZskT0LVcP0QNFWaJnzO0XKzMA/s320/DSC_01881.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our Engaging and vivacious Guide Pay Pay<span style="font-size: small;">, Kakku</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4AyjNZLBkvorfHyilv6XCrHL-tVR4bm6fURuJAe-vYymc5kXXzuQ6sgtrWWyN5Osz42TZmgQUXPw3LP4nmeCXU1lmbwB63ITaYbncUqT-0Y_Xc3PoL3p-I06vKxbPtkIX6RFW6H3JTQ/s1600/DSC_0197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4AyjNZLBkvorfHyilv6XCrHL-tVR4bm6fURuJAe-vYymc5kXXzuQ6sgtrWWyN5Osz42TZmgQUXPw3LP4nmeCXU1lmbwB63ITaYbncUqT-0Y_Xc3PoL3p-I06vKxbPtkIX6RFW6H3JTQ/s320/DSC_0197.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">PaO GEntleman at Kak<span style="font-size: small;">ku</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrzL4KdAXr_YKOcW19Oro2xniuYe6gKr7OeV56G7ldmMF42Bl4ER8N4mew048SYcmxX6AM1as3I-aYIj-ngESgJovVrfg52RD86odPVJhQz_qGLMP4hyiHAtJUDeRqaO-NnBKB4ZZZDc/s1600/DSC_0209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrzL4KdAXr_YKOcW19Oro2xniuYe6gKr7OeV56G7ldmMF42Bl4ER8N4mew048SYcmxX6AM1as3I-aYIj-ngESgJovVrfg52RD86odPVJhQz_qGLMP4hyiHAtJUDeRqaO-NnBKB4ZZZDc/s320/DSC_0209.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Young <span style="font-size: small;">Worshiper</span> at Botahtaung Pagoda, Rangoon</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhYi6k-w3hD4DOSgXyEcDxOoDZYAShOagh4M3-5fJQ50PL8PzyukpR8KYEZ2PB6ccpIaNTy-cWR7c0jGCh800PPrYXi4mpJ1V-JZEPRiA9cYaVCn6ZgUr4ixxqnpbSaAAiUvy4ELa5z3M/s1600/DSC_0207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhYi6k-w3hD4DOSgXyEcDxOoDZYAShOagh4M3-5fJQ50PL8PzyukpR8KYEZ2PB6ccpIaNTy-cWR7c0jGCh800PPrYXi4mpJ1V-JZEPRiA9cYaVCn6ZgUr4ixxqnpbSaAAiUvy4ELa5z3M/s320/DSC_0207.JPG" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Spectator at Kyauk Se Festival</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLRBujObROUmAGw-7wsGLCyh8XE01K4LNLRS7pwWr_WaRyBT6PtBaLgwreJKck98WFlXELGYr9kMHfBaEPDaNigjHEIxZ3vtK1EU1ezdjJ9xoB7Tb6xbBfVgsVGi-kP4GL8s-P5QtAHI/s1600/DSC_0208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLRBujObROUmAGw-7wsGLCyh8XE01K4LNLRS7pwWr_WaRyBT6PtBaLgwreJKck98WFlXELGYr9kMHfBaEPDaNigjHEIxZ3vtK1EU1ezdjJ9xoB7Tb6xbBfVgsVGi-kP4GL8s-P5QtAHI/s320/DSC_0208.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Carrying Water at Taung Shaye Village</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPa2eiSc7q4c-UHF6G_Q4Vp4NmR3F2eocxF_zhwwOnNlWu6lr-PQ3C8Rf8LlCjsZvS3kgyySNV02zfvCp1JKuxD04pFcUgEsSmC3m-GuJsOEqYPnYUC-Bf0MEY6rHRRbPdr_hlmNkkOM/s1600/DSC_0215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPa2eiSc7q4c-UHF6G_Q4Vp4NmR3F2eocxF_zhwwOnNlWu6lr-PQ3C8Rf8LlCjsZvS3kgyySNV02zfvCp1JKuxD04pFcUgEsSmC3m-GuJsOEqYPnYUC-Bf0MEY6rHRRbPdr_hlmNkkOM/s320/DSC_0215.JPG" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Young Nun, Kalaw</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRto6PhHIAC0YFClhDTmkkdo4UvkpXwqfIr4Do0Iq-1qkwfXhIOcVTZzKHy8xMWTIuKFKWRhYMT_7kEL06AoZAekUoZnd_1MaUapLKxGQwG2QngdScQpdNV7cTiWpcicb6d2dWzRGeU0/s1600/DSC_0269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRto6PhHIAC0YFClhDTmkkdo4UvkpXwqfIr4Do0Iq-1qkwfXhIOcVTZzKHy8xMWTIuKFKWRhYMT_7kEL06AoZAekUoZnd_1MaUapLKxGQwG2QngdScQpdNV7cTiWpcicb6d2dWzRGeU0/s320/DSC_0269.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Infa<span style="font-size: small;">nt on Sidewalk <span style="font-size: small;">Near Sule Pagoda</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjV1H9Sqjqs-0GoVPOwhCyth_a_aueJWsl-P5WC2NwhqM0PNrxcs63wVcXLc_tjTc8xmlYM9AaAvhr-IYUBw3pzpAlbII7lxKa8SVAY3XKQ24bdVHgtppzFTk00rCVTALBGlqQPdbpd8o/s1600/DSC_0216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjV1H9Sqjqs-0GoVPOwhCyth_a_aueJWsl-P5WC2NwhqM0PNrxcs63wVcXLc_tjTc8xmlYM9AaAvhr-IYUBw3pzpAlbII7lxKa8SVAY3XKQ24bdVHgtppzFTk00rCVTALBGlqQPdbpd8o/s320/DSC_0216.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Students at Taung Shaye Village</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQD1tH0kBt5oNTDBX5DsH_PihfQeNHAb99qJ9-Lg131YviVIFfDjhg09CcSIHkh5d-hsSorKfRtOuFJRJfk-Stsm04KwCeQNn05pC55mI4doXTtOses8CpCaAEs3RQhYUl9CwjsU1bv8c/s1600/DSC_0277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQD1tH0kBt5oNTDBX5DsH_PihfQeNHAb99qJ9-Lg131YviVIFfDjhg09CcSIHkh5d-hsSorKfRtOuFJRJfk-Stsm04KwCeQNn05pC55mI4doXTtOses8CpCaAEs3RQhYUl9CwjsU1bv8c/s320/DSC_0277.JPG" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Youngsters at Nyau</span><span style="font-size: small;">k</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">T</span>he Yauk Myauk Kone Village</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFN1-DDVK1FA_mK49GNh3wrVAMr84XmNbbS-pBQkHeY4yAjk1gSUVsbR8491rRdPZAsqTbyxt6Frg3B2f_ULGv4iBthHcWWkR0jnr2Am9RXlpNt1kCTwC1-F86Sr7Zh7RE2qJCKeyPMY/s1600/DSC_0287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFN1-DDVK1FA_mK49GNh3wrVAMr84XmNbbS-pBQkHeY4yAjk1gSUVsbR8491rRdPZAsqTbyxt6Frg3B2f_ULGv4iBthHcWWkR0jnr2Am9RXlpNt1kCTwC1-F86Sr7Zh7RE2qJCKeyPMY/s320/DSC_0287.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">PaO Girl at Naung Pit Village</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixha63gKbM0OWDkriy9rqm1lfHIyQuZdgD_D6wECR0dQC_jJgxyaQg9xWuCA6qcyxyGbxVHFLV8z5ZeLWT2pFcWnc9bN1XoYHB5AzLVLh8cbua1k53UzP2RIT9oNq9L1pveK2LeOBqXYM/s1600/DSC_0282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixha63gKbM0OWDkriy9rqm1lfHIyQuZdgD_D6wECR0dQC_jJgxyaQg9xWuCA6qcyxyGbxVHFLV8z5ZeLWT2pFcWnc9bN1XoYHB5AzLVLh8cbua1k53UzP2RIT9oNq9L1pveK2LeOBqXYM/s320/DSC_0282.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pao Woman at Naung Pit Village</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZG2LVTYQnveFg_jDUrhdk0stBpMTB4Yos_x6eujDdaWdgrPyHvcsJ0YGubQ3-PrPmYaOAG7uvTyvwPV-4u83DPq8Mp05WNcLhlfGlohDtUcCYgqJ4g4vV-naMPzLH63CxY69kwAnvDdU/s1600/DSC_0297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZG2LVTYQnveFg_jDUrhdk0stBpMTB4Yos_x6eujDdaWdgrPyHvcsJ0YGubQ3-PrPmYaOAG7uvTyvwPV-4u83DPq8Mp05WNcLhlfGlohDtUcCYgqJ4g4vV-naMPzLH63CxY69kwAnvDdU/s320/DSC_0297.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Woman at <span style="font-size: small;">Hindu Temple, Rangoon</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYtulXjJjhSi8sGQNZstpmBchC6xzxiyzqGxmDsj_HmY3yZ6pMxk07bW4Xj06wHJgcBdq1UsI0YAq99IgZSaD5JNclM7vXC8ON7ng3EoM5gpgRXCgSQ0lQxRPsr0vEug4t56RiNnAS_4/s1600/DSC_0295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYtulXjJjhSi8sGQNZstpmBchC6xzxiyzqGxmDsj_HmY3yZ6pMxk07bW4Xj06wHJgcBdq1UsI0YAq99IgZSaD5JNclM7vXC8ON7ng3EoM5gpgRXCgSQ0lQxRPsr0vEug4t56RiNnAS_4/s320/DSC_0295.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Taung Lwin and Family<span style="font-size: small;">, Teak Wood Lodge, Nyaungsh<span style="font-size: small;">we</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZkXw8LBIP1bl2fC3ww4Z1gtr_txGGW8_aqUPefPXuDS1grNGWCjzDZm5AcnETVKsckye1qM4Vvi_zh9EWGH9dxnN75x2wPkwIDmIKvQCW4-Z5_3pDhzX_BzyZcDTnjrSlvNhBYO_ni9E/s1600/DSC_0312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZkXw8LBIP1bl2fC3ww4Z1gtr_txGGW8_aqUPefPXuDS1grNGWCjzDZm5AcnETVKsckye1qM4Vvi_zh9EWGH9dxnN75x2wPkwIDmIKvQCW4-Z5_3pDhzX_BzyZcDTnjrSlvNhBYO_ni9E/s320/DSC_0312.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Woman and Child in Nyauk The Yauk Myauk Kone Village</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmrEVmbxCBQ2wtsEgN5qAsNfTUEqmsdOHuK62iz8Fns3pyXBRWJCJUF93YJOjqFed-RexUg51tbiJn84oG6qtN8jy-mACbhOqpzIqkDodtJWnKvx2dr86j-w2sAnHuXs-HHCAo15aPrk/s1600/DSC_0314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmrEVmbxCBQ2wtsEgN5qAsNfTUEqmsdOHuK62iz8Fns3pyXBRWJCJUF93YJOjqFed-RexUg51tbiJn84oG6qtN8jy-mACbhOqpzIqkDodtJWnKvx2dr86j-w2sAnHuXs-HHCAo15aPrk/s320/DSC_0314.JPG" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Young Girl in Nyauk The Yauk Myauk Kone Village</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYzWQcuGjC-Hw0nsrKcOqB7gvduhxrKjFgHxQb6kqXHN7RtxMo2V7USmyt4Icx8032P6WOQ6ck2kweUCEI9Rv9TnrJEPz3_1ZRb_5UzVMnECL8aMtl_k4PpLzFMVad8bl5CnRVThqjRy0/s1600/DSC_0321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYzWQcuGjC-Hw0nsrKcOqB7gvduhxrKjFgHxQb6kqXHN7RtxMo2V7USmyt4Icx8032P6WOQ6ck2kweUCEI9Rv9TnrJEPz3_1ZRb_5UzVMnECL8aMtl_k4PpLzFMVad8bl5CnRVThqjRy0/s320/DSC_0321.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Young Nuns at Shwedigon, Rangoon</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnutLA6p8OCOG_3tunDBY7GRnNcr1hzSGeO9YcMf2Ke-MQHH-CKgv8STADZIOMYpofwf9nrmEU00f5JUkJIPXwueek9CdAFUoIZPLxXFZfDAzCVSNXWFNnvKJ1SWfSZjr2MqqTNdcY28/s1600/DSC_0315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnutLA6p8OCOG_3tunDBY7GRnNcr1hzSGeO9YcMf2Ke-MQHH-CKgv8STADZIOMYpofwf9nrmEU00f5JUkJIPXwueek9CdAFUoIZPLxXFZfDAzCVSNXWFNnvKJ1SWfSZjr2MqqTNdcY28/s320/DSC_0315.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mother and Baby With Mickey Mouse Tanaka Pattern, Shwedigon</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNtl2IaqWw4akXctdpSWNWWY9VZU1G82cUq7A3GGFegZ8jNQuXDuOszRJf0Bnq9qrjdSg6laOEj5viY9py2b4ltT8aEI0B2APoBTfAfUu9uiWh-sdFtG7Unh2-8Tc_bHNA60nqfCfXnU/s1600/DSC_03211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNtl2IaqWw4akXctdpSWNWWY9VZU1G82cUq7A3GGFegZ8jNQuXDuOszRJf0Bnq9qrjdSg6laOEj5viY9py2b4ltT8aEI0B2APoBTfAfUu9uiWh-sdFtG7Unh2-8Tc_bHNA60nqfCfXnU/s320/DSC_03211.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Village Woma<span style="font-size: small;">n at Nyauk The Yauk Myauk Kone Village</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4QGt1i_ih2uEuBH1g1_byATgTx01OhRR0mgmf6WIQOOvJhI25MJBT4qeik3aD9x3YlxOFXUO_DsYzsz5hKEBKnQRscTSG2SrV5WoQoP8PtRUXfsOvCxshdeJQx_1XeTWAAYHeGfkmBo4/s1600/DSC_0339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4QGt1i_ih2uEuBH1g1_byATgTx01OhRR0mgmf6WIQOOvJhI25MJBT4qeik3aD9x3YlxOFXUO_DsYzsz5hKEBKnQRscTSG2SrV5WoQoP8PtRUXfsOvCxshdeJQx_1XeTWAAYHeGfkmBo4/s320/DSC_0339.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Village Elder</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEireGOlow8QbW0-NRrLuRALkwIuaZmC-_Ji5UKy9fGs25q5TdUtmdSVDNDrpBy0XafglYmAw4mD-oy5cnlDurzinXLBQUEJHYv3jMfU7tGBV9qvpQdaeujvfkbvHgUR05-VrGwbB-BYgrQ/s1600/DSC_03391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEireGOlow8QbW0-NRrLuRALkwIuaZmC-_Ji5UKy9fGs25q5TdUtmdSVDNDrpBy0XafglYmAw4mD-oy5cnlDurzinXLBQUEJHYv3jMfU7tGBV9qvpQdaeujvfkbvHgUR05-VrGwbB-BYgrQ/s320/DSC_03391.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">PaO Woman at Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery, Nyaunshwe</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJ8lljPeFcGkLvxGP0MjSX3brPLnagvCED4J4IMLJzSKhaj2cHZCff4CM_ouP_vP2DGJAD0EO1ZvPxBdBL14nW43zDjS7NfXle7-WFqj2ekEXLKd97e6DVYIvrB3zKjWltbF0vN-vnZw/s1600/DSC_0357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJ8lljPeFcGkLvxGP0MjSX3brPLnagvCED4J4IMLJzSKhaj2cHZCff4CM_ouP_vP2DGJAD0EO1ZvPxBdBL14nW43zDjS7NfXle7-WFqj2ekEXLKd97e6DVYIvrB3zKjWltbF0vN-vnZw/s320/DSC_0357.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">PaO Woman near Indein</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtIUqLkmI3bIoAYx_Z-R4rM4t6BegtByrHKJaWPhGLdjFgaVFW4Kd7vBk58YgKXjzkg1cyD1_2-ic6HGb3uPGF4yom45w7wvNPzPPEy0vNJSEU39Kaz9bxKbc9VJE8Hvpo1UkP7-ADvs/s1600/DSC_0369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtIUqLkmI3bIoAYx_Z-R4rM4t6BegtByrHKJaWPhGLdjFgaVFW4Kd7vBk58YgKXjzkg1cyD1_2-ic6HGb3uPGF4yom45w7wvNPzPPEy0vNJSEU39Kaz9bxKbc9VJE8Hvpo1UkP7-ADvs/s320/DSC_0369.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Palaung Child<span style="font-size: small;">, Palaung Village Near Kalaw</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqat5CMnWx6mh8jzxSQZL6CGE73dK7Wda3Xc1el9GdTqQ0t2yQxW3hc48dnFDKt1H4DSgi_iymPyzK2hTJK8sjsQBNTpVeqnw7iXrksdsUnq04Ojxmz3YpntfNOY2GMqgmC3DduVh7FMM/s1600/DSC_0381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqat5CMnWx6mh8jzxSQZL6CGE73dK7Wda3Xc1el9GdTqQ0t2yQxW3hc48dnFDKt1H4DSgi_iymPyzK2hTJK8sjsQBNTpVeqnw7iXrksdsUnq04Ojxmz3YpntfNOY2GMqgmC3DduVh7FMM/s320/DSC_0381.JPG" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Young Monk at Gukyaung Monastery School, Nyaung U</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwws3j-qwhJOhJ8aqrjvDD7bhRqGRkZ-vQUJmBMY1TuRWFzVXPY64Yo2Vl9o4PYx_d8v5dyJZhqGL260hCzsGjc5NcwOHcLJDnHuoZrmFgvaxcq7lbwygsWjwfMIMW_PbEUsX1IQSzEjU/s1600/DSC_0384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwws3j-qwhJOhJ8aqrjvDD7bhRqGRkZ-vQUJmBMY1TuRWFzVXPY64Yo2Vl9o4PYx_d8v5dyJZhqGL260hCzsGjc5NcwOHcLJDnHuoZrmFgvaxcq7lbwygsWjwfMIMW_PbEUsX1IQSzEjU/s320/DSC_0384.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Young Devotees, Shwedigon</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dPllAHefmF8pXyzkVPRAUt7wbeYVCF4Qu83iGrrxrg6JLt1sbTavXshyC_8NmaD0s7RIT5MfKWr_aKB8AMlgLDkcRDcX7xEiOJ6xnnyvkdnVu3epeODJ4dyrmoKaUTmq1_dpqW_s82g/s1600/DSC_0402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dPllAHefmF8pXyzkVPRAUt7wbeYVCF4Qu83iGrrxrg6JLt1sbTavXshyC_8NmaD0s7RIT5MfKWr_aKB8AMlgLDkcRDcX7xEiOJ6xnnyvkdnVu3epeODJ4dyrmoKaUTmq1_dpqW_s82g/s320/DSC_0402.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">All Smiles at Temple Fair, Bagan</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5fv1-OPC5sE7A8mn_Ra9qnanIlH-CrFJqv6vi5eDzchkW9PZnRv372FTjngznqLnu3OiVzlIpNz8xrDnQIilRxiaGxOFbuYQuulcoAuB_NeNxx-MJsZw7SBM574b-h9pFdwVeRsJkzs/s1600/DSC_0451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5fv1-OPC5sE7A8mn_Ra9qnanIlH-CrFJqv6vi5eDzchkW9PZnRv372FTjngznqLnu3OiVzlIpNz8xrDnQIilRxiaGxOFbuYQuulcoAuB_NeNxx-MJsZw7SBM574b-h9pFdwVeRsJkzs/s320/DSC_0451.JPG" width="202" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shop Owner, Nyaung U Market</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzQOzkCnYM3Zt1HUUVXYqe1pL7HEk3feNV-MkUIpGmtTMIVUmYnc2-x7l8Ebh3vWgUxZVN3Mt0NgIOhKJdev1dUxds3iiqyWVDIrlDd5T-dkRRg9w6wlHMhjygF2hyphenhyphen8CSsXgaePOtzDw/s1600/DSC_0446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzQOzkCnYM3Zt1HUUVXYqe1pL7HEk3feNV-MkUIpGmtTMIVUmYnc2-x7l8Ebh3vWgUxZVN3Mt0NgIOhKJdev1dUxds3iiqyWVDIrlDd5T-dkRRg9w6wlHMhjygF2hyphenhyphen8CSsXgaePOtzDw/s320/DSC_0446.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Monk in Nyaung U Market</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdyWixq1pxCDGcu7ndEsv1dsPT2es5EePAde9l-aB1WA1OKbWVa4-_-vD_f0V6Hdbc5KkxH51w6o0AIeMDprVBAcDRj5eUhrGC2NizHiCgHpMUdekvqUPkHvq0NNbxJk_xLT_A2eB4pQs/s1600/DSC_0460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdyWixq1pxCDGcu7ndEsv1dsPT2es5EePAde9l-aB1WA1OKbWVa4-_-vD_f0V6Hdbc5KkxH51w6o0AIeMDprVBAcDRj5eUhrGC2NizHiCgHpMUdekvqUPkHvq0NNbxJk_xLT_A2eB4pQs/s320/DSC_0460.JPG" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Arriving by Bicycle, Nyaung U Market</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBcln0yfodGAAsRvWLzY7b9UBK9bHOhgrUTlf7-f0b5eIr2yZ9DTY8lEx7ePFWAtLb5hpeA1C4eANW_TFnLgFanGlSlESre_ZA_C29I08PncL6ffoDcP0MX-8P2EjcfotbRoQfipt-UA/s1600/DSC_0458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBcln0yfodGAAsRvWLzY7b9UBK9bHOhgrUTlf7-f0b5eIr2yZ9DTY8lEx7ePFWAtLb5hpeA1C4eANW_TFnLgFanGlSlESre_ZA_C29I08PncL6ffoDcP0MX-8P2EjcfotbRoQfipt-UA/s320/DSC_0458.JPG" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Spectators at Boat Races, Paung Dao Oo Pagoda</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIG-Jly6BWpU3WltwLm6Fu9XY0HjCO0z90fC26WaxjN7cZXkEvacFjbOZsHrbBXQje7OC1DEkd0Jz3lDCqlroTQeVcQQXtCu4qB8Z2W98arXn1wiU0UTUsl0xgMd-BSq1kIvqUBWGxE3U/s1600/DSC_0457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIG-Jly6BWpU3WltwLm6Fu9XY0HjCO0z90fC26WaxjN7cZXkEvacFjbOZsHrbBXQje7OC1DEkd0Jz3lDCqlroTQeVcQQXtCu4qB8Z2W98arXn1wiU0UTUsl0xgMd-BSq1kIvqUBWGxE3U/s320/DSC_0457.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Taung Lwin, Friend o<span style="font-size: small;">f 32 Years</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gH45ouleeIhCHjzRUtqMS4arPmreK8WAQTrfYgw8YgBCxBLGyy_kBeQvz8Qor900STcj71XEnEo4geVetl9OmZM89dLvmcx2VoOTVJ9Yw-T9uu4ngSxuM60G9CcEgtFGuNjFZ0cky1Q/s1600/DSC_0473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gH45ouleeIhCHjzRUtqMS4arPmreK8WAQTrfYgw8YgBCxBLGyy_kBeQvz8Qor900STcj71XEnEo4geVetl9OmZM89dLvmcx2VoOTVJ9Yw-T9uu4ngSxuM60G9CcEgtFGuNjFZ0cky1Q/s320/DSC_0473.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Young Monk Playing Catch With a Water Bottle, Shwezigon Pagoda</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkHnVJezdmEKmt4g5-AMby1T-nmE9rnDLf1bA2_u2I7-IpWELGNO3OxTOmPNL0PX7AmU_5j_QBs15D0Cy1lzjCMsqSlPuUN8XMy93xXButbXPn8S_zM6iEnOm0Tve3Xhmq1bMCjeHK-M/s1600/DSC_0503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkHnVJezdmEKmt4g5-AMby1T-nmE9rnDLf1bA2_u2I7-IpWELGNO3OxTOmPNL0PX7AmU_5j_QBs15D0Cy1lzjCMsqSlPuUN8XMy93xXButbXPn8S_zM6iEnOm0Tve3Xhmq1bMCjeHK-M/s320/DSC_0503.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Taking a Break, Shwezigon, Pagoda</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgy1McY4GgoCiOhSzrbqN5sv5PocCxrLIPzDd-_7NQWHJMoFVGnYMzqYmBdJaOIPgm_NDXUawcKmwFTj-KlTllWjcpB4wE68fF9UtBhXwvFbaBbGDFb4UnqPLO54dqEkzggjjeCIUutE/s1600/DSC_0486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgy1McY4GgoCiOhSzrbqN5sv5PocCxrLIPzDd-_7NQWHJMoFVGnYMzqYmBdJaOIPgm_NDXUawcKmwFTj-KlTllWjcpB4wE68fF9UtBhXwvFbaBbGDFb4UnqPLO54dqEkzggjjeCIUutE/s320/DSC_0486.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Girl at Shwezigon, Pagoda</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-G99zRDTKTexVnX008u4qjP2m1xT3-8ybD_lnygXp-rLaiUNIcJ-SCW3vIADQMNcpGb0CNXdGIpbOlHoZmTYKouVtsCC5rnIiGuEB_HzzQXxdlC_Hm6IxwDPtwNyp2QI3xJe52kd3PN8/s1600/DSC_0532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-G99zRDTKTexVnX008u4qjP2m1xT3-8ybD_lnygXp-rLaiUNIcJ-SCW3vIADQMNcpGb0CNXdGIpbOlHoZmTYKouVtsCC5rnIiGuEB_HzzQXxdlC_Hm6IxwDPtwNyp2QI3xJe52kd3PN8/s320/DSC_0532.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Young Mother at Taung Shaye Village</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqGOsd-KOdrCM5kN_Tu08MkUG24EseqtbSUTPCPOO8_orAkztF4AqynoSHxlHvUxj8yXK516g32l-QQ3xljzed2unt2NHsbHjHPsUh1c0gFW328GdQ7pUveuJnLTxZwWG1L05r2FrRl0/s1600/DSC_0534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqGOsd-KOdrCM5kN_Tu08MkUG24EseqtbSUTPCPOO8_orAkztF4AqynoSHxlHvUxj8yXK516g32l-QQ3xljzed2unt2NHsbHjHPsUh1c0gFW328GdQ7pUveuJnLTxZwWG1L05r2FrRl0/s320/DSC_0534.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Village Elder, Ta<span style="font-size: small;">ung Shaye Village</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvJOI1rOP-dQ_eZtanmABtf1BJKlUHaR_mPa7j84OsfIKQdK40TQkxvtm9VHBHawIRsA8ZGTdOAl5Xx480cszCsE7qJuL6CuYVahlPQDTBm9SamMpDq9F9OKDjTEryKBZEW9UUXRXfwU/s1600/DSC_05031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvJOI1rOP-dQ_eZtanmABtf1BJKlUHaR_mPa7j84OsfIKQdK40TQkxvtm9VHBHawIRsA8ZGTdOAl5Xx480cszCsE7qJuL6CuYVahlPQDTBm9SamMpDq9F9OKDjTEryKBZEW9UUXRXfwU/s320/DSC_05031.JPG" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Le<span style="font-size: small;">ar</span>ning from Dad, In Paw Kone, Inle Lake</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1ppZYzJ_v6Ai92dexM-t0Q5H05kaXCS50CkSNjKJu5S4_GuALVMOphiftzd0t29G6tiZL7vTuvmshHPMOc_MtaLWT-gNF5DRVEszXcq4C_T0YbQoPfmRpBc4re2GskOO4C6uReQHa6g/s1600/DSC_0540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1ppZYzJ_v6Ai92dexM-t0Q5H05kaXCS50CkSNjKJu5S4_GuALVMOphiftzd0t29G6tiZL7vTuvmshHPMOc_MtaLWT-gNF5DRVEszXcq4C_T0YbQoPfmRpBc4re2GskOO4C6uReQHa6g/s320/DSC_0540.JPG" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">PaO Girl at In Paw KOne Pagoda</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-Qes2tTTGVvzu8MNppGrBUYadVn8wWITlpxGIq1CyKFXtqcYLNhcEcutylKAsd7wTbhsPr25YsLil5GDgJCGhihIRZ7pgwTsXpGAKpAOg4dL890MYPf1uzbLJIPeP5RMzy8XxzGYEro/s1600/DSC_0553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-Qes2tTTGVvzu8MNppGrBUYadVn8wWITlpxGIq1CyKFXtqcYLNhcEcutylKAsd7wTbhsPr25YsLil5GDgJCGhihIRZ7pgwTsXpGAKpAOg4dL890MYPf1uzbLJIPeP5RMzy8XxzGYEro/s320/DSC_0553.JPG" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stu<span style="font-size: small;">dent, Taung Shaye V<span style="font-size: small;">illage</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQ7Ms1whqU0OF6f6eEZQvxy0wu1I-Y4xijNvH_1D3EzLH9y6dqd-kUyfzj-uo4FBcMX525HSXyiEo5YqBiJEK7aVuZi7DjySFjltbKuV9VAx0Zd_WXZMCm32bGIjL5QSxfdt37n4Mpk4/s1600/DSC_0552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQ7Ms1whqU0OF6f6eEZQvxy0wu1I-Y4xijNvH_1D3EzLH9y6dqd-kUyfzj-uo4FBcMX525HSXyiEo5YqBiJEK7aVuZi7DjySFjltbKuV9VAx0Zd_WXZMCm32bGIjL5QSxfdt37n4Mpk4/s320/DSC_0552.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Young Worsh<span style="font-size: small;">ippers, In Paw Kone Pagoda</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigslCMJX_QOc7rGFmJjcamTRJM3NWiscy3p8AyggF_DOP_SVsBrfmDHtamhXaj7w-oz87uJvj29yyDCInhBAWOmhubTojdcDRitVaoy82E49foQ6k4BLtUJc8rCLMSRxQ6DC9bo2_8hDo/s1600/DSC_0557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigslCMJX_QOc7rGFmJjcamTRJM3NWiscy3p8AyggF_DOP_SVsBrfmDHtamhXaj7w-oz87uJvj29yyDCInhBAWOmhubTojdcDRitVaoy82E49foQ6k4BLtUJc8rCLMSRxQ6DC9bo2_8hDo/s320/DSC_0557.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Water Carrier, Taung Shaye Village</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPPxg42ZownfhG0aQUR0FtgcfImQ5Yys5FVbG7GhVyv914MABHVms1oIbQLlip8BIvdXOiUZLT0asUU5ZjgrRwD8p2OijW_eLTRchdecuJzb8lnOcbMBK065_q4U70NcNm4BZWmafKZw/s1600/DSC_0575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPPxg42ZownfhG0aQUR0FtgcfImQ5Yys5FVbG7GhVyv914MABHVms1oIbQLlip8BIvdXOiUZLT0asUU5ZjgrRwD8p2OijW_eLTRchdecuJzb8lnOcbMBK065_q4U70NcNm4BZWmafKZw/s320/DSC_0575.JPG" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">All <span style="font-size: small;">Smiles, Taung Sha<span style="font-size: small;">ye Village</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqaVcBWevriJXp-FzzyFDdCZcLZslhz0H8sNyOwBimnxddDhhVWNCgB3Ol8GcUVftHOsR6RCuyanVTmm-yAtdPaFWCJ_yca1psNi8hbyfhIw51jpdYDgNFG5mt0hcJQL3Bq-DL_tmEYs/s1600/DSC_0595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqaVcBWevriJXp-FzzyFDdCZcLZslhz0H8sNyOwBimnxddDhhVWNCgB3Ol8GcUVftHOsR6RCuyanVTmm-yAtdPaFWCJ_yca1psNi8hbyfhIw51jpdYDgNFG5mt0hcJQL3Bq-DL_tmEYs/s320/DSC_0595.JPG" width="222" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Student Dormitory on Way to Salay</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2Tch93NYzMHOA0Va4vGzHI0MLXYRS727hyIrGjF-TSrrtS4euUf9PNRdvU3iAALjy_Kv3Y4VcAJDiq239spNj4SA6l5YMFuwkn5PZiCjxknC72mTJBK_VWwHy4etrUnsZ5LxKm45GSU/s1600/DSC_0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2Tch93NYzMHOA0Va4vGzHI0MLXYRS727hyIrGjF-TSrrtS4euUf9PNRdvU3iAALjy_Kv3Y4VcAJDiq239spNj4SA6l5YMFuwkn5PZiCjxknC72mTJBK_VWwHy4etrUnsZ5LxKm45GSU/s320/DSC_0613.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Grandmother and Child, Salay</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15l6O95j7EZMNd0kBHKH8OGaXt3tYuwuUHxNJYRwusriB-utuHAzKtXWOzdGOPG4osCULm8-kdX_St7X_QCP0qb-hg0rcj3Ni-6-pkqwHaTU-gEsP96VF_rj7onrlCeGUnYwTMVeZjvU/s1600/DSC_0634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15l6O95j7EZMNd0kBHKH8OGaXt3tYuwuUHxNJYRwusriB-utuHAzKtXWOzdGOPG4osCULm8-kdX_St7X_QCP0qb-hg0rcj3Ni-6-pkqwHaTU-gEsP96VF_rj7onrlCeGUnYwTMVeZjvU/s320/DSC_0634.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vendor at Riverside Bagan</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7IPxzPKgip3RtUj_Ax5pjxik2ZN3Osgfri8nfXBYz9W_1GlDt6ZEqyia1sE81E8PQ8flAcGg95sN3iEs9aVfqZKwQTYATDV0sVFNshqgj9hVVYVRnox9idxNZXvhCAs1tZKM8pgwlmew/s1600/DSC_0637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7IPxzPKgip3RtUj_Ax5pjxik2ZN3Osgfri8nfXBYz9W_1GlDt6ZEqyia1sE81E8PQ8flAcGg95sN3iEs9aVfqZKwQTYATDV0sVFNshqgj9hVVYVRnox9idxNZXvhCAs1tZKM8pgwlmew/s320/DSC_0637.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Phwe Phwe, <span style="font-size: small;">at Shwe Indein Pagoda</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlsS99M7zBl0KgAnzcgFDUnW6irpFB2zUWEOL6oH5qNbF36konM-WJ8T3aryRJ7hnCBTTxDtbXruGJktR0w8tp6YlZ518hjUMI6aZ1qJS5t3iJXDv12wNLMiaauvUY0HEIlVgSbSjrtc/s1600/DSC_0642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlsS99M7zBl0KgAnzcgFDUnW6irpFB2zUWEOL6oH5qNbF36konM-WJ8T3aryRJ7hnCBTTxDtbXruGJktR0w8tp6YlZ518hjUMI6aZ1qJS5t3iJXDv12wNLMiaauvUY0HEIlVgSbSjrtc/s320/DSC_0642.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Elderly Woman at <span style="font-size: small;">Shwe Indein Pagoda</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKIrt5WAaCC8HcVt6PImIlIlBXk6mxKv4MlKFUf4MYB5NU8EJfyOnLNn0LW6hT7tuAnli6CFdyNwbH3WqcSA7RN7iaXXCGLXvwVlLXg3373G6DBuqIO-daQMhCL4wNELAisgIw-sXOI0/s1600/DSC_0648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKIrt5WAaCC8HcVt6PImIlIlBXk6mxKv4MlKFUf4MYB5NU8EJfyOnLNn0LW6hT7tuAnli6CFdyNwbH3WqcSA7RN7iaXXCGLXvwVlLXg3373G6DBuqIO-daQMhCL4wNELAisgIw-sXOI0/s320/DSC_0648.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">PaO Woman</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHooCwY8tbL4PVh8b6KvH327HwOrPdtth4ug8RMd7KcU1pOZjOGnd4loU73AkSuRbeevBUsYQMDIlrJQvK2Z3fhH-JAbJTZRgDACACDplDF3ss7CtXSE6k71iVWoO-LHV8OxmdFJlF8Bo/s1600/DSC_0650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHooCwY8tbL4PVh8b6KvH327HwOrPdtth4ug8RMd7KcU1pOZjOGnd4loU73AkSuRbeevBUsYQMDIlrJQvK2Z3fhH-JAbJTZRgDACACDplDF3ss7CtXSE6k71iVWoO-LHV8OxmdFJlF8Bo/s320/DSC_0650.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pa O Woman</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqtajcq72UjBpycyEsylk22DGVBJsY6QUwbh8WqsTPUnYDsSdJBYGP3O2TvLqCls7oe_0gTR6Tv_3oPywoakaHJ6PQT0qK4aQuPbfvCVmaB9yYcu99RfzWKMQvp2JwgAH-r7kjEx2yiY/s1600/DSC_0666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqtajcq72UjBpycyEsylk22DGVBJsY6QUwbh8WqsTPUnYDsSdJBYGP3O2TvLqCls7oe_0gTR6Tv_3oPywoakaHJ6PQT0qK4aQuPbfvCVmaB9yYcu99RfzWKMQvp2JwgAH-r7kjEx2yiY/s320/DSC_0666.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our Hostess on Inle Lake, </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </span></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
All pictures on Lanna Happenings are Copyright by Steve Wilke 2012 unless otherwise credited.</div>
Steve at Lanna Thai Villahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10643635601243206721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6749323742658731184.post-84487641729614373212013-01-18T05:05:00.001-08:002013-01-20T04:36:18.732-08:00BURMA - CHEDIS and CHAUNGS, PART 1 - BURMESE PLACES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BURMESE PLACES</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From October 22 to November 5, 2012 we led a group of 11 on a tour of Burma that introducedour travelers not only to the </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">standard sights one visits on most tours of Burma but we also took several diversions into hinterland areas where we were the only <span style="font-size: small;">foreign vis<span style="font-size: small;">it<span style="font-size: small;">ors. <span style="font-size: small;">Trips to <span style="font-size: small;">off the beaten track areas per<span style="font-size: small;">mitted meaningful intera<span style="font-size: small;">ction with local peoples and an <span style="font-size: small;">up close</span> appreciation of <span style="font-size: small;">their unique life ways. Likewise our river excursions <span style="font-size: small;">included no<span style="font-size: small;">t only <span style="font-size: small;">viewing<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>the passing countryside and sunsets but also we disembarked to visit temporary villages o<span style="font-size: small;">n </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;">sand islands in the Irrawady in order to interact with residents who were engaging in a unique life style which could only be pursued during times of low water when the sand islands would emerge after the rainy season high water. Our trip also included visits to the homes of Intha friends whose home is built on stilts over Inle Lake. Burman friends also hosted us in their homes in Bagan. Thus in addition to the wealth of stupas, pagodas and monuments we visited, our tour was able to balance these attractions with the equally stimulating adventure of meeting new people and making new friends.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">RANGOON </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our trip began where most do, in Rangoon the former capitol. After a tasty breakfast at the Lucky Seven tea shop</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> we</span> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">visited Kaba Aye or the World Peace Pagoda built in 1952 and dedicated towards the development of global peace. We then walked to the nearby Mahapasana Cave(Great Cave of Stone) which was built in 1953 and home to the Sixth Buddhist Synod held in 1954 which was attended by 2500 venerable monks who met to recite and verify the words of the Buddha in Pali. Next to see was the famous Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda, home to a famous reclining Buddha image completed in 1907 and extensively reconstructed in1973 which resulted in the image being extended to 216 feet in length. Our morning concluded with an exploration of the Ngar Htat Gyi Pagoda with its "five-storey Buddha". an image unique in the style of using Magite (armours) around the image. The image height is 45.5 feet. We enjoyed lunch at the Dhanu Phyu Daw Saw Yee Myanmar Food Center</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_h7tFwp4SrbB7da3jbMWSDccZz4g1VZoL0l0V2HmGWXMQt_fdQ8PbH73B49a5DZ4aHK3mOYhrh-rsWyIM1AQuYKamlvun0QFP6gkzDkQl03o_RGf20nPuYylE2LV-ocePxMXM5kHLR1w/s1600/DSC_0119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_h7tFwp4SrbB7da3jbMWSDccZz4g1VZoL0l0V2HmGWXMQt_fdQ8PbH73B49a5DZ4aHK3mOYhrh-rsWyIM1AQuYKamlvun0QFP6gkzDkQl03o_RGf20nPuYylE2LV-ocePxMXM5kHLR1w/s320/DSC_0119.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our Breakfast Venue, Lucky Seven Restaurant</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vZ9J9o_QWOCIOChSGz6mJ1G0Tmow0LjF-C7kig_Fm29Awxi2kxQ3HH9qgMKGQEqmtkMp6u1mVkaN4fD8Zq9hGu15s6R7CcaqswzD6x3-PoEsC2B3RunmpmjAJmgcqZBQ9LhYs3XtZ94/s1600/DSC_0116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vZ9J9o_QWOCIOChSGz6mJ1G0Tmow0LjF-C7kig_Fm29Awxi2kxQ3HH9qgMKGQEqmtkMp6u1mVkaN4fD8Zq9hGu15s6R7CcaqswzD6x3-PoEsC2B3RunmpmjAJmgcqZBQ9LhYs3XtZ94/s320/DSC_0116.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Breakfast Fea<span style="font-size: small;">sting</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvDdlgSiUPhxkjzghK6bgjROvjqW5lylkmIzXgqzlTsCQvO-tYSwjXxbTotVTNQn3BdVzeZ0I3iBSZtU_AWyJqKKRxS2GsufLaF-acLaWJF3UuTZ6VHWm4yPt1GAqHVcj1sqrvDTsXM0/s1600/DSC_0120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvDdlgSiUPhxkjzghK6bgjROvjqW5lylkmIzXgqzlTsCQvO-tYSwjXxbTotVTNQn3BdVzeZ0I3iBSZtU_AWyJqKKRxS2GsufLaF-acLaWJF3UuTZ6VHWm4yPt1GAqHVcj1sqrvDTsXM0/s320/DSC_0120.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ser<span style="font-size: small;">ving Crew</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggoz1yHWOiNseidMxpNN8zXFOiQ4mgOJPSfLJp4jLatmdSS6oNMk4-QZlPCZfP0OA8J_R4-sNY730WlFnO8BZbk3RaF-K00-kwLZP2goWhRQnFfU0bTJbkOuDPrGhBHLWM1zsewFPFjiU/s1600/DSC_0127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggoz1yHWOiNseidMxpNN8zXFOiQ4mgOJPSfLJp4jLatmdSS6oNMk4-QZlPCZfP0OA8J_R4-sNY730WlFnO8BZbk3RaF-K00-kwLZP2goWhRQnFfU0bTJbkOuDPrGhBHLWM1zsewFPFjiU/s320/DSC_0127.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kaba Aye - World Peace Pagoda</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYRIPLhppQBN7ikKAjliGgsYweEAdpi44Uw2hRv-BrwY0agkQf9-ozS8FuM9gATt9MLdH3OnUvNOMFi08DTiLKzQWFZJxPFdXbzhmjvUeeFXxSeUtqFTELzI4LUoWrHfA8lPd2ne_bZQ/s1600/DSC_0129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYRIPLhppQBN7ikKAjliGgsYweEAdpi44Uw2hRv-BrwY0agkQf9-ozS8FuM9gATt9MLdH3OnUvNOMFi08DTiLKzQWFZJxPFdXbzhmjvUeeFXxSeUtqFTELzI4LUoWrHfA8lPd2ne_bZQ/s320/DSC_0129.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pa<span style="font-size: small;">ying Respect at Kaba Aye</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWreupam7bQlXOO5ZUUs_iPKO8PwTtpImTWhtriMPcdsJFIlbDcQpE9ZrcHp2_iB6FcDayF3LwQB3YTbaLBiENIPWgAx32nbmsPMSE_AWcAHsJeQOhYy_ep6BqpA0OtTO0aLp6PIj5dA/s1600/DSC_0131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWreupam7bQlXOO5ZUUs_iPKO8PwTtpImTWhtriMPcdsJFIlbDcQpE9ZrcHp2_iB6FcDayF3LwQB3YTbaLBiENIPWgAx32nbmsPMSE_AWcAHsJeQOhYy_ep6BqpA0OtTO0aLp6PIj5dA/s320/DSC_0131.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Buddha Image at Kaba Aye</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfGsUXWzpqehcUYpAGWy2s0HQ_DurZWA7kyHRnTkbpta4RrOCl6369bkMcDbmmSoDHR7lV01DWYMOpDTR4HNsY6gYs9mhyphenhyphendkBlXlneKvQTYhwLKnu5wh9V-T9i305pZAEVeeIeBdQLO8/s1600/DSC_0146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfGsUXWzpqehcUYpAGWy2s0HQ_DurZWA7kyHRnTkbpta4RrOCl6369bkMcDbmmSoDHR7lV01DWYMOpDTR4HNsY6gYs9mhyphenhyphendkBlXlneKvQTYhwLKnu5wh9V-T9i305pZAEVeeIeBdQLO8/s320/DSC_0146.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The <span style="font-size: small;">Famous Reclining Buddha at Chauk Hat Gyi Pagoda</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyergptVBFN0p31bphocE04W2RWDGWhsqsSXFhBqSIrRVVohHcLP9Jb67tlBA0sFqjYXl3n6E4b_i9MY3IXFTuwjagdhOU9XxfQmb8zLDVDkJ_ZYkllPbABiPFiIJA__odhHAn3gU5hN4/s1600/DSC_0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyergptVBFN0p31bphocE04W2RWDGWhsqsSXFhBqSIrRVVohHcLP9Jb67tlBA0sFqjYXl3n6E4b_i9MY3IXFTuwjagdhOU9XxfQmb8zLDVDkJ_ZYkllPbABiPFiIJA__odhHAn3gU5hN4/s320/DSC_0148.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Chau<span style="font-size: small;">k Hat Gyi Reclining Buddha</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipWBEyV1v936WLKGoKw-uyYOgbwlL1VMuWp2RMzd7xq9jPGrh6Cmp3e39RnBgTO7jRE8c3NAFy6nX97GodGuGPLf1U4su-lcNaP_mk34SyZ5jLH7P8RkTC5yy4TrTVpsWGhihUr6CGDlE/s1600/DSC_0152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipWBEyV1v936WLKGoKw-uyYOgbwlL1VMuWp2RMzd7xq9jPGrh6Cmp3e39RnBgTO7jRE8c3NAFy6nX97GodGuGPLf1U4su-lcNaP_mk34SyZ5jLH7P8RkTC5yy4TrTVpsWGhihUr6CGDlE/s320/DSC_0152.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">View F<span style="font-size: small;">r</span>om Chauk Hat Gyi </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5smC5oAT3-005UAB-Ceif5fUjr9nWa7W0VGeBDA-cF7MeXQENb4bkglyPiubxGZ4uAqBVka4-0ggIAqvSG3pIzlFAfJHl8P2sr8KahwvkpPhOFLO3eQfucKV3KWt4M0XAUbo1LIQdyBA/s1600/DSC_0163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5smC5oAT3-005UAB-Ceif5fUjr9nWa7W0VGeBDA-cF7MeXQENb4bkglyPiubxGZ4uAqBVka4-0ggIAqvSG3pIzlFAfJHl8P2sr8KahwvkpPhOFLO3eQfucKV3KWt4M0XAUbo1LIQdyBA/s320/DSC_0163.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Buddha I<span style="font-size: small;">ma<span style="font-size: small;">ge at Nga Htat Gyi Pagoda</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8FiZWDMMpAzVG41ZeMOwb9LEdoReNG5iZXn9XQZVDTLbcZnw8kB4ZhMVWtlqQfYJ8jw09JzoKdTWEJ-3Y4ocIgJPxoJAFkiLb_R8xF2ZdNYP9snOTIWXtTDn2lSuNlOzb2-7UDqP7XQ/s1600/DSC_0175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8FiZWDMMpAzVG41ZeMOwb9LEdoReNG5iZXn9XQZVDTLbcZnw8kB4ZhMVWtlqQfYJ8jw09JzoKdTWEJ-3Y4ocIgJPxoJAFkiLb_R8xF2ZdNYP9snOTIWXtTDn2lSuNlOzb2-7UDqP7XQ/s320/DSC_0175.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our Travelers at Nga Htat Gyi Pagoda</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After resting at our hotel, we headed out to explore the bustling life along the Yangon River. To this end, we went to the Nanthida Jetty to catch a cross river ferry on which we observed the frenetic loading and unloading of the ferry and on board activities during the crossing. It was interesting to learn something of the livelihood of those living on the delta side of the river. Upon our return we headed to the riverside Botahtaung Pagoda. The name of this hollow Pagoda means Pagoda of the thousand military leaders in honor of those who escorted relics of the Buddha from India over two thousand years ago. Here, members of our group took the opportunity to make an offering and to consult the image of the Nat (spirit) Ahmagyi Mya Nan Nwe, a devotee of the Botahtaung Pagoda. Our day concluded with dinner at the Golden Duck restaurant.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2uLBmga5GFz47LlMRSTpyzqtY11hiv7hk71wKYCyRxGa3rYjo2JVPwVIYXs_YIsF12S0JBu4Eqb12pmVXrjZ8p2BZ22qUdN7ac-P1ZtVAcU5BIuTTofTwadU1mk-YaTeYc7NXCsYLozI/s1600/DSC_0178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2uLBmga5GFz47LlMRSTpyzqtY11hiv7hk71wKYCyRxGa3rYjo2JVPwVIYXs_YIsF12S0JBu4Eqb12pmVXrjZ8p2BZ22qUdN7ac-P1ZtVAcU5BIuTTofTwadU1mk-YaTeYc7NXCsYLozI/s320/DSC_0178.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ferry at Nanthida Pier</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmafy40W025qFwRmlZewzuiiAUdyTH3ge3R0cOMnzAzvanAFFzYDNGGJ9nmBbTKE6DuWMzSKz1rwll9mbEELGDJL6iVl996WFF6KeQkfKIE4GCvmUUYsJiufKXHbTDWehrfN7Tmx2la0/s1600/DSC_0185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmafy40W025qFwRmlZewzuiiAUdyTH3ge3R0cOMnzAzvanAFFzYDNGGJ9nmBbTKE6DuWMzSKz1rwll9mbEELGDJL6iVl996WFF6KeQkfKIE4GCvmUUYsJiufKXHbTDWehrfN7Tmx2la0/s320/DSC_0185.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pleading for a Sale</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRkhcjY7ST3piU8zIZz4OECEqHbbtM76ptuu3yiiWvItSZALqus1EW8PAv598G65qvMBvYEcl-IBm8CjnZvQO_ekVxExX5oAj66YNFXSzQLx57cCkg8Jqm5C2NQ_TFxB_yBjQ-YjFyZs/s1600/DSC_0191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRkhcjY7ST3piU8zIZz4OECEqHbbtM76ptuu3yiiWvItSZALqus1EW8PAv598G65qvMBvYEcl-IBm8CjnZvQO_ekVxExX5oAj66YNFXSzQLx57cCkg8Jqm5C2NQ_TFxB_yBjQ-YjFyZs/s320/DSC_0191.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Watermelon <span style="font-size: small;">For Sale</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTslJLRx39f-hWDcyCsx8mQuMIJReZin40749uXBfYy_7WNxzye75ncrgW5l8sXyiQGSg7e1azr3IzU9qTpTalhsp6evYUQXjx1tt0eORnKhnPqwnVHmQs2ubdJzasCuXG-epxuUC-_g4/s1600/DSC_0193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTslJLRx39f-hWDcyCsx8mQuMIJReZin40749uXBfYy_7WNxzye75ncrgW5l8sXyiQGSg7e1azr3IzU9qTpTalhsp6evYUQXjx1tt0eORnKhnPqwnVHmQs2ubdJzasCuXG-epxuUC-_g4/s320/DSC_0193.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hugh and Jude Waiting for Departure</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwnuVAJfvB5LtTG4umUERmy34g1RS31eWoRK_l6FByU8ga9SUlN0YU9R1XXPnH03dZcA3w0t6LF4SueHRa-f9_sMNwuipl9wU0DKhHCGNazWFpVpIWI-AIcdYZXSmRXlDwjJXVp0wEtw/s1600/DSC_0201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwnuVAJfvB5LtTG4umUERmy34g1RS31eWoRK_l6FByU8ga9SUlN0YU9R1XXPnH03dZcA3w0t6LF4SueHRa-f9_sMNwuipl9wU0DKhHCGNazWFpVpIWI-AIcdYZXSmRXlDwjJXVp0wEtw/s320/DSC_0201.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Flower Sellers on Pier </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0vd-oy62pDrMKc-sVFScNZwzHaltNIuN_I23G0jdeVcqlCGp8Ktte1vt8PPrnjzXTS-51XC87N3BP237853VDu5i-W7dppAo9NrwdEWQt4IYqASe7yUSd84gS8LttOBkpjT-4hH7GPY/s1600/DSC_0205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0vd-oy62pDrMKc-sVFScNZwzHaltNIuN_I23G0jdeVcqlCGp8Ktte1vt8PPrnjzXTS-51XC87N3BP237853VDu5i-W7dppAo9NrwdEWQt4IYqASe7yUSd84gS8LttOBkpjT-4hH7GPY/s320/DSC_0205.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Unloading</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYC9N24_ObmQwiQWMtmozoVTCwCoVW7b2O0W7AUWCCq-ZwG20lQUYhZHKsyg6kF9oKok261a2xpDZRfvkRvIxw18QQiJQdutP0mImpDfmHWa26h-brmp8GDIm21mqE-dWEMC060FKWN1c/s1600/DSC_0212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYC9N24_ObmQwiQWMtmozoVTCwCoVW7b2O0W7AUWCCq-ZwG20lQUYhZHKsyg6kF9oKok261a2xpDZRfvkRvIxw18QQiJQdutP0mImpDfmHWa26h-brmp8GDIm21mqE-dWEMC060FKWN1c/s320/DSC_0212.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Buddha Image at Botahtaung Pagoda</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjWEJVKCceK1wYCY4cxnLuVW55LJuvY_Po3wHoWz9mRru7u1r3eo2WA6GPyKQaA-x-3estO8Tff5ZiZ1B8D0oe63JxCAi_TNVYI9kRSYsRnqjR1RjBDseX55BNu9ng-rpYXon0x-vFjA/s1600/DSC_0214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjWEJVKCceK1wYCY4cxnLuVW55LJuvY_Po3wHoWz9mRru7u1r3eo2WA6GPyKQaA-x-3estO8Tff5ZiZ1B8D0oe63JxCAi_TNVYI9kRSYsRnqjR1RjBDseX55BNu9ng-rpYXon0x-vFjA/s320/DSC_0214.JPG" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Worshiping at Botahtaung Pagoda</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI05NZNemuGiNs18nf7Vw-cakdi1MpDln42TtNrgw8NeVeVjrJ0ED7sH-6gE0oKPBmW0HzjHlIt9JXwx8oFEjjB4FTDYwoQEp7oQwDoJRaaSdYOvEovIH1pSMbA4lWIvJVI3iypdG3nsc/s1600/DSC_0220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI05NZNemuGiNs18nf7Vw-cakdi1MpDln42TtNrgw8NeVeVjrJ0ED7sH-6gE0oKPBmW0HzjHlIt9JXwx8oFEjjB4FTDYwoQEp7oQwDoJRaaSdYOvEovIH1pSMbA4lWIvJVI3iypdG3nsc/s320/DSC_0220.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jack Communing With Ahmagyi Mya Nan Nwe</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigI0_Wrs8uroDlfRYbgeXsOEhEGG4jF8JJZT_GfeTSXKWTD734foF4TGXhCGB-_PmwD9UQQAiohA63Rns1UUzG1mvXkVC4SMJZA4Sf2w5DBy_E40JZaq6meLGEfH2qeEG3CW_929l8O54/s1600/DSC_0230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigI0_Wrs8uroDlfRYbgeXsOEhEGG4jF8JJZT_GfeTSXKWTD734foF4TGXhCGB-_PmwD9UQQAiohA63Rns1UUzG1mvXkVC4SMJZA4Sf2w5DBy_E40JZaq6meLGEfH2qeEG3CW_929l8O54/s320/DSC_0230.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bruce With Aye Aye Myint and Relatives</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our next day in Rangoon began with a walk through Kandawgyi (Royal) Lake Park which provided distant views of the Shwedagon Pagoda. After this interlude in quiet surroundings we changed ambiance by enjoying a walking tour in downtown Rangoon beginning by circling the 2000 year old Sule Pagoda and then touring main and side streets to inspect the range of colonial era buildings and an active Hindu Temple. Our tour gave members of the group the opportunity to interact with merchants and others met along the way. We ended our walking tour at the Bogyoke Aung San (Scott) Market which was established in 1926. Here it was easy to satisfy ones desire for a souvenir of Burma for goods of all types were on sale. We had an excellent lunch and extraordinary views of Rangoon from the 20th floor Thripyitsaya Sky Bistro in the Sakura Tower, Rangoon's first intelligent building.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnMh1Qhj2NZQqYeayUBxM131RPyufyuoo-3_9hoRtU_6ZYDhNYrY-_vx_C9hyphenhyphen6xZ6lEO8iPsKCIIeKPG8-j3Vo8VX0pt14eQ_DiGsah_08WF-kwTI4kkGiI67ka_Gc50U350iLcTQtcw/s1600/DSC_0234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnMh1Qhj2NZQqYeayUBxM131RPyufyuoo-3_9hoRtU_6ZYDhNYrY-_vx_C9hyphenhyphen6xZ6lEO8iPsKCIIeKPG8-j3Vo8VX0pt14eQ_DiGsah_08WF-kwTI4kkGiI67ka_Gc50U350iLcTQtcw/s320/DSC_0234.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sermsri with <span style="font-size: small;">Halloween</span> Decoration, Kandawgyi Lake Park</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1Qomu6Cmd1Y8KncHuL3le1ZzUjxb4T6aIRQcxsA7mEs9qLFyT-Y_CxHup_anh08QBCnGvl_A-Lu6GtUogwwvoXH7lZ5t3lu26tp3i8cN4AN1vEMW7Oz-e8fzzHCPaEvj5GhY7ma9aF8/s1600/DSC_0248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1Qomu6Cmd1Y8KncHuL3le1ZzUjxb4T6aIRQcxsA7mEs9qLFyT-Y_CxHup_anh08QBCnGvl_A-Lu6GtUogwwvoXH7lZ5t3lu26tp3i8cN4AN1vEMW7Oz-e8fzzHCPaEvj5GhY7ma9aF8/s320/DSC_0248.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shwedagon Pago<span style="font-size: small;">da from Kandawgyi Lake Park</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wKUa7OLE5EhEo4uzcsni_HLHjtkkiWWVqjuEU6v7qGRng41dSCbuZ99Gh8nkSp_bp-CFOPB3DGXUMWg3Jb9VeGNxs3qzlp-wkxfBLbKDadLgPqSptq9m0W5apOyoMxOxl2M60c_i70o/s1600/DSC_0247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wKUa7OLE5EhEo4uzcsni_HLHjtkkiWWVqjuEU6v7qGRng41dSCbuZ99Gh8nkSp_bp-CFOPB3DGXUMWg3Jb9VeGNxs3qzlp-wkxfBLbKDadLgPqSptq9m0W5apOyoMxOxl2M60c_i70o/s320/DSC_0247.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shwedagon Reflection</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRVTDIu3FuVD-g3ZbQTRE6vAo3-t7esPCer5uOkCMmzXAhMNilKrwHLQDR4bGWPKLYYqlifs9OUK-AwpRekGS4o1es53kyqKnnzq-3sEe70rl1I_Oj1HcXv_pjha08WY1O8s0dqML5Qs/s1600/DSC_0257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRVTDIu3FuVD-g3ZbQTRE6vAo3-t7esPCer5uOkCMmzXAhMNilKrwHLQDR4bGWPKLYYqlifs9OUK-AwpRekGS4o1es53kyqKnnzq-3sEe70rl1I_Oj1HcXv_pjha08WY1O8s0dqML5Qs/s320/DSC_0257.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our Group at Kandawgyi Lake Park</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEQ5d8WuB8UI57RKascT4R4DLXBk-WzlXN5PbeAwpYC_16NKTbT2-jYkXJf92_SJfrtLgI6s1dtsvcesNwiJc65zv-IL3nYadYDTjRLeESQB_ptnaQykr0wRzIqTWY8y2d2IuLryHUUA/s1600/DSC_0263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEQ5d8WuB8UI57RKascT4R4DLXBk-WzlXN5PbeAwpYC_16NKTbT2-jYkXJf92_SJfrtLgI6s1dtsvcesNwiJc65zv-IL3nYadYDTjRLeESQB_ptnaQykr0wRzIqTWY8y2d2IuLryHUUA/s320/DSC_0263.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sule Pagoda</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmia63MafBXZ0xcuaOP6UyLNQ-_yXVsPBBSQAnTLelt4fPPsMRZVRjuY8JIDfJlHPrkbYZkcmzPNLr45AioTf-Z18V8E7INLLg06b1Oas3FFKhVx54sr3LiYdnzCqAwh11lC7OqPYD5Gs/s1600/DSC_0264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmia63MafBXZ0xcuaOP6UyLNQ-_yXVsPBBSQAnTLelt4fPPsMRZVRjuY8JIDfJlHPrkbYZkcmzPNLr45AioTf-Z18V8E7INLLg06b1Oas3FFKhVx54sr3LiYdnzCqAwh11lC7OqPYD5Gs/s320/DSC_0264.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Colon<span style="font-size: small;">ial Era Building Ca. 1920's</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHMv4R6J9A4MdO6-wgyHKI3IzFqfv3_5SvcKsmhyphenhyphenMgH_C7ettxD0CnxLuP6z62OkGYCPNUh49r5mvXtVDwBfJ-rpfXj0TtIV8TcM-f3lDVvdEAjj6uXLpYXbVW-YRaXHigjdBlRmSOrM/s1600/DSC_0265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHMv4R6J9A4MdO6-wgyHKI3IzFqfv3_5SvcKsmhyphenhyphenMgH_C7ettxD0CnxLuP6z62OkGYCPNUh49r5mvXtVDwBfJ-rpfXj0TtIV8TcM-f3lDVvdEAjj6uXLpYXbVW-YRaXHigjdBlRmSOrM/s320/DSC_0265.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Colonial Rangoon</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78talfi0hjXXUQX5otgrrKIRbnxOMXIbLdi97teftGuC-nxU2mQkP_Rh-RcD0Cy03F17xz38gJ7mWHUoPV30swJ4T1hOxPe3AFULjoBT5jujKeWP8PUZyuYM_J_RggpwrALuRfjvjT6U/s1600/DSC_0270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78talfi0hjXXUQX5otgrrKIRbnxOMXIbLdi97teftGuC-nxU2mQkP_Rh-RcD0Cy03F17xz38gJ7mWHUoPV30swJ4T1hOxPe3AFULjoBT5jujKeWP8PUZyuYM_J_RggpwrALuRfjvjT6U/s320/DSC_0270.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rangoon Side Street</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil5TIxq0JyhqOwH5khrVJoHLXjw9rm32GpBUyQ6blGKyzCw9Etarqsg_ql8kZ0CNQW5G9OqkQRQ2dshMuGTuUBcyPykAQQtjMPGovdLTmRD7c0mBvCA1My1LcvB4ktRYUw4QQpNpySXrc/s1600/DSC_0277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil5TIxq0JyhqOwH5khrVJoHLXjw9rm32GpBUyQ6blGKyzCw9Etarqsg_ql8kZ0CNQW5G9OqkQRQ2dshMuGTuUBcyPykAQQtjMPGovdLTmRD7c0mBvCA1My1LcvB4ktRYUw4QQpNpySXrc/s320/DSC_0277.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Street Side Food S<span style="font-size: small;">tall</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04r5DkJ0dtkfPMfd15Z6sH1vs7AzeIDh40xNCvFjoAEUDMHAnVQ_VOMSSG7CMhpnitp-T7UM2rIZg2JPxwDLaUKJnRAzU4z2MembUyf6txKi_F_CC1FhYo8sSY0WiUJOHLl42B0O428w/s1600/DSC_0287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04r5DkJ0dtkfPMfd15Z6sH1vs7AzeIDh40xNCvFjoAEUDMHAnVQ_VOMSSG7CMhpnitp-T7UM2rIZg2JPxwDLaUKJnRAzU4z2MembUyf6txKi_F_CC1FhYo8sSY0WiUJOHLl42B0O428w/s320/DSC_0287.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Colonial Windows</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJ0AlvsXdvcuuZ6ipNjHmQweTZk29kqQCtOIT4-nevxrOCVc2J0B7l0TVjlNICozlCxhQfuqK0Pr7N06EUoy5TRlOVb06iplHo_4THoq6EMZH5sln2B6sP3gsecSwnAfF9srVxh5bb-Q/s1600/DSC_0289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJ0AlvsXdvcuuZ6ipNjHmQweTZk29kqQCtOIT4-nevxrOCVc2J0B7l0TVjlNICozlCxhQfuqK0Pr7N06EUoy5TRlOVb06iplHo_4THoq6EMZH5sln2B6sP3gsecSwnAfF9srVxh5bb-Q/s320/DSC_0289.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hugh Bargaining for Bananas</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsM8b5GJjEOpzNPTIPzG_ENoUkejIhvpKRk0TtTVzWauTllg9SItfH6FiksgA3d6FIx9N10fGlSnIDyyBIpe6kB5sgvms_z0OTHPL6ks1b8EBgZLfoJf1k1R3oi9Q3HT08-GBBf6HJ3s/s1600/DSC_0295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsM8b5GJjEOpzNPTIPzG_ENoUkejIhvpKRk0TtTVzWauTllg9SItfH6FiksgA3d6FIx9N10fGlSnIDyyBIpe6kB5sgvms_z0OTHPL6ks1b8EBgZLfoJf1k1R3oi9Q3HT08-GBBf6HJ3s/s320/DSC_0295.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Worshiping</span> at a Hindu Temple</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAjMs5J25yBTNpCgZOlSUvOKAYBgYnoPbraEv_P2jJK5kcwDsfyxACIVFnK6BoDImAR5vkl2d_8EyTHTduJIEi3VsGhQyr_nL-QYqBbvgofP6AJg-rzZS3YfchzHyUBo-qrG-LRV5BvY/s1600/DSC_0296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAjMs5J25yBTNpCgZOlSUvOKAYBgYnoPbraEv_P2jJK5kcwDsfyxACIVFnK6BoDImAR5vkl2d_8EyTHTduJIEi3VsGhQyr_nL-QYqBbvgofP6AJg-rzZS3YfchzHyUBo-qrG-LRV5BvY/s320/DSC_0296.JPG" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Orna<span style="font-size: small;">te Decoration at Hindu Temple</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMuTfqkAj4ol5em_ravyksKTiEgr152NQjQB8Jv6Y-I_KLQtCH25IP5E-INWkine7kG8L3zM1VsiATSUCaXEPorzlP1RSDIWQ0d6ctXdXp8ZPdhrALUVuvchywFd8HA1pdP9wW09o9mw/s1600/DSC_0298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMuTfqkAj4ol5em_ravyksKTiEgr152NQjQB8Jv6Y-I_KLQtCH25IP5E-INWkine7kG8L3zM1VsiATSUCaXEPorzlP1RSDIWQ0d6ctXdXp8ZPdhrALUVuvchywFd8HA1pdP9wW09o9mw/s320/DSC_0298.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Holy Trinity Cathedral Church</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBJVdrdtDCah1WKCbNUJKkz00EBQ4FVqdbgOR17VOMG2NkvWSGuJy8hjWqkzRxV5V8YMlkCef8r4K3a-Nt1dVPHInTnDTY10NoIbkcKWFS6CuYJ711j9zIRmRp0KSeb0Gin4jAO76-OE/s1600/DSC_0303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBJVdrdtDCah1WKCbNUJKkz00EBQ4FVqdbgOR17VOMG2NkvWSGuJy8hjWqkzRxV5V8YMlkCef8r4K3a-Nt1dVPHInTnDTY10NoIbkcKWFS6CuYJ711j9zIRmRp0KSeb0Gin4jAO76-OE/s320/DSC_0303.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sule <span style="font-size: small;">Pagoda from Sky Bistro in Sakura Tower</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After returning to our hotel to freshen up we headed out for the highlight of our time in Rangoon, a late afternoon and evening visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda, a never to be forgotten experience. Situated on Singuttara hill and visible for miles around, the Shwedagon Pagoda rises 326 feet and is believed to be around 2500 years old and to enshrine relics of three earlier Buddhas plus eight hairs of Gautama Buddha. The most visited middle level of the Shwedagon complex covers about 14 acres and comprises a central stupa surrounded by a series of shrines, temples and pavilions. We experienced the changing vista as the sun slowly sank and the evening lights were turned on. The impressive structures were more than matched by Burmese of all ages who came to worship in chanting groups, as families with young ones in tow, teenagers and individuals who gravitate to one or another of the temples, pavilions or who are content to take a place on the main granite floor surrounding the central stupa. A highlight for us was meeting the nun Uthara Theingi Pathein of the Middle Tawya Nunnery and her young charges. Following our visit we enjoyed an evening meal of traditional Myanmar food at the Padonmar Restaurant.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8X99NnblfDpUBjeVnd6Z20qQ8KIPlKPVarq0xFGutxcX4H_8-wDcQOVgT2Oww_mQ6dQlhzQlfSrV7vsiotkyiDSlCVLYozSHffCuGzqvtR9p62pxEEobdwjvVwf7b7ECYOK2s_EpP9Q/s1600/DSC_0307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8X99NnblfDpUBjeVnd6Z20qQ8KIPlKPVarq0xFGutxcX4H_8-wDcQOVgT2Oww_mQ6dQlhzQlfSrV7vsiotkyiDSlCVLYozSHffCuGzqvtR9p62pxEEobdwjvVwf7b7ECYOK2s_EpP9Q/s320/DSC_0307.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the Many B<span style="font-size: small;">uddha Images at the Shwedagon</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggrH91eXwqrbkAVwYifev2wLATdPP5_g6rPNw4uP5JJbX1x_IqCO-MKlcncMGTNmqAcdSdYcuOOVsGiqaJvaeHdskJcscYiDb9krPtyYtCGop8B6bVmYMxfTXfo5rUaifYePmHTyXf72k/s1600/DSC_0312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggrH91eXwqrbkAVwYifev2wLATdPP5_g6rPNw4uP5JJbX1x_IqCO-MKlcncMGTNmqAcdSdYcuOOVsGiqaJvaeHdskJcscYiDb9krPtyYtCGop8B6bVmYMxfTXfo5rUaifYePmHTyXf72k/s320/DSC_0312.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shrines Abound at the Shwedagon</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72X1slfL-k87xO3GHPlhv5r323vzArP2goWop797v0EF_17a3RThzg6V0D524UMRCV0KTRnyhbEr70J3nfi8lL8IWeLKC90zTGZnz8lY35Sgcjif8MPRerc9KJYwswUpsfykDZs-7unQ/s1600/DSC_0317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72X1slfL-k87xO3GHPlhv5r323vzArP2goWop797v0EF_17a3RThzg6V0D524UMRCV0KTRnyhbEr70J3nfi8lL8IWeLKC90zTGZnz8lY35Sgcjif8MPRerc9KJYwswUpsfykDZs-7unQ/s320/DSC_0317.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Deep in Prayer</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGJF9gjT7plN04tQlUHZ_Cq6Kqer7p1qLR2Gj76cWbUIga37YtAULnVP6Buz74aHHw4bkkLIeq4hVGvEcZdFspOEzK_LSkXJkUY-aP64QLersco2h7jnkf0bjp_AYg5eu7hGnAmfSoT8/s1600/DSC_0321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGJF9gjT7plN04tQlUHZ_Cq6Kqer7p1qLR2Gj76cWbUIga37YtAULnVP6Buz74aHHw4bkkLIeq4hVGvEcZdFspOEzK_LSkXJkUY-aP64QLersco2h7jnkf0bjp_AYg5eu7hGnAmfSoT8/s320/DSC_0321.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Young Nuns at the Shwedagon</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEHsNo0lbVpoawTzXE-85WrcETKSLD0YmZTXDOviNOZ0TrzXUeiPmK3rHn-R_2nC5bwvZUTaB-4wy4jrE4Gs_t1P1TsNCGpP0lHloBYDbZvpj0WU8jZQBIe_JjsFukTxhWQURrYBt10U/s1600/DSC_0339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEHsNo0lbVpoawTzXE-85WrcETKSLD0YmZTXDOviNOZ0TrzXUeiPmK3rHn-R_2nC5bwvZUTaB-4wy4jrE4Gs_t1P1TsNCGpP0lHloBYDbZvpj0WU8jZQBIe_JjsFukTxhWQURrYBt10U/s320/DSC_0339.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Post Rain Prayers</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-16PbBskdZTLbjfgVanmzCRGb_9ll7N23Ymgys-K8GMLfEG3x4cWbZDInRccrKhMsOmpP_3fu82kAhrfP6U7d7QPNb3hd6tbSfaeSpIIBriXIYtNLfTQZ_P3qXQ3aGTGs8Jv4yow_PXA/s1600/DSC_0340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-16PbBskdZTLbjfgVanmzCRGb_9ll7N23Ymgys-K8GMLfEG3x4cWbZDInRccrKhMsOmpP_3fu82kAhrfP6U7d7QPNb3hd6tbSfaeSpIIBriXIYtNLfTQZ_P3qXQ3aGTGs8Jv4yow_PXA/s320/DSC_0340.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Payi<span style="font-size: small;">ng Respects by Washing an Image</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HzxR619C6kaqoOus9Ngft4A4-Rs3aCrMisNJLoG-oWj2UK0jTvkQyFY9sjWN8PG9UZ6Uxbpj1U1FziuPoLDVKZcAYpOVDLm6YL2W8EIiyc_K3cRQFo8-AcPHNur4foM26EyDQAHCXAI/s1600/DSC_0345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HzxR619C6kaqoOus9Ngft4A4-Rs3aCrMisNJLoG-oWj2UK0jTvkQyFY9sjWN8PG9UZ6Uxbpj1U1FziuPoLDVKZcAYpOVDLm6YL2W8EIiyc_K3cRQFo8-AcPHNur4foM26EyDQAHCXAI/s320/DSC_0345.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Central Gold Plated<span style="font-size: small;"> Stupa at the Shwedagon</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyyLC3cVms_oabUiU7_KAX4FGZC2JNjdxvqqQtY3dNMR5lZSTvYTeYXid7qsb65IoTGwdaXQWkWt_iKBa6Bjb1GxnJNa3De6GrrnY3sfXYoLqaczcGumUXSgdBt72GdeXjmvcIT0imzI/s1600/DSC_0348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyyLC3cVms_oabUiU7_KAX4FGZC2JNjdxvqqQtY3dNMR5lZSTvYTeYXid7qsb65IoTGwdaXQWkWt_iKBa6Bjb1GxnJNa3De6GrrnY3sfXYoLqaczcGumUXSgdBt72GdeXjmvcIT0imzI/s320/DSC_0348.JPG" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Young Nun at Shwedagon Pagoda</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuLAFcRdaMBY_fwenBS7jmFFzG5i0FE74aafxXlPHUQPB3HNPjVNUIlnAPAoCJgX7elWk2KNkZXAEK3AutUPmLXBtrTYnT5TcD6YgBA3eKjcGaAyijOdm8qshPrtZgI4roahUlddQD1E/s1600/DSC_0351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuLAFcRdaMBY_fwenBS7jmFFzG5i0FE74aafxXlPHUQPB3HNPjVNUIlnAPAoCJgX7elWk2KNkZXAEK3AutUPmLXBtrTYnT5TcD6YgBA3eKjcGaAyijOdm8qshPrtZgI4roahUlddQD1E/s320/DSC_0351.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sermsri at <span style="font-size: small;">One of the Many Shrines</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznrx5cCv2LafU9nxEgyyz1i-3tPQDtxp0pxFMz4rdd6y0K99pS2q69MwEi745Q0J17pMQX-r_j6Zk7TiiU25NQHuDpb-NnryNVhJdj5x2JkLIRRoUYqsDcqPYp8kLcnv1gTUcNv6EALI/s1600/DSC_0353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznrx5cCv2LafU9nxEgyyz1i-3tPQDtxp0pxFMz4rdd6y0K99pS2q69MwEi745Q0J17pMQX-r_j6Zk7TiiU25NQHuDpb-NnryNVhJdj5x2JkLIRRoUYqsDcqPYp8kLcnv1gTUcNv6EALI/s320/DSC_0353.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Reclining Buddha at the Shwedagon</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBx21nx0n4WsXGN14VTIa6T5ebMgktc6fUeKk9L51WYOzGqlSNt_St2xRIhXSUFPXUG_B0jBGyelzy_MBh5xZ7MMfG02Oq3IcbE7ufTdsutchANKSjOeWMOHferYUSQiOeOFM1Rj7WFW4/s1600/DSC_0356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBx21nx0n4WsXGN14VTIa6T5ebMgktc6fUeKk9L51WYOzGqlSNt_St2xRIhXSUFPXUG_B0jBGyelzy_MBh5xZ7MMfG02Oq3IcbE7ufTdsutchANKSjOeWMOHferYUSQiOeOFM1Rj7WFW4/s320/DSC_0356.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Buddhas and More Buddhas</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjVyQ0WvO717jBWylwy5zoDLIDKgEFShxe0j2KQYPTOfnHZa7lXATqoRMxY56juJYbem-zb1jqMK_2l9I3D2GQHY1g1YPgoxULQhIL5dA0oEEM-K0TPX-AhR2nrwSuNNV0gl3BjES38I/s1600/DSC_0357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjVyQ0WvO717jBWylwy5zoDLIDKgEFShxe0j2KQYPTOfnHZa7lXATqoRMxY56juJYbem-zb1jqMK_2l9I3D2GQHY1g1YPgoxULQhIL5dA0oEEM-K0TPX-AhR2nrwSuNNV0gl3BjES38I/s320/DSC_0357.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hti or Layered U<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">mbrellas</span> <span style="font-size: small;">Capping Stupas at the Shwedagon</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXXiY8acUdhbOF56iBlD6DAvsVLKCXBRDe2GgEL8P6WMA22izJPiI2f3yrpAAumKpQerjWTFy0Akv6s76iOph_vR0RMO0niwZtef3CPabMcHE7v784FHbb0EFCM4fBjdyjzkF_EuHFnU/s1600/DSC_0360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXXiY8acUdhbOF56iBlD6DAvsVLKCXBRDe2GgEL8P6WMA22izJPiI2f3yrpAAumKpQerjWTFy0Akv6s76iOph_vR0RMO0niwZtef3CPabMcHE7v784FHbb0EFCM4fBjdyjzkF_EuHFnU/s320/DSC_0360.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Praying and Relaxing</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHl1gpXrrz_lo_ewSSuQX9MT-G4fZRjXeHpC-iOrZtyFlDeoMTq5AMR72jl1Kc9Kss8Fni-0xLwVBlvLBmbR-FOZHK78et6pKtxBr3_RRoI5itWqDm12zwRJylC_ddr0Y7JbQJm05IihQ/s1600/DSC_0363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHl1gpXrrz_lo_ewSSuQX9MT-G4fZRjXeHpC-iOrZtyFlDeoMTq5AMR72jl1Kc9Kss8Fni-0xLwVBlvLBmbR-FOZHK78et6pKtxBr3_RRoI5itWqDm12zwRJylC_ddr0Y7JbQJm05IihQ/s320/DSC_0363.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mythical Figures</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAWM3RSLaj8CEDYZODlhyHhgY97zB7PbperAtJY7DgYgO-5i7DBN12XgQTSDx-LFOoxxA6sMgf_mgiDPDrBho53u6xloyzdtmIWCTFdnaY1c6vDoNbP2B5uTEbhJp9vNyZ5tzj6fx7J8/s1600/DSC_0371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAWM3RSLaj8CEDYZODlhyHhgY97zB7PbperAtJY7DgYgO-5i7DBN12XgQTSDx-LFOoxxA6sMgf_mgiDPDrBho53u6xloyzdtmIWCTFdnaY1c6vDoNbP2B5uTEbhJp9vNyZ5tzj6fx7J8/s320/DSC_0371.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Carved Figures on Wooden Entrance Structure</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeTG6gAbkQb7BO3C8SKXSfJUUYgPawXJGgQxskd4dvPEpFM3sd40aaqsLKky-_5HfQhyOcRWbTFlhGpnt5gcWFR_U0bqEatex-6M7aVnALmFR5djVaUCdtuYNthf6CqjcnCtusdUCk8k/s1600/DSC_0377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeTG6gAbkQb7BO3C8SKXSfJUUYgPawXJGgQxskd4dvPEpFM3sd40aaqsLKky-_5HfQhyOcRWbTFlhGpnt5gcWFR_U0bqEatex-6M7aVnALmFR5djVaUCdtuYNthf6CqjcnCtusdUCk8k/s320/DSC_0377.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Womens Group Chanting Prayers</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQy1g-y-gUOBGxYKvdR0I49pKPGHnQI16dOp9CN5B8hn2ZYagiNTTVxMaMaxhBZlFTrLz04hGPQKL9DjHdAhmf6RQ3LKpBzMkK2k0d7LsbKbGILfFDnYjx5r0pdFwGBmGjrHtv_h4qLM/s1600/DSC_0381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQy1g-y-gUOBGxYKvdR0I49pKPGHnQI16dOp9CN5B8hn2ZYagiNTTVxMaMaxhBZlFTrLz04hGPQKL9DjHdAhmf6RQ3LKpBzMkK2k0d7LsbKbGILfFDnYjx5r0pdFwGBmGjrHtv_h4qLM/s320/DSC_0381.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pavilion at Shwedagon Pagoda</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIM66cbyLZSJSEa11ybHKYgCm1apLzVkws_E0E-pqY2BZJBVUsNxqFBPOogjENZWG2Ss7q4Z9R4kuRI7_SAl2iL7jAN6WR99sNecQ7d7QzW4QgiuNrXr3gqP8Jy6hmQ_WzQSrKLjRZyI/s1600/DSC_0389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIM66cbyLZSJSEa11ybHKYgCm1apLzVkws_E0E-pqY2BZJBVUsNxqFBPOogjENZWG2Ss7q4Z9R4kuRI7_SAl2iL7jAN6WR99sNecQ7d7QzW4QgiuNrXr3gqP8Jy6hmQ_WzQSrKLjRZyI/s320/DSC_0389.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sermsri Enjoying Interacti<span style="font-size: small;">ng With Buddhist Nun</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vs0mb4lh6tzLXN6t-DBdwuS9FrhgaM_6ngppOCBZIS8G6xBj-NzJjl88eA924fNGIC5YEPqq6y5bEc3g3dqIQEmX2dpws4fZ1ED4_Pggldw1pJLbksBkk0CNjyLN5rpcLXqDqP2cqUk/s1600/DSC_0390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vs0mb4lh6tzLXN6t-DBdwuS9FrhgaM_6ngppOCBZIS8G6xBj-NzJjl88eA924fNGIC5YEPqq6y5bEc3g3dqIQEmX2dpws4fZ1ED4_Pggldw1pJLbksBkk0CNjyLN5rpcLXqDqP2cqUk/s320/DSC_0390.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Uthara Theingi Pathein</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwewPBMLIkyUo3i8e8XJeg9C-LMKLAHqTfcfL5BoFpmQmRq747pf4ClFirQ46_jIZiRYS0Y3YaCR2-9GIxmayQ5uziuYsbfiwiuDX_ozUBSPA9VeokwqzngfhrCw5ud3KrE7l2dhy-4Cg/s1600/DSC_0397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwewPBMLIkyUo3i8e8XJeg9C-LMKLAHqTfcfL5BoFpmQmRq747pf4ClFirQ46_jIZiRYS0Y3YaCR2-9GIxmayQ5uziuYsbfiwiuDX_ozUBSPA9VeokwqzngfhrCw5ud3KrE7l2dhy-4Cg/s320/DSC_0397.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Uthara and <span style="font-size: small;">H</span>er Young</span></span> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Charges</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshvb7U0B9xtueAtvnYMGlZ96F6XgxrNSDqMbE9kZLkmXeGJulKAtp6V1XRTlkGNpwy16HYp1QQMYgfedm-rhvHcqbdz97eC45ucZuOobjK9wF_CVcQTDrQ7SkBsux1pJAJebiEB_tUj0/s1600/IMG_4742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshvb7U0B9xtueAtvnYMGlZ96F6XgxrNSDqMbE9kZLkmXeGJulKAtp6V1XRTlkGNpwy16HYp1QQMYgfedm-rhvHcqbdz97eC45ucZuOobjK9wF_CVcQTDrQ7SkBsux1pJAJebiEB_tUj0/s320/IMG_4742.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sharing (Photo Courtesy of Hugh Crawford)</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpX3S0pbTQpk31MSWHd6-jz_XuIBW4YfN_VCosH_gglb7p5QhS7c_QrmYaifmgGwAyTiqrjxeVCoyUU1Ja7x-Tr5HJr1oxi0e3g3JOC4WTShGIPQvtZ_exAgeufmavQmZMBioeKjusyqM/s1600/DSC_0400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpX3S0pbTQpk31MSWHd6-jz_XuIBW4YfN_VCosH_gglb7p5QhS7c_QrmYaifmgGwAyTiqrjxeVCoyUU1Ja7x-Tr5HJr1oxi0e3g3JOC4WTShGIPQvtZ_exAgeufmavQmZMBioeKjusyqM/s320/DSC_0400.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sunset at Shwedago<span style="font-size: small;">n</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv044J8QhI-Nhn9uJsNptx57LJ1X7nGU0Gv_W4ZbL7Gcn6szipfaP4TOgj07nwNoC0-9gEdvyqbhQajIIDFAxOJLGvKzsKz4033A5OOq0f0gbdFzSlSE5xjJruEsRYzkLPz6EtQRuNyQY/s1600/DSC_0402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv044J8QhI-Nhn9uJsNptx57LJ1X7nGU0Gv_W4ZbL7Gcn6szipfaP4TOgj07nwNoC0-9gEdvyqbhQajIIDFAxOJLGvKzsKz4033A5OOq0f0gbdFzSlSE5xjJruEsRYzkLPz6EtQRuNyQY/s320/DSC_0402.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Central Stupa at Sunset</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzRDPnHh50iD46wFcWiq5e5-Tr-MvNqluEOqzhI9da7BYJVOg78uc9ASd470JMpjVU61ATN7gjOK1aTrH-fu2GsmE9LqqFKgyogkBuyng1KwS4TYXNz0Jr6Z1DhgR-yS9kfncdB0zDoa0/s1600/DSC_0418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzRDPnHh50iD46wFcWiq5e5-Tr-MvNqluEOqzhI9da7BYJVOg78uc9ASd470JMpjVU61ATN7gjOK1aTrH-fu2GsmE9LqqFKgyogkBuyng1KwS4TYXNz0Jr6Z1DhgR-yS9kfncdB0zDoa0/s320/DSC_0418.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shwedagon Gold</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedtRZ4ynyvfzO2aI6sWr14ErV3bR5A5OX50cib9_0N_DrtDobb4PND-BTvXIQ6klufW0ByiiLRJ6OeBHszUO3WxiuOhswkt1fz1MDLsx08h_MyosrWnWTih0ejQOxM1PeMRSXpv4Jwfw/s1600/DSC_0428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedtRZ4ynyvfzO2aI6sWr14ErV3bR5A5OX50cib9_0N_DrtDobb4PND-BTvXIQ6klufW0ByiiLRJ6OeBHszUO3WxiuOhswkt1fz1MDLsx08h_MyosrWnWTih0ejQOxM1PeMRSXpv4Jwfw/s320/DSC_0428.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Evening Prayers</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next day it was time to say goodbye to our friendly and very knowledgeable guide Moe Kyaw as we were to take an early morning flight to Nyaung U. As we have been frequent visitors to Burma since 1983 with our most recent visit being in 2006 we were forced to reflect on the many visible changes since our last visit. The physical changes were obvious, traffic jams stimulated by the presence of many imported cars, new building construction more tourists with increased prices for lodging. Less visible but still palpable was the feeling that people were less afraid to speak their mind about political matters and were perhaps more hopeful about the future. The aspirations of the Burmese which had been suppressed for 50 years had by recent changes been given some room for expression. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BAGAN </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a short flight we were met by our next guide and friend of many years Kyaw Swe. We were to spend four days relaxing and taking in a small selection of the several thousand monuments in the Bagan Historical Park and surrounding area. Of equal importance and interest were our forays into rural off the beaten track villages where we renewed old friendships and made new acquaintances. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We started our first day with a walking visit of the Nyaung U morning market which was busy both with vendors and customers but also large numbers of insistent souvenir sellers. Changed from previous visits was the lack of antique trucks and vehicles dating from pre and post World War ll which used to transport goods and people to and from the market. Both necessity and Burmese ingenuity and mechanical skills kept these running in the absence of factory spare parts. Relaxed import regulations and duties have ushered in a new era of vehicle purchases thus displacing what used to be one of the quaint features of a visit to Burma.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_L2a7SBalg0GQVThx1k1tgQQZUzz7J0PHVvot_L5HBZCs69gSRZnJ12R8DkRoLWadP7MAc3UjezretXMAbzo-FmMgzUKmrYt48IJRb0lHr7ZYIODNacezi6jNFKDVWo3doCmJymnso08/s1600/DSC_0455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_L2a7SBalg0GQVThx1k1tgQQZUzz7J0PHVvot_L5HBZCs69gSRZnJ12R8DkRoLWadP7MAc3UjezretXMAbzo-FmMgzUKmrYt48IJRb0lHr7ZYIODNacezi6jNFKDVWo3doCmJymnso08/s320/DSC_0455.JPG" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Baskets For Sale</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPm8N7yCMN_kdWlJ1mhv687VYSp_k3oJ9t9xRLfj0CWgt3xpFaPqPYKbkaYM92Ge37kVrYfKYxpMGS7AC9QhILZlOeVxGGD_fVJwwLfKz2tL2ACqAZadL_4LQ31IvyQ7akbIxQrE00hs/s1600/DSC_0453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPm8N7yCMN_kdWlJ1mhv687VYSp_k3oJ9t9xRLfj0CWgt3xpFaPqPYKbkaYM92Ge37kVrYfKYxpMGS7AC9QhILZlOeVxGGD_fVJwwLfKz2tL2ACqAZadL_4LQ31IvyQ7akbIxQrE00hs/s320/DSC_0453.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Eggs Coming to Market</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ENddOKyYFel4gbuwLbmCqjr4FAsRgJWgRM07YtNC8Jhwe77H1EDd489PKOimpew_tLpj-uJfA3WOzwh9X_eFvGR3ZOsszMus58-M7xNh8mL_PwDuiZY1fzxxhNTnyey7UlA_kST9RM8/s1600/DSC_0440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ENddOKyYFel4gbuwLbmCqjr4FAsRgJWgRM07YtNC8Jhwe77H1EDd489PKOimpew_tLpj-uJfA3WOzwh9X_eFvGR3ZOsszMus58-M7xNh8mL_PwDuiZY1fzxxhNTnyey7UlA_kST9RM8/s320/DSC_0440.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Puppets For Sale at Nyaung U Market</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the market we proceeded to the famous Schwezigon Pagoda constructed in the 11th century. Enshrined in the pagoda is one of four replicas of the Buddha tooth from Sri Lanka.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The bell shaped pagoda is situated on three rising terraces and its shape became a model for later pagodas all over Burma. Previous lives of the Buddha are depicted on enamel plaques found around the base of the chedi. The terrace stairways which are placed at the cardinal points are faced by four shrines each with a 4 meter high standing Buddha image. Nat or spirit worship also takes place in a building within the pagoda compound and we were fortunate to be able to participate in a Nat calling by a spirit medium and to ask questions of the nat. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrKNed7llll8slhPJiKzAKENDjZETZPIoJZ3Su1LSbA9WDK8Thk2NiKUZYMy1Jimu50BhvzYi6nLV41acD7-6dP0BvnH4hkuZ_3eIS4v_tK3YFOeC_ip9_NLigLvmJDnafKXOJclF7oI/s1600/DSC_0465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrKNed7llll8slhPJiKzAKENDjZETZPIoJZ3Su1LSbA9WDK8Thk2NiKUZYMy1Jimu50BhvzYi6nLV41acD7-6dP0BvnH4hkuZ_3eIS4v_tK3YFOeC_ip9_NLigLvmJDnafKXOJclF7oI/s320/DSC_0465.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Shwezigon Pagoda</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPzV1iz6rmOcZPBf_LvZSC8MrqwDRhpKJQACKeZ3Ko9kByOHniPcjR0zbGS01Lkt3YP1nrDK9uxqkQLfW1u_xPxJJgO18_QVtfHHBhzE9-aLM9_-WnC2fFaJLqrFXVkra1npSGY1SL28/s1600/DSC_0468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPzV1iz6rmOcZPBf_LvZSC8MrqwDRhpKJQACKeZ3Ko9kByOHniPcjR0zbGS01Lkt3YP1nrDK9uxqkQLfW1u_xPxJJgO18_QVtfHHBhzE9-aLM9_-WnC2fFaJLqrFXVkra1npSGY1SL28/s320/DSC_0468.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Young Monks at the Shwezigon</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmMlhl9BUcXeldsuyXzWonzRVM7kYG0vz7V8f54NZhzjNwzi1top0BHB3FgDTekDT-pfkKVAPnOtLdvgRO0kEa-QhwonX17XT3SABrOWwcAcBWUiBKdOeEihe4LiCjPvcZTo82kKRprA/s1600/DSC_0476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmMlhl9BUcXeldsuyXzWonzRVM7kYG0vz7V8f54NZhzjNwzi1top0BHB3FgDTekDT-pfkKVAPnOtLdvgRO0kEa-QhwonX17XT3SABrOWwcAcBWUiBKdOeEihe4LiCjPvcZTo82kKRprA/s320/DSC_0476.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Satellite Temples at Shwezigo<span style="font-size: small;">n</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Q2m2ftgrAv1Zfc4wMk8ScT6_WlYV0ks1jPbaGDHcctzUEmk3mYaLFVnE28LjyOWTyV1rg8Pz_CAJJmFN9jeuUwidR37nLJME6lncixiWcR12aw7uNgH5Ha3eHOQLN6IStArCW0yGPgU/s1600/DSC_0482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Q2m2ftgrAv1Zfc4wMk8ScT6_WlYV0ks1jPbaGDHcctzUEmk3mYaLFVnE28LjyOWTyV1rg8Pz_CAJJmFN9jeuUwidR37nLJME6lncixiWcR12aw7uNgH5Ha3eHOQLN6IStArCW0yGPgU/s320/DSC_0482.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Urn and Flower D<span style="font-size: small;">e</span>corations</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5QSNNEuSQ0-hNJ8JwVAIbfCXVexud_XJEInx_srBS4uE1_FeUT5sa_wGqd_3bg2uG-BVbk_GpkADw8pJtdg_c4VT6FJBhdiDv-jfQkNiuHunP3XdJfvQckGZQ5jOVs1AJiiIh5eNbQA/s1600/DSC_0484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5QSNNEuSQ0-hNJ8JwVAIbfCXVexud_XJEInx_srBS4uE1_FeUT5sa_wGqd_3bg2uG-BVbk_GpkADw8pJtdg_c4VT6FJBhdiDv-jfQkNiuHunP3XdJfvQckGZQ5jOVs1AJiiIh5eNbQA/s320/DSC_0484.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wood Carving in Hall of Nats</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqtdfxByWuZE1MgcnSCIhPI881NFTyDWnzJz63HJKgJc5HpDsVXW_9v4EZL-9eGJETMcnei6g4aGjIu_LulRF3wFxlrMXKjHr5A7JaJKDA6_yPSh54GHCiuNZUO1puBC1tcZpvJ53muc/s1600/DSC_0491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqtdfxByWuZE1MgcnSCIhPI881NFTyDWnzJz63HJKgJc5HpDsVXW_9v4EZL-9eGJETMcnei6g4aGjIu_LulRF3wFxlrMXKjHr5A7JaJKDA6_yPSh54GHCiuNZUO1puBC1tcZpvJ53muc/s320/DSC_0491.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nat Effigy at Swezigon Pagoda</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNVmGVmYzatEUYXnx9QPy94QEv9rPJVB7I942nxignY_kc2eizdtfsmLJar_mdyX-o-X6sLR9hEL_8rOInbAiZS8phy7mFMQNUd79acLy-ugEa3spso_LjC1_o1aGHqCr3yIv6U-FOrc/s1600/DSC_0492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNVmGVmYzatEUYXnx9QPy94QEv9rPJVB7I942nxignY_kc2eizdtfsmLJar_mdyX-o-X6sLR9hEL_8rOInbAiZS8phy7mFMQNUd79acLy-ugEa3spso_LjC1_o1aGHqCr3yIv6U-FOrc/s320/DSC_0492.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Calling the Nats</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsc_H2FtbOEuSPXUp8902FHDeWTDux0UKwsZZ67mXEljzsBPWCkxe61wogPbjwNIG1ef8_mEG2S2eSmGOLOUe5uoKVMCxBoF1M4TP2MHwve-oVaxL5NcHq3vyu-LJuaOY0TZ-P4Nwr5z0/s1600/DSC_0502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsc_H2FtbOEuSPXUp8902FHDeWTDux0UKwsZZ67mXEljzsBPWCkxe61wogPbjwNIG1ef8_mEG2S2eSmGOLOUe5uoKVMCxBoF1M4TP2MHwve-oVaxL5NcHq3vyu-LJuaOY0TZ-P4Nwr5z0/s320/DSC_0502.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Spirit Medium</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Next on our first day we inspected probably the most famous monument, the Ananda Pagoda or Pahto. Dating from the 12th century the temple was built by King Kyansitthar. The four entrances to the Pagoda each lead to a standing Buddha which represent the four Buddhas who attained enlightenment. The images are around 9.5 meters tall and are covered with gold. Only two of the images (facing north and south) are original the others being replacements for images destroyed by fires. The original images portray the dhammachakka mudra or the hand position which symbolizes the Buddh'a first sermon. All the images are made of solid teak. Another important aspect of Ananda are the 554 glazed tiles located on the base and terraces which depict scenes from the jataka (life stories of the Buddha).The pagoda is highly venerated and usually busy with locals and visitors from afar paying their respects.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0b7ZXJZm-4wJk0Ce-0iDHF50XEk8t3o7AdgQgF1ccx1BtFjloANoNb5rQQmfQ4EcxUpGIRwAOTKQ1zxZjM3jGhggtLRMejOiZ1pvhDz-EIXb00MXllskpMxoYXLGWFMGzEXGrBzZkdcs/s1600/DSC_0509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0b7ZXJZm-4wJk0Ce-0iDHF50XEk8t3o7AdgQgF1ccx1BtFjloANoNb5rQQmfQ4EcxUpGIRwAOTKQ1zxZjM3jGhggtLRMejOiZ1pvhDz-EIXb00MXllskpMxoYXLGWFMGzEXGrBzZkdcs/s320/DSC_0509.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ananda Temp<span style="font-size: small;">le</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqf9iQEwHg61HyZzjLlP4GmMUwQpmExewUE8AKbpwp-I-iNh0qZS0FYLeopef93WC66nnGQe13OtDbrGl7Qv1msejBa2d5jn6F7340Pgq04Wkb6g1qSrbN0gJLbt7AzWsZHoZycgkNTYs/s1600/DSC_0510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqf9iQEwHg61HyZzjLlP4GmMUwQpmExewUE8AKbpwp-I-iNh0qZS0FYLeopef93WC66nnGQe13OtDbrGl7Qv1msejBa2d5jn6F7340Pgq04Wkb6g1qSrbN0gJLbt7AzWsZHoZycgkNTYs/s320/DSC_0510.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Detail of Upper Part of Ananda</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20rPxxl-YPmtnWZXq1T166IuzIyfKllnw1Ivy9J_7XJfuFBuP6XdW58mxekOD5WaiZwDoK_zZcFR2lD23V7qrR3mhH72ePAivVgvRL2luG4bQt_X1e9K8uue8hZqbZqr879d30Ukphtg/s1600/DSC_0513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20rPxxl-YPmtnWZXq1T166IuzIyfKllnw1Ivy9J_7XJfuFBuP6XdW58mxekOD5WaiZwDoK_zZcFR2lD23V7qrR3mhH72ePAivVgvRL2luG4bQt_X1e9K8uue8hZqbZqr879d30Ukphtg/s320/DSC_0513.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">West <span style="font-size: small;">Facing Buddha Image in Gesture of Reassurance, Ananda Temple</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCAf_vef_ZehpIxKlaDEV4nMa8GKpAiMsw6jtl8hRb-24XklnDDXOi4OkxHT3WXMrYZt3HqqxCrQcMofanhZTNM-8g-FjQU6JxtqcehAdh6y3cGh-mmjyEuCXSipbK0QDFe_sES1-Pm8/s1600/DSC_0518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCAf_vef_ZehpIxKlaDEV4nMa8GKpAiMsw6jtl8hRb-24XklnDDXOi4OkxHT3WXMrYZt3HqqxCrQcMofanhZTNM-8g-FjQU6JxtqcehAdh6y3cGh-mmjyEuCXSipbK0QDFe_sES1-Pm8/s320/DSC_0518.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">South Facing Kessapa Buddha in Teaching Gesture, Ananda Temple</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrW0o1F0pmfuoxoGavjOxyYjhWKoG6XRhvIQgyiJohHURMNt8KFC8yTQ1muENwmrf9OE_NhURbhuEWgOU-Foz4SmC4kqGbEAEUaj7ghYJ9cvYHOw8fvB9aoOuwKlKYO1FFBQfFzxrr8E/s1600/DSC_0522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrW0o1F0pmfuoxoGavjOxyYjhWKoG6XRhvIQgyiJohHURMNt8KFC8yTQ1muENwmrf9OE_NhURbhuEWgOU-Foz4SmC4kqGbEAEUaj7ghYJ9cvYHOw8fvB9aoOuwKlKYO1FFBQfFzxrr8E/s320/DSC_0522.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sermsri Paying R<span style="font-size: small;">espects in Ananda Temple</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After lunch at the Queen Restaurant we headed for the countryside and Taung Shaye village</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to provide our travelers the opportunity to experience agriculturally based rural living. On our way we passed the local NLD offices adorned with pictures of Aung San Suu Kyi and her father Aung San.The village is built on sandy soil with houses primarily of split bamboo. Ox carts are the main mode of village transportation along tree lined sandy lanes which are bordered by split bamboo or brush fencing. The numerous trees in the village area provide respite from the heat of the sun. Recent changes include a new small school building erected by a Japanese NGO and a well the water from which must be paid for. Villagers, however, still use the traditional water source in order to save money. Young and old alike carry the water home on a shoulder pole balancing two buckets. We were treated to village hospitality along with a demonstration on how to climb a palm tree to harvest the liquid used in the making of palm wine. Villagers climb the lower part of the tree with their bare feet until reaching a ladder structure nearer the top where sap is extracted from cut flowers. Upon harvesting the sap is nonalcoholic until altered by fermentation. We returned New Bagan and a great dinner at the Green Elephant Restaurant and were joined by Kyaw Swe's delightful family. After dinner we returned to our comfortable rooms at the Kumudara Hotel which is set in proximity to many nearby monuments.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMNu3aw2j9j1KsQNRyE632cAtPBcR7YGDMFV5O66XEg-T344aUuRBzwpWl8GmSF1j-SjaLSNw7NLhyphenhyphen1SS_2IuCR2wNnIRwpL6rbcMRbFS-5N8kVMhwhXLbf-O9NozUmfMkzDaSI6W68Y/s1600/DSC_0536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMNu3aw2j9j1KsQNRyE632cAtPBcR7YGDMFV5O66XEg-T344aUuRBzwpWl8GmSF1j-SjaLSNw7NLhyphenhyphen1SS_2IuCR2wNnIRwpL6rbcMRbFS-5N8kVMhwhXLbf-O9NozUmfMkzDaSI6W68Y/s320/DSC_0536.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our Host Family</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSudZwKXjySGa3Sr2uw_SGclC1HyJKLcCUW_ggIuV7uGtMbW37OZCgC_aRfJbUtnzk-Co3Cad9iWtlbN1nmL0pLS0qkxoz-S3Xc2VBpHd9xKP4dKdMX-7SY01ZBhmY9MBlk0GcjMIcJv8/s1600/DSC_0570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSudZwKXjySGa3Sr2uw_SGclC1HyJKLcCUW_ggIuV7uGtMbW37OZCgC_aRfJbUtnzk-Co3Cad9iWtlbN1nmL0pLS0qkxoz-S3Xc2VBpHd9xKP4dKdMX-7SY01ZBhmY9MBlk0GcjMIcJv8/s320/DSC_0570.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tree Lined Lane of Ta<span style="font-size: small;">u</span>ng Shay Village</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8pQ-KblEMoO4GJSTJIa1kErsDZbGXD8qUtLbhMrLjKHAgsD0XvFMebsTOHRKdCtsk3M4Vs8BGkCELzcHGRIgSSTWD0v0HIfcBQjfGiPD-TRuWX9H48ydv39N-NWy81i4ywDKoOSnrr_Q/s1600/DSC_0542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8pQ-KblEMoO4GJSTJIa1kErsDZbGXD8qUtLbhMrLjKHAgsD0XvFMebsTOHRKdCtsk3M4Vs8BGkCELzcHGRIgSSTWD0v0HIfcBQjfGiPD-TRuWX9H48ydv39N-NWy81i4ywDKoOSnrr_Q/s320/DSC_0542.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Basket Seller in Taung Shay Village</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZEj4ZF0oEdOjM9MVMQD5NUOgNyjv5IQALTw16qd1JNEnrzqVkkILG6iHmelvdmJ_KfWl7wcaijrqRb2O3z6vy41suySfl90VFumw6F69_9AN0AWh0nJFinugd_OLBSvvy9KTI7hnOv8/s1600/DSC_0543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZEj4ZF0oEdOjM9MVMQD5NUOgNyjv5IQALTw16qd1JNEnrzqVkkILG6iHmelvdmJ_KfWl7wcaijrqRb2O3z6vy41suySfl90VFumw6F69_9AN0AWh0nJFinugd_OLBSvvy9KTI7hnOv8/s320/DSC_0543.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Courtyard and V<span style="font-size: small;">illage House</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZ-BhuB3yTW0KOVQJHv2V8pmCQhlGE8hzBxCHPInjeZ0PM8R__JTwZ40gRNaGvppX3oX_J-nzGsdPU4CU-vnjQ78T-hOrPrRbkRLfutgKk3qmtsVmYdo4Uk4Qo0_5AMuG3olA9kWIqp8/s1600/DSC_0546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZ-BhuB3yTW0KOVQJHv2V8pmCQhlGE8hzBxCHPInjeZ0PM8R__JTwZ40gRNaGvppX3oX_J-nzGsdPU4CU-vnjQ78T-hOrPrRbkRLfutgKk3qmtsVmYdo4Uk4Qo0_5AMuG3olA9kWIqp8/s320/DSC_0546.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Village Transport</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZJgqi9W3-fPVG8vJxSV47h3yCs3477JTOI6867Gwf_FG8mbJOt1iMWvMM8bD4l4W1IJ18DZuXkY_zaqCr5MiDH_ZaIVFNgtFdXqt13xIyiUqbhmH7K6Uc_OWzlJUUxaEYZohOamGnmo/s1600/DSC_0549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZJgqi9W3-fPVG8vJxSV47h3yCs3477JTOI6867Gwf_FG8mbJOt1iMWvMM8bD4l4W1IJ18DZuXkY_zaqCr5MiDH_ZaIVFNgtFdXqt13xIyiUqbhmH7K6Uc_OWzlJUUxaEYZohOamGnmo/s320/DSC_0549.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Typical Village Housing</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVLF23bssgHpBhavOlbMEw3AuetT7wNDwgx_2nGONfcTt5BxX_yDTdh56D-BnNzuplQEfuI0utibiDIsbw1E4Z-47jT_WIxR0uAm1MRum2oKhLbOZyuuYgmys-4xJw3PCvRS31pxj6-8/s1600/DSC_0550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVLF23bssgHpBhavOlbMEw3AuetT7wNDwgx_2nGONfcTt5BxX_yDTdh56D-BnNzuplQEfuI0utibiDIsbw1E4Z-47jT_WIxR0uAm1MRum2oKhLbOZyuuYgmys-4xJw3PCvRS31pxj6-8/s320/DSC_0550.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">New School Donated by Japanese NGO</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2SqrkFsfgXV27HnCq5ZmLwOlreYcBkI8ak9DBIxl0dxhNWVsvh35fYKRqzhgJJvD7jJceltOH3cBq6kjEKdD3pJxF_tTp4tEMYdGnprnJu26dSs1CJkq4nu3iDyzaURmDqnFDU6GmBY/s1600/DSC_0554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2SqrkFsfgXV27HnCq5ZmLwOlreYcBkI8ak9DBIxl0dxhNWVsvh35fYKRqzhgJJvD7jJceltOH3cBq6kjEKdD3pJxF_tTp4tEMYdGnprnJu26dSs1CJkq4nu3iDyzaURmDqnFDU6GmBY/s320/DSC_0554.JPG" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Village Students</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwFGMYdfA8SPHfCGzmbPQY1wDLrukTj_Dke0AClg4OrKHoq4L-LepkmnUyJVNC_o3HUcX4uJqudYKL3u8kkWrGW07b0euUSQPhgwUg5Rkn0bCWeMwQJIMVKZULNltSazZHMhDQmZ1Jck/s1600/DSC_0568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwFGMYdfA8SPHfCGzmbPQY1wDLrukTj_Dke0AClg4OrKHoq4L-LepkmnUyJVNC_o3HUcX4uJqudYKL3u8kkWrGW07b0euUSQPhgwUg5Rkn0bCWeMwQJIMVKZULNltSazZHMhDQmZ1Jck/s320/DSC_0568.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Collecting Water for Daily Use</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdkw9Mr2yFj43bIUmdGW8pPxFkbyKL8JN1oJdca4vqMJO294MZXvIHFaHh4-8V1YWuTXjXhNTE32bKLmvcy09s7eISPjPYnh_mEoa1rvVGNs3TxC1liSrd0F7Vu1kujjE9ZI7o5cqfQ0/s1600/DSC_0559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdkw9Mr2yFj43bIUmdGW8pPxFkbyKL8JN1oJdca4vqMJO294MZXvIHFaHh4-8V1YWuTXjXhNTE32bKLmvcy09s7eISPjPYnh_mEoa1rvVGNs3TxC1liSrd0F7Vu1kujjE9ZI7o5cqfQ0/s320/DSC_0559.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hugh <span style="font-size: small;">Giving Water Carrying a Try</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4VJvIv4sqfpRBM27Pileaj9fsAgAmLvDKpK_nAhYXtRFp1fGw7KVvyyhvEHkRIy7HNJb_4Oo62XGCYIc8GVlncTQPQWliRGauASUBN6E3Wub7M5yodOA1SqlsSvWAqu0nkD3sN5rJaY/s1600/DSC_0572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4VJvIv4sqfpRBM27Pileaj9fsAgAmLvDKpK_nAhYXtRFp1fGw7KVvyyhvEHkRIy7HNJb_4Oo62XGCYIc8GVlncTQPQWliRGauASUBN6E3Wub7M5yodOA1SqlsSvWAqu0nkD3sN5rJaY/s320/DSC_0572.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hugh <span style="font-size: small;">Taking a Break after Water Transport</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7muIFisgjjcdLU8LqjMxdynThb30zEi5SM0OIiCc5yOvloyG0LZrez16AnjND3rWkyu9xvAJKg7iVqCyWz4nVltBEY9GH2Km7R2QinHWE_YSsPT0SpMVSJByk2nESYB0kB7jF0ch7fRk/s1600/DSC_0566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7muIFisgjjcdLU8LqjMxdynThb30zEi5SM0OIiCc5yOvloyG0LZrez16AnjND3rWkyu9xvAJKg7iVqCyWz4nVltBEY9GH2Km7R2QinHWE_YSsPT0SpMVSJByk2nESYB0kB7jF0ch7fRk/s320/DSC_0566.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">How to Climb for Palm Sap</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After breakfast we headed south by bus along a single lane road to Salay an old religious center in Central Myanmar. The at times bumpy bus ride gave us the chance to view the changing countryside including the nearby Irrawaddy valley and the many chaungs or dry stream beds which intersected the highway. Crossing some of these very wide chaungs made one wonder what the conditions were like during the height of the rainy season. To get to Salay we had to pass through the town and river port of Chauk which is connected by a bridge to Seikpyu on the opposite side of the Irrawaddy River. We noticed many pumping oil wells and learned that the British discovered the Chauk-Lonywa oil field in 1902. Apparently Mon people traditionally would come to this area to gather asphalt to weatherproof their houses. Abundant natural gas reserves are to be found in the Chauk oil fields. On December 1, 1943 B-24 Liberators bombed the oil refinery and storage tanks at Chauk in order to deny their use to the Japanese. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJarLakdU8mbS03dRJOAsV9Tc-twcQuop0nCEAVuKIGrNwQ0xS1ZfgCWXBgIlkoIABXBelUeptySf2Zcwbqv5jb_bmDKq9kbLmGBdThrxVYL-3lrK92eke9Ev5ODeSkNQ6qOKd7Ba39hY/s1600/DSC_0598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJarLakdU8mbS03dRJOAsV9Tc-twcQuop0nCEAVuKIGrNwQ0xS1ZfgCWXBgIlkoIABXBelUeptySf2Zcwbqv5jb_bmDKq9kbLmGBdThrxVYL-3lrK92eke9Ev5ODeSkNQ6qOKd7Ba39hY/s320/DSC_0598.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Crossing Wide Chaung on Way to Salay</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8oU2Rp0fEEdhjMICbyC4YsE_1p0xqRkrGG8b3Be_0AVo2S34o03NNZxDg2JX_7UheklIDJDzfjz2ie1pU-YJmjww0zj8wZaC91Bh0ucZ0vd2iPQfnB-ErOGI4TBJL6xAEREW8L-ZNZo/s1600/DSC_0599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8oU2Rp0fEEdhjMICbyC4YsE_1p0xqRkrGG8b3Be_0AVo2S34o03NNZxDg2JX_7UheklIDJDzfjz2ie1pU-YJmjww0zj8wZaC91Bh0ucZ0vd2iPQfnB-ErOGI4TBJL6xAEREW8L-ZNZo/s320/DSC_0599.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Irrawaddy</span> River in Distance</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhErg7LAPPqxp23j8GggthPMU3iOzQdOzIXNoVz2vERLviB_fxEfYF_Coc1fP6nIJNXyg587Pls3_Uhx-4PmnWwrXzp5BWjQJn_u9RdIPuWY9XXqcD7gfFDoIjJ7LlAgBpqpXyzCBHwMqo/s1600/DSC_0603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhErg7LAPPqxp23j8GggthPMU3iOzQdOzIXNoVz2vERLviB_fxEfYF_Coc1fP6nIJNXyg587Pls3_Uhx-4PmnWwrXzp5BWjQJn_u9RdIPuWY9XXqcD7gfFDoIjJ7LlAgBpqpXyzCBHwMqo/s320/DSC_0603.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Foot Traffic Crossing the Chaung</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipWAt6iO14PkhxNlcqfChcbIQpwFoMrTcR32Vk_b96lSNRd6qC40A0mBItPwgrCK6PP-OXyGLjmlEUNaKj89R1dPtkm6UUo3crsvSyA3LQITtxL1HMrsIk5yAgKXez-7lGaSuAGXOpZlI/s1600/DSC_0605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipWAt6iO14PkhxNlcqfChcbIQpwFoMrTcR32Vk_b96lSNRd6qC40A0mBItPwgrCK6PP-OXyGLjmlEUNaKj89R1dPtkm6UUo3crsvSyA3LQITtxL1HMrsIk5yAgKXez-7lGaSuAGXOpZlI/s320/DSC_0605.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Birds Eye View <span style="font-size: small;">From</span> Inside Our Bus</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also on the way to Salay we passed a complex of old houses that were supposed to have been built by a wealthy Chinese family. In their prime they must have been extraordinary structures. Adjacent to this site was a tutor school with physics on offering. Salay, a small town is known for its ancient monasteries as well as numerous British colonial buildings dating to the 1920's. A stop in a local tea shop for tea, coffee and Burmese pastries afforded a break from our walk about. On our return we stopped by a wooden monastery which was preparing for the burial of its recently deceased abbot. We were invited in to pay our respects to the abbot who was lying in state within the monastery. Villagers were busy below creating the various items to be used in the funeral proceedings. After our return to Bagan we lunched at what was to become a favorite, the Sunset Garden Restaurant located on the banks of the Irrawaddy. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQu2WG9eLhtCdpMYCFnXrXnKUMa2-vrv-XQaAiwrVX8Tnsx1dkJzgbqWlRYkSLhpdeGSShDatxrKoh17rt6t-moxCCnKN1A8SpCYHiP80DAb7m-0WR1ibOTIka4OklGOKBPNQWKirKZo/s1600/DSC_0612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQu2WG9eLhtCdpMYCFnXrXnKUMa2-vrv-XQaAiwrVX8Tnsx1dkJzgbqWlRYkSLhpdeGSShDatxrKoh17rt6t-moxCCnKN1A8SpCYHiP80DAb7m-0WR1ibOTIka4OklGOKBPNQWKirKZo/s320/DSC_0612.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hugh, John and Chris Enjoying Tea and Sweets at Salay Tea House</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQ46C-_L-y2LHRmZCcdgEiv_4pddac_2LQ5u57DzqwN5XCcWlYEGR3Jo7SKNZwY-6ODKMDwwDKsQ9-YL2X4VhkSRLX-M8Avb06CrGpIpbxQsLhsPryAte5KqEGG_oR8El8lELSSZbhxc/s1600/DSC_0620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQ46C-_L-y2LHRmZCcdgEiv_4pddac_2LQ5u57DzqwN5XCcWlYEGR3Jo7SKNZwY-6ODKMDwwDKsQ9-YL2X4VhkSRLX-M8Avb06CrGpIpbxQsLhsPryAte5KqEGG_oR8El8lELSSZbhxc/s320/DSC_0620.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Refurbished Colonial Era Building in Salay</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje9fC3UTaj6YMKWCdJh1tQ2S8alJQXwKrO80YFl0Y9z0BxtjkAIca0Q4_uVkTd7AeqlgbIEcOf8KoH2LSXAvSAnTHxMA9Pqrp8mm0LlgEJb9muoEFBvwlFksx8TXfyhLmmy2H1QD3ZLJw/s1600/DSC_0624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje9fC3UTaj6YMKWCdJh1tQ2S8alJQXwKrO80YFl0Y9z0BxtjkAIca0Q4_uVkTd7AeqlgbIEcOf8KoH2LSXAvSAnTHxMA9Pqrp8mm0LlgEJb9muoEFBvwlFksx8TXfyhLmmy2H1QD3ZLJw/s320/DSC_0624.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Colon<span style="font-size: small;">ial Building in Need of Restoration in Salay</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cEMxw7sVlXzgqtQwxh88PpR3nzTz4-s9MRgFOV76pf1VsT0X4GdNDONhvuCu2FoXN6uTUozmfFXAoGKkY8hx3AJOC7ZnNHCdEDN0Q5H1KHEGYVA94Vjj6XYWoxGus6u2KqAnPNpwDmM/s1600/DSC_0627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cEMxw7sVlXzgqtQwxh88PpR3nzTz4-s9MRgFOV76pf1VsT0X4GdNDONhvuCu2FoXN6uTUozmfFXAoGKkY8hx3AJOC7ZnNHCdEDN0Q5H1KHEGYVA94Vjj6XYWoxGus6u2KqAnPNpwDmM/s320/DSC_0627.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wooden Monastery Betw<span style="font-size: small;">e</span>en Salay and Chauk</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUZRqnMZTItbK28KUSTpYZb9jfW4sebJaX6YuSs1Z4yr4U3UXY3Ubi_1wPFs_a5rcsLsxB5ckl84sSun1SMt7h-tEk2BNLaSiDyKxKcMJHyaSCoF8FVtgnjw3B28qGonwuLZ2Q4z4JiU/s1600/DSC_0628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUZRqnMZTItbK28KUSTpYZb9jfW4sebJaX6YuSs1Z4yr4U3UXY3Ubi_1wPFs_a5rcsLsxB5ckl84sSun1SMt7h-tEk2BNLaSiDyKxKcMJHyaSCoF8FVtgnjw3B28qGonwuLZ2Q4z4JiU/s320/DSC_0628.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Entrance to Wooden Monastery</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13BGXwTHjRPurgOiZDdQWgfFrzAACXpA-7HOnft5rVj8WyYceRLFJ19jyfIAvBmOhLF6rMORx2hUXR7IJ0ZAqWTsnhubkwpzYVXEOqymTwqF-IqY80PoraWkABBhIfK7w5IL3Rj0hMek/s1600/DSC_0630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13BGXwTHjRPurgOiZDdQWgfFrzAACXpA-7HOnft5rVj8WyYceRLFJ19jyfIAvBmOhLF6rMORx2hUXR7IJ0ZAqWTsnhubkwpzYVXEOqymTwqF-IqY80PoraWkABBhIfK7w5IL3Rj0hMek/s320/DSC_0630.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Villager Working<span style="font-size: small;"> on Decorations for Abbot's Funeral</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsEYtVnsaf1zhYWv7X35ept3gmkrsdSsnQICgBKmln8KlVBP7-5zpGhgwUuhh0zmQCw3_jmkIV_hH4pib13kkX7e7hw7s6YMhEW1ZCJAfsnzz81PxvNnZWsOM-qOPitgtKxkkkorWLJM/s1600/DSC_0631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsEYtVnsaf1zhYWv7X35ept3gmkrsdSsnQICgBKmln8KlVBP7-5zpGhgwUuhh0zmQCw3_jmkIV_hH4pib13kkX7e7hw7s6YMhEW1ZCJAfsnzz81PxvNnZWsOM-qOPitgtKxkkkorWLJM/s320/DSC_0631.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">View<span style="font-size: small;"> of Irrawadd River from Sunset Garden Restaurant</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a rest we left for the Irrawaddy river bank where we were to meet our boat for a sunset cruise. Upon arriving we were greeted by more friendly souvenir sellers and the sight of gravel barges being unloaded by hand. Gravel recovery by hand from the river bed is one of the local occupations. Our river excursion provided views of the near shore monuments with particularly good views of the Shwezigon stupa. The setting sun provided a golden glow to all our faces and the surroundings. The increase in tourist traffic over previous years was noticeable by the number of craft milling about waiting for the sunset. We returned to dinner and puppet performance at the Si Thu Restaurant. Our friend of many years Thi Thi Win and her husband joined us for the evening and recommended we attend a temple fair which was to begin the following evening.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4xWlH9c-ZXKMEICX7iB98Bcab8ybIX6h-K4ivO5zfnZgwGlQAKYp_RmgSTkoSu_8V3_Sk0z9ebKbtlc20yPamz3as8A-_GMTepSjBGy9wSldwSIlgFuk7cbPo05d-jLabP0X71Xv2s4/s1600/DSC_0637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4xWlH9c-ZXKMEICX7iB98Bcab8ybIX6h-K4ivO5zfnZgwGlQAKYp_RmgSTkoSu_8V3_Sk0z9ebKbtlc20yPamz3as8A-_GMTepSjBGy9wSldwSIlgFuk7cbPo05d-jLabP0X71Xv2s4/s320/DSC_0637.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Unloading Gravel Harvested from Irrawaddy River Bed</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW79FrAvYcPSfyEvmZYOpiHC_7WfIBDhgYvotvjujtj8lH6iwfP05J4i5uVqB534SAdhwh7D9teX3bWEIqX0RaGp_zryOCXLW_R0_tOzl5J30McNib67rwGxc4t65S6JfwV9CEhPMB2-g/s1600/DSC_0640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW79FrAvYcPSfyEvmZYOpiHC_7WfIBDhgYvotvjujtj8lH6iwfP05J4i5uVqB534SAdhwh7D9teX3bWEIqX0RaGp_zryOCXLW_R0_tOzl5J30McNib67rwGxc4t65S6JfwV9CEhPMB2-g/s320/DSC_0640.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Walking the Plank With a Heavy Load</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCw_jfllfXNeVi5VJVyJTmZswVRuhJq_kmXK8AUMX4LneGbu48v9pT0PaRAOVNIkEZ9qS6O6fZFiUpyC3HzjQZlCGfbN14zR-NVAs1KTW4k3gVnqpKHZste5DrOJ1LAqm-rIS8KvT5VI/s1600/DSC_0644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCw_jfllfXNeVi5VJVyJTmZswVRuhJq_kmXK8AUMX4LneGbu48v9pT0PaRAOVNIkEZ9qS6O6fZFiUpyC3HzjQZlCGfbN14zR-NVAs1KTW4k3gVnqpKHZste5DrOJ1LAqm-rIS8KvT5VI/s320/DSC_0644.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Boats Lined Up to Take Tourists on a Sunset Ride</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIUOvU0PgR38OQPAWBLQjkZe7gknds2Vy2HZBxE3l_ernnDGNHIuGyUyWeYqTCy0upZ3BreQWAteARPXHLk7Ok6RXsPKHeJ2auQ4Fvp_x9wZoEj4s_B10QpKwEFzcY4cCvbiDfUmkaUg/s1600/DSC_0650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIUOvU0PgR38OQPAWBLQjkZe7gknds2Vy2HZBxE3l_ernnDGNHIuGyUyWeYqTCy0upZ3BreQWAteARPXHLk7Ok6RXsPKHeJ2auQ4Fvp_x9wZoEj4s_B10QpKwEFzcY4cCvbiDfUmkaUg/s320/DSC_0650.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Riverside Monuments</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjid-P9rJO5Au4YuWWpd4TvU9xwoFB8Rp4jgp626qWwZ6gyqDONMVMKLKQx8LWmZZ0CYfIFnfPtipkMhyEPBnRdJGO1paTTqiQ3_ZItUFtbtEUcvaiJOpHtojd9P6hrOxaTWrn9Wk-Dpbs/s1600/DSC_0667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjid-P9rJO5Au4YuWWpd4TvU9xwoFB8Rp4jgp626qWwZ6gyqDONMVMKLKQx8LWmZZ0CYfIFnfPtipkMhyEPBnRdJGO1paTTqiQ3_ZItUFtbtEUcvaiJOpHtojd9P6hrOxaTWrn9Wk-Dpbs/s320/DSC_0667.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Boys Playing <span style="font-size: small;">on the River Bank</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhQhmyfbsgoyvLjTv0XsdkU2FrJoiWu9He5YxMZ7Qv8eYabOr-Xd30RD7stleN9RF3d1jviVbt9N_0MdnTSqVGWtuoeKYsVJWmCsfUfISD1KkcD2dUf851pnE49rkhqqoRIX_XZ47kBE/s1600/DSC_0668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhQhmyfbsgoyvLjTv0XsdkU2FrJoiWu9He5YxMZ7Qv8eYabOr-Xd30RD7stleN9RF3d1jviVbt9N_0MdnTSqVGWtuoeKYsVJWmCsfUfISD1KkcD2dUf851pnE49rkhqqoRIX_XZ47kBE/s320/DSC_0668.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Loading the Truck</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2gAXkIQxk6l2zbEUueWxFf66AWk6n1qPwdMtgeW8T65QxxVNyF2f8umHFfwnBzx84haIKD46MOIJlBUfVKQResDVmZRcdcCDmc2NSCJjlxWmhyphenhyphenO9dwEpZQWiCNBO-zK6JWvMGQ3fOWMw/s1600/DSC_0671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2gAXkIQxk6l2zbEUueWxFf66AWk6n1qPwdMtgeW8T65QxxVNyF2f8umHFfwnBzx84haIKD46MOIJlBUfVKQResDVmZRcdcCDmc2NSCJjlxWmhyphenhyphenO9dwEpZQWiCNBO-zK6JWvMGQ3fOWMw/s320/DSC_0671.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stairway to ??</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2DZDUBDqnDxpH1qCW4q4tz6t8oKqDBzwwvU2BpgJjfxjqrx_M5Z_1q4jEh1pL_pcfX5ED4KHWIGa8MT0yuVH_UCJqreThLbiYBGdO1rjzpPnKzYrraAmGbdWuQxgrhg0LthqcAj1Ud4/s1600/DSC_0674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2DZDUBDqnDxpH1qCW4q4tz6t8oKqDBzwwvU2BpgJjfxjqrx_M5Z_1q4jEh1pL_pcfX5ED4KHWIGa8MT0yuVH_UCJqreThLbiYBGdO1rjzpPnKzYrraAmGbdWuQxgrhg0LthqcAj1Ud4/s320/DSC_0674.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Riverside Housing</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1-9By8eh2dN2YhgUGEVzbR-NhDUNdXZZztRGeOxYwImyWmK-Krur8E3PpznwnRx09QB6iUjVcvBW3uijhRK6EQE-aRKTD_mik2nhbv-gz9XerSbFdW0aiAEDHVjhItaEHnL14mHmjho/s1600/DSC_0675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1-9By8eh2dN2YhgUGEVzbR-NhDUNdXZZztRGeOxYwImyWmK-Krur8E3PpznwnRx09QB6iUjVcvBW3uijhRK6EQE-aRKTD_mik2nhbv-gz9XerSbFdW0aiAEDHVjhItaEHnL14mHmjho/s320/DSC_0675.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Washing with a Companion</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQtkVDd1FftMNtUPZ2IeJbsoDdFh_cN_baVMwh50JSZqjQUYIVPfCmrydv4cN-dh5u8e5qk1Vy7XJF6uTssIray48QkiJrGlT_PSngt010U_He-vUJtseiFe45eXsRL1Sp_6p0XFYlkI/s1600/DSC_0676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQtkVDd1FftMNtUPZ2IeJbsoDdFh_cN_baVMwh50JSZqjQUYIVPfCmrydv4cN-dh5u8e5qk1Vy7XJF6uTssIray48QkiJrGlT_PSngt010U_He-vUJtseiFe45eXsRL1Sp_6p0XFYlkI/s320/DSC_0676.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fetching Water for the Home</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUyZk330NGM-LTQ33Z7ryxT-f9ZIwAMRglEi7DkynErw6O7P5fWRNtBv5y5uPTXV6qXSz2JlNLgjaCGoo0vPk-CO0anvTe5etCKtCQ_DRXsJoKALT5P7ft-wydDvPpBj8k3a3z6MhNGU/s1600/DSC_0677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUyZk330NGM-LTQ33Z7ryxT-f9ZIwAMRglEi7DkynErw6O7P5fWRNtBv5y5uPTXV6qXSz2JlNLgjaCGoo0vPk-CO0anvTe5etCKtCQ_DRXsJoKALT5P7ft-wydDvPpBj8k3a3z6MhNGU/s320/DSC_0677.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Typi<span style="font-size: small;">cal Watercraft</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqnYSQlpx3GbxU8d16qQKjQxBqYeYRBUh79thAS0VPVM7Pxi9bWJ5CLxJKMO6FmX85O6Lc0RESE39_8IrNo8gtqbX7f79RGhKqK-o-oHRTyRFoi23wuFJm8tis9-NiC_IND6oyOWp514/s1600/DSC_0681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqnYSQlpx3GbxU8d16qQKjQxBqYeYRBUh79thAS0VPVM7Pxi9bWJ5CLxJKMO6FmX85O6Lc0RESE39_8IrNo8gtqbX7f79RGhKqK-o-oHRTyRFoi23wuFJm8tis9-NiC_IND6oyOWp514/s320/DSC_0681.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fishing</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxze7ToS33EbNIaZyImYhLR95FATsZURMKDXK23AIHaORIwfKTzafUj0xB4zxtDKx-76dVMQvLROfx7jBmlG9c7kZ8x0901ohk6b4qdPw_6RSthlZV_zMv4q0GGxPLhk2CBTYqQCL5eI/s1600/DSC_0687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxze7ToS33EbNIaZyImYhLR95FATsZURMKDXK23AIHaORIwfKTzafUj0xB4zxtDKx-76dVMQvLROfx7jBmlG9c7kZ8x0901ohk6b4qdPw_6RSthlZV_zMv4q0GGxPLhk2CBTYqQCL5eI/s320/DSC_0687.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shwezigon as Seen from the Irrawaddy</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8OAB-kQYv8RtOLSrm6wfl4TWBxBcYRG4eHFXh_FV2RFahYQu82n-PTH5vY6A8AdKGVAI_3NjRcv_o1YdL2nOk7TMmOSSl2GQoU7wRszOpEDmbWstX0otmkY2nx8P7LqYyteCCmijWbI/s1600/DSC_0717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8OAB-kQYv8RtOLSrm6wfl4TWBxBcYRG4eHFXh_FV2RFahYQu82n-PTH5vY6A8AdKGVAI_3NjRcv_o1YdL2nOk7TMmOSSl2GQoU7wRszOpEDmbWstX0otmkY2nx8P7LqYyteCCmijWbI/s320/DSC_0717.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sunset on the Irrawadd<span style="font-size: small;">y</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXhA-LJeRHzFKKy4OBRxtXB9Z0ms4SrrkHqg_XN8Mmx8u_Iv3uaMRuW8ICc20GUtomGyfa7zfSGxr6xIXYI7_tq7hHP0bfeiEiIDL4eLnEsO3Pb7dRDpqW5znk0zE3rhx7R3xGqEgadg/s1600/DSC_0736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXhA-LJeRHzFKKy4OBRxtXB9Z0ms4SrrkHqg_XN8Mmx8u_Iv3uaMRuW8ICc20GUtomGyfa7zfSGxr6xIXYI7_tq7hHP0bfeiEiIDL4eLnEsO3Pb7dRDpqW5znk0zE3rhx7R3xGqEgadg/s320/DSC_0736.JPG" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Puppet Performance at the SiThu Restaurant</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbN8uxb9_DakCQdgUhQOqknqHMqOaZPDmnmPJhdRrvPrrTziHOdrBEajLRGDIB_UIky44RrFoQA8ib59J5cMju072yTG22qicS81mraF9kXoUzPUW2ePdct8VmHGgZ1vAOPjhMcKfdpZU/s1600/Hugh+receiving+gift+from+Thi+Thi+Win.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbN8uxb9_DakCQdgUhQOqknqHMqOaZPDmnmPJhdRrvPrrTziHOdrBEajLRGDIB_UIky44RrFoQA8ib59J5cMju072yTG22qicS81mraF9kXoUzPUW2ePdct8VmHGgZ1vAOPjhMcKfdpZU/s320/Hugh+receiving+gift+from+Thi+Thi+Win.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hugh R<span style="font-size: small;">eceiving Gi<span style="font-size: small;">ft from Thi Thi Win</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We began our day with a horse cart tour of various monuments within the Bagan Archaeological Zone. On the way we passed the local NLD office which was decorated with various posters featuring Aung San Suu Kyi and her father. The first monument we visited was the Dhammayazika Pagoda. Built in 1198 by King Narapatisithu to enshrine relics of the Buddha obtained as gifts from the King of Sri Lanka. This pagoda is unusual as it is formed on a pentagonal base as opposed to the usual four sided Bagan style oriented to the cardinal directions. In the center of each side are small temples housing an image of Buddha. Four of the temples images represent the four Buddha's who have already attained enlightenment while the fifth represents the next Buddha named Metteyya. The pagoda comprises three receding terraces which feature glazed jataka tiles. We enjoyed a wonderful panoramic view of the Bagan Archaeological Zone from the upper terrace. Here we were able to gain a real appreciation for the number and variety of monuments in the zone. In recent times the Dhammayazika Pagoda reportedly had come under the patronage of Khin Nyunt a former army general and head of military intelligence. He was sacked for corruption in 2004 but released from house arrest in 2012. Apparently he donated funds to refurbish the structure which included covering upper portions with a fabric that was ultimately overlain with gold leaf. Unfortunately a poor quality glue was used and now the underlying fabric is lifting off the structure. Nonetheless the pagoda remains one of Bagan's finest structures.Our horse cart tour continued with the inspection of several more structures, some noted for their surviving murals.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJt56XZSyQz3w8Cqs8rpCgqyC0Zrpeq8Ach9QwVsad_QpmiYUqeAF87R118oi4ev3YW4CKu-ap-c0xJaWcMSxEYakwG480adyl946diSpl_mpNz9rkD0M8HiHq4iMNMr-azlSfINRR9LE/s1600/DSC_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJt56XZSyQz3w8Cqs8rpCgqyC0Zrpeq8Ach9QwVsad_QpmiYUqeAF87R118oi4ev3YW4CKu-ap-c0xJaWcMSxEYakwG480adyl946diSpl_mpNz9rkD0M8HiHq4iMNMr-azlSfINRR9LE/s320/DSC_0040.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">NLD Office</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMCBaLSM-PwReXt1OzZBHq0JpdnMN1S1mU9N88oQCN8SzmfMdvJ7U2XWZJfjAtLuB2V5TwAyv7ZVC9Xw7V7gqlElJVQgyCrEB9Tvvig8BE2Np3PXmm5k-hDmkO_D54r5LhgEwrgqCuWA/s1600/DSC_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMCBaLSM-PwReXt1OzZBHq0JpdnMN1S1mU9N88oQCN8SzmfMdvJ7U2XWZJfjAtLuB2V5TwAyv7ZVC9Xw7V7gqlElJVQgyCrEB9Tvvig8BE2Np3PXmm5k-hDmkO_D54r5LhgEwrgqCuWA/s320/DSC_0041.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sign at NLD Office</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UFqMSIAgRLODjIxjU9UMdPxtx3l-5UDFqm7vZE9P3CQQazxGZNKCSW6jTRgz6g8pXq0KpEwGgziCpgSikL5DOWWbG1G1WiBjzhVt4HaCobv6ILp0oxjnpXiGatQxAjv07uuE4sXtUcY/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UFqMSIAgRLODjIxjU9UMdPxtx3l-5UDFqm7vZE9P3CQQazxGZNKCSW6jTRgz6g8pXq0KpEwGgziCpgSikL5DOWWbG1G1WiBjzhVt4HaCobv6ILp0oxjnpXiGatQxAjv07uuE4sXtUcY/s320/DSC_0046.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dhamnayazika Pagoda</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSmGCUcn4B9KNmWFwcM9FEArGMdF8gQmN5wxAeyIwbzCZ4bhHqZu5nlK0rNrChARJf3x8YVr9dqKS9AqyGNtsWKEf2cWZaL9xpkWaV2diJx2e28NOnVJcPyuXrMzkLMOs5tPMXsyiNjg/s1600/DSC_0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSmGCUcn4B9KNmWFwcM9FEArGMdF8gQmN5wxAeyIwbzCZ4bhHqZu5nlK0rNrChARJf3x8YVr9dqKS9AqyGNtsWKEf2cWZaL9xpkWaV2diJx2e28NOnVJcPyuXrMzkLMOs5tPMXsyiNjg/s320/DSC_0052.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stucco Work on Dhamnayazika Pagoda</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEAEokGGBu6UC5TcHG5PVYiQibNQfhKqZ9rqkw42J91xHoF1T-R3gswq2-IQiARSIpTE7QXe0nQy_JsAue9peJVUrjUqpGHFB15lHYFJxw0IiyZLQWgGZNLpkkQvnWvJf1dmeLWs2Iyw/s1600/DSC_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEAEokGGBu6UC5TcHG5PVYiQibNQfhKqZ9rqkw42J91xHoF1T-R3gswq2-IQiARSIpTE7QXe0nQy_JsAue9peJVUrjUqpGHFB15lHYFJxw0IiyZLQWgGZNLpkkQvnWvJf1dmeLWs2Iyw/s320/DSC_0054.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ceramic Plaques on Dhamnayazika Pagoda</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4xGeHuCmcagerPE5mgVgUk0j_8Nm64z1jPNyLUsBzlENB3dIvzqYbCzOAefh1GEnyQOU3UUZ4FOngLka9w90WUrzh0ic6qeasezoBCuZDovOvNxwFWqxKzVbuBkqhRadtC_03LM0d-M/s1600/DSC_0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4xGeHuCmcagerPE5mgVgUk0j_8Nm64z1jPNyLUsBzlENB3dIvzqYbCzOAefh1GEnyQOU3UUZ4FOngLka9w90WUrzh0ic6qeasezoBCuZDovOvNxwFWqxKzVbuBkqhRadtC_03LM0d-M/s320/DSC_0060.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">View of Surrounding Monuments</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-2E1-bw-kQDh8pDf3DFxzoXdAnGBdgiuSFCyxbkTEqYT3CGpyxpECQQ57SQYF-D_SUtwHvPYcja15a6uN0sEx_Ek6ifSa0TS_wxQbk58_XcrCbE0Y6TnFlx3xS843cuxU5CWK7naTnk/s1600/DSC_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-2E1-bw-kQDh8pDf3DFxzoXdAnGBdgiuSFCyxbkTEqYT3CGpyxpECQQ57SQYF-D_SUtwHvPYcja15a6uN0sEx_Ek6ifSa0TS_wxQbk58_XcrCbE0Y6TnFlx3xS843cuxU5CWK7naTnk/s320/DSC_0071.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">View of Surrounding Monuments</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibuqiO5PZ-3DNV3Qtwog00TtYSsE8qZxJnr9nlu_5SsSyRHqHiZqQANC4LGjABtVdOw09bMt7rqA3lztQk2djQwHvMQH1MPhjW2Rn-PWfwTH9go9_Gq5_0GliOqMxOOR32mle2HXmNQmI/s1600/DSC_0074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibuqiO5PZ-3DNV3Qtwog00TtYSsE8qZxJnr9nlu_5SsSyRHqHiZqQANC4LGjABtVdOw09bMt7rqA3lztQk2djQwHvMQH1MPhjW2Rn-PWfwTH9go9_Gq5_0GliOqMxOOR32mle2HXmNQmI/s320/DSC_0074.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gold Leaf Patterns </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LDpvIe7lXlNCsNmuO2eQTl-4F3ug0wg3AOF_5R7xDeCNhQqaaTsgPX4wap8yP-BY5f89kPqlz10P5_khGXLleDZ1Kte41X_S17DlpiN0X6LsnEj_-brHvQdsguXd-sfsT0rzLBozo3A/s1600/DSC_0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LDpvIe7lXlNCsNmuO2eQTl-4F3ug0wg3AOF_5R7xDeCNhQqaaTsgPX4wap8yP-BY5f89kPqlz10P5_khGXLleDZ1Kte41X_S17DlpiN0X6LsnEj_-brHvQdsguXd-sfsT0rzLBozo3A/s320/DSC_0080.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hti on the Dhamnayazika Pagoda</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsWofegJ4qhdmSB5tpPY0i4iTrL_nFB5FrAzRzZwsYtCk1wv56R7Z2x3ImqgM-IJEE1Appeb972HiPoaMzaTjae2kZges7JZksuDnvD1GU2MEK_-z2Rbk4ycsTJNeZu3jCRy4CnSLHeo/s1600/DSC_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsWofegJ4qhdmSB5tpPY0i4iTrL_nFB5FrAzRzZwsYtCk1wv56R7Z2x3ImqgM-IJEE1Appeb972HiPoaMzaTjae2kZges7JZksuDnvD1GU2MEK_-z2Rbk4ycsTJNeZu3jCRy4CnSLHeo/s320/DSC_0085.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Detail on Upper Works of Dhamnayazika Pagoda</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguemEneYyj7xRZf-49OYBcdy7r4uyHFcki9sBpSP7o2zVabP0z_pXsRQQ8QiR2Cv8JJQzBi7nyFpT9jtWLusMF0CFVmThwbu4cRlztDITJ0lgcnoWPh-l-hSb9PXtH2ttoFtv5uyol-ZM/s1600/DSC_0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguemEneYyj7xRZf-49OYBcdy7r4uyHFcki9sBpSP7o2zVabP0z_pXsRQQ8QiR2Cv8JJQzBi7nyFpT9jtWLusMF0CFVmThwbu4cRlztDITJ0lgcnoWPh-l-hSb9PXtH2ttoFtv5uyol-ZM/s320/DSC_0089.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Paying Respects</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpOX5gTIlzVht6TAqXQBFCW7bdeyknwNJt_jNvA4NsQusaO5QIKnD8LU6DFbiuIklYL_YShTNOg0ylnbsW1SqfpJK51Hmj18Uf_e5SWtQw-_BjZSQ8X_kLpnqKYOjNFtF4dcOf85yeNEw/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpOX5gTIlzVht6TAqXQBFCW7bdeyknwNJt_jNvA4NsQusaO5QIKnD8LU6DFbiuIklYL_YShTNOg0ylnbsW1SqfpJK51Hmj18Uf_e5SWtQw-_BjZSQ8X_kLpnqKYOjNFtF4dcOf85yeNEw/s320/DSC_0093.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of Many Nearby Monuments in the Minathu Area</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8WJN79-CHyFUeaz3KQQCFsvy_n03xtrqLojpaKFEcvsyk-_0iF9HdVR_EhP_XZDYCYCCrSYeMPpHfJOJy53hSc0YY8kb9fiIDMOSNIKrhlVn3JTeF_hrCZVpS4tB9I3hmbGBeNqtQhs/s1600/DSC_0101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8WJN79-CHyFUeaz3KQQCFsvy_n03xtrqLojpaKFEcvsyk-_0iF9HdVR_EhP_XZDYCYCCrSYeMPpHfJOJy53hSc0YY8kb9fiIDMOSNIKrhlVn3JTeF_hrCZVpS4tB9I3hmbGBeNqtQhs/s320/DSC_0101.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Learning About Temple Construction and Decoration</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihH1rtNezcAHgJsW6B1Xuf3RkMv9jzXZ2BWviUkk9GQAs1Dx_w4R6yiKTrBFK9YAeIg57u9OPIcoNNG_E_EORLpwVUjWt0Emxi2bXy4Ypew2AKG8mYA2_q40T3EK3_nWQOmHhhUgeNf0I/s1600/DSC_0112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihH1rtNezcAHgJsW6B1Xuf3RkMv9jzXZ2BWviUkk9GQAs1Dx_w4R6yiKTrBFK9YAeIg57u9OPIcoNNG_E_EORLpwVUjWt0Emxi2bXy4Ypew2AKG8mYA2_q40T3EK3_nWQOmHhhUgeNf0I/s320/DSC_0112.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Murals in Minathu Area</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDAta-Tgkr7ouizcji7ld39Es9Nu9qqwH1xKVk7aEclfxVDTRdHox3scig-J_mBtUCsE08ig5LfrSltn7mXk6-PtLdwp3Lg9aL6Y4AJrSlf2LPZXW2S4UidbwGXIuDDJzYi-xzS-0OIAA/s1600/DSC_0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDAta-Tgkr7ouizcji7ld39Es9Nu9qqwH1xKVk7aEclfxVDTRdHox3scig-J_mBtUCsE08ig5LfrSltn7mXk6-PtLdwp3Lg9aL6Y4AJrSlf2LPZXW2S4UidbwGXIuDDJzYi-xzS-0OIAA/s320/DSC_0115.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Visiting a small unnamed Pagoda to View Stucco Work</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapJgdSiWlktxSA1ALWjVqv6gEJl5eV4iS0oI18zF7Ap9FuRW2Nt5pm_FYAh5oqOQQKL6j_FJRt-50iuORUw1aRwrrJ_DoatFTRf3MW7EG7GORR3_zPhCZ82ac6ZKvP1uKYImnrzX_dsM/s1600/DSC_0116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapJgdSiWlktxSA1ALWjVqv6gEJl5eV4iS0oI18zF7Ap9FuRW2Nt5pm_FYAh5oqOQQKL6j_FJRt-50iuORUw1aRwrrJ_DoatFTRf3MW7EG7GORR3_zPhCZ82ac6ZKvP1uKYImnrzX_dsM/s320/DSC_0116.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Example of Stucco Work</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the afternoon, some of our travelers opted to relax at the hotel and to meander on their own through the surrounding area while others returned to Taung Shaye village for a more in depth visit. As part of our trip structure we decided to select worthy causes for the donation of funds from each of our participants. Hence before leaving for the village it was agreed by all to purchase school ,supplies to donate to the village school. Certainly the highlight of our second visit was our interaction with the students at the village school. After donating school supplies one of our travelers, Linda, assisted one of the teachers with an English lesson and then introduced the students to a fun filled learn by doing game of ring Around the Rosie. Participation started slowly but soon built to include most of the school. The favorite part of course was the "all fall down" ending. We completed our visit with a village walk through visiting people tending to their daily chores of cooking and winnowing. Our evening meal was taken at our favorite Sunset Garden Restaurant. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN85yi9PJe3Ms2RPX_HrBP4boD7VHDypUPF99JBHnZg9gvWpwLhw1bVX6-5OX2bLIWtKS-CqknnxdWsRiO0WM7nFuE-Ic6mZF7wGDhIZR-PSFo8JTEEryuYLTuAFnFO47nsHkoOhOFs0I/s1600/DSC_0135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN85yi9PJe3Ms2RPX_HrBP4boD7VHDypUPF99JBHnZg9gvWpwLhw1bVX6-5OX2bLIWtKS-CqknnxdWsRiO0WM7nFuE-Ic6mZF7wGDhIZR-PSFo8JTEEryuYLTuAFnFO47nsHkoOhOFs0I/s320/DSC_0135.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Linda Donating School Supplies Fo<span style="font-size: small;">r Our Gro<span style="font-size: small;">up</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhbzU9hsXgaKHFW72pDom8lvW71MlyK8wLB9oYiWHRFs1Dd9WjkvZNbByQHPLLl35vAhjYHzwcq9vw7cSJphe96-KKdkunVK7azlvFrH0s-lfJ6dyKGfFQEiwSo5LNNyWrInzsn-spmg/s1600/DSC_0147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhbzU9hsXgaKHFW72pDom8lvW71MlyK8wLB9oYiWHRFs1Dd9WjkvZNbByQHPLLl35vAhjYHzwcq9vw7cSJphe96-KKdkunVK7azlvFrH0s-lfJ6dyKGfFQEiwSo5LNNyWrInzsn-spmg/s320/DSC_0147.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Passing Out New Supplies to the Students</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhnBuP73yn2bm-UXC3ByceOvtZ8ECyyVZx-j6b2WlsCtzpZru2IEKwzXybKhz0KjrtZapOUtA4Wi-qT93T23MvuxBEhsmEgLmWmU4Mt0LCoUsAYHhfHDyIo3mOqa0jTMzcLhJPz36Mm8/s1600/DSC_0139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhnBuP73yn2bm-UXC3ByceOvtZ8ECyyVZx-j6b2WlsCtzpZru2IEKwzXybKhz0KjrtZapOUtA4Wi-qT93T23MvuxBEhsmEgLmWmU4Mt0LCoUsAYHhfHDyIo3mOqa0jTMzcLhJPz36Mm8/s320/DSC_0139.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A Happy Student</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0cAxoHfunKnWKjYdRQa7DjLuMUGqNfNQHgYJ8YAtFf5fAI5lit52fMhv1m6xn97n0ZQZYBr8E9GLAe2M8hsdhUWDFnKzouyt9XYUygzJtfq4kNQSUCCyHVGh5mN_v7XTtQ9MyA9rjJk/s1600/DSC_0142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0cAxoHfunKnWKjYdRQa7DjLuMUGqNfNQHgYJ8YAtFf5fAI5lit52fMhv1m6xn97n0ZQZYBr8E9GLAe2M8hsdhUWDFnKzouyt9XYUygzJtfq4kNQSUCCyHVGh5mN_v7XTtQ9MyA9rjJk/s320/DSC_0142.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sermsri and New F<span style="font-size: small;">r</span>iend</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Jigh1NpwVHjJovif2aKvwsL2xjrlTiFYJ3izu19bP_Cbw_01D6grx0vW18X1TTo6PEm8r3cA2x4glgqlLZuPLp6iQFcwtMLswOuTJcv5XiUI99pZ_bEK7NGofh_ur6Gf3TuOVdD0x5s/s1600/DSC_0160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Jigh1NpwVHjJovif2aKvwsL2xjrlTiFYJ3izu19bP_Cbw_01D6grx0vW18X1TTo6PEm8r3cA2x4glgqlLZuPLp6iQFcwtMLswOuTJcv5XiUI99pZ_bEK7NGofh_ur6Gf3TuOVdD0x5s/s320/DSC_0160.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Teaching a <span style="font-size: small;">New Word</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEfa4Y7FYenL5LG4sb6-wUA8lNHve708mfNVawn0H3cBHkauXvdfDv1a3NIWgm1d8rz2WYRZJ7ZkA-mJe7lcbkIkJ7GEk5XB9LnapkmSJbtIJ_sbWSKfMK5U8gCtJIpcrNoWqbQsK0W_w/s1600/DSC_0171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEfa4Y7FYenL5LG4sb6-wUA8lNHve708mfNVawn0H3cBHkauXvdfDv1a3NIWgm1d8rz2WYRZJ7ZkA-mJe7lcbkIkJ7GEk5XB9LnapkmSJbtIJ_sbWSKfMK5U8gCtJIpcrNoWqbQsK0W_w/s320/DSC_0171.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Enjoying a Picture</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6xm4RGQrWhdJjTOK4KcKgjDrfe8ay2-_w2m1HYXM3w_m4MwM2poreb3OUbUJH49DAfi74NrBRyguk5C5BfMC2cHpZsUAIlYLDXbkDA80UjYPPv0a8ArW8PjFnany7BaTfNSnJ8SzUNc/s1600/DSC_0188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6xm4RGQrWhdJjTOK4KcKgjDrfe8ay2-_w2m1HYXM3w_m4MwM2poreb3OUbUJH49DAfi74NrBRyguk5C5BfMC2cHpZsUAIlYLDXbkDA80UjYPPv0a8ArW8PjFnany7BaTfNSnJ8SzUNc/s320/DSC_0188.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Learning Ring Around the Rosie</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0y5R7nRMfN6xsv16fUfHkWTtsQirFVkJ_sphmluHO5FtXnmJUNTxREdxHSed5ZCNWEGLTvksr_1DcBRQpE6osBjlFMIVHVHrPiGihir1fXYrqoo0vWJVbST4Ss52sllwLi-1M3bgHCxE/s1600/DSC_0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0y5R7nRMfN6xsv16fUfHkWTtsQirFVkJ_sphmluHO5FtXnmJUNTxREdxHSed5ZCNWEGLTvksr_1DcBRQpE6osBjlFMIVHVHrPiGihir1fXYrqoo0vWJVbST4Ss52sllwLi-1M3bgHCxE/s320/DSC_0190.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Best Part - <span style="font-size: small;">"All Fall Down"</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNOR3dpqfJW-Y83T9H0z4DAAU57K7LYHRTRosvT4c_i_ufVMETGW7poNcWVT4t48JFf_f_O36dpi4oDzKI6Wiv0HwD4zttp_mfdS_DGyTZnTDvMtRbSKb9_U_sv0juuMCxeVTHjdgHdw/s1600/DSC_0198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNOR3dpqfJW-Y83T9H0z4DAAU57K7LYHRTRosvT4c_i_ufVMETGW7poNcWVT4t48JFf_f_O36dpi4oDzKI6Wiv0HwD4zttp_mfdS_DGyTZnTDvMtRbSKb9_U_sv0juuMCxeVTHjdgHdw/s320/DSC_0198.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Heading Home From School</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnaRe2xRnLNsw0LRQtGd0fiGsTCcVqaAbK0PcQsIaVAzrsY5whl-TR9NZIZTkZwzOhhm7caGGIwcMI-ejzGQcTnrFQaQJT9lxHXC-zc6JCIWySAGHTDZUDuEPY4NRPoDGCCGLtUkI6OE/s1600/DSC_0200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnaRe2xRnLNsw0LRQtGd0fiGsTCcVqaAbK0PcQsIaVAzrsY5whl-TR9NZIZTkZwzOhhm7caGGIwcMI-ejzGQcTnrFQaQJT9lxHXC-zc6JCIWySAGHTDZUDuEPY4NRPoDGCCGLtUkI6OE/s320/DSC_0200.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Winnowing Beans</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKbOgHNa7sQcDkvPSFGOLyiV-eHuAjcupuA3nivYcnJ51GmT857MC7QkHAnqBjkJWXO-9Eo24T-uaTzcNLs4CpCxv85o7BQ6i8lGOR8mtdZObNj-dK5XKPl0NvEPoEgp7pn4wOvH69Fs/s1600/DSC_0201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKbOgHNa7sQcDkvPSFGOLyiV-eHuAjcupuA3nivYcnJ51GmT857MC7QkHAnqBjkJWXO-9Eo24T-uaTzcNLs4CpCxv85o7BQ6i8lGOR8mtdZObNj-dK5XKPl0NvEPoEgp7pn4wOvH69Fs/s320/DSC_0201.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fencing Taung Shaye Style</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2Q_ZbY-jvgLHWdSGous7hyphenhyphen2Wn3Fmgo2PXdNhgRauWpWKU4Ha6nEsAtPI6qzhYUNBLbsdroMXCM4eqNFbaY9lmpsFdylb6y9LeKccQ9EsfKfWwb-P7MRpSjjz8RJHLZQ2VwyrV9bU_Ng/s1600/DSC_0205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2Q_ZbY-jvgLHWdSGous7hyphenhyphen2Wn3Fmgo2PXdNhgRauWpWKU4Ha6nEsAtPI6qzhYUNBLbsdroMXCM4eqNFbaY9lmpsFdylb6y9LeKccQ9EsfKfWwb-P7MRpSjjz8RJHLZQ2VwyrV9bU_Ng/s320/DSC_0205.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cooking a Local Sp<span style="font-size: small;">ecialty</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbx3GBZ_cZ7YSosJkOTlvlSxvfF1Z79dK5ceDwNgX9N9EBjQnF5BHq1mO-PBR8SBsIYuSngsYfOdcC4EtV86dYq9X9k0m1kACgGgeqMHSvj2BdN_s1aOIdymQruSuxPtJBWt5myLYJa4o/s1600/DSC_0209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbx3GBZ_cZ7YSosJkOTlvlSxvfF1Z79dK5ceDwNgX9N9EBjQnF5BHq1mO-PBR8SBsIYuSngsYfOdcC4EtV86dYq9X9k0m1kACgGgeqMHSvj2BdN_s1aOIdymQruSuxPtJBWt5myLYJa4o/s320/DSC_0209.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bringing Home the Water</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBeEhMuPqB22wKCJDcwlQmnLYNkpTrEPSdDzk3-8w2Dc9qrltcwENvIjl9prjW9_dOpC4La3u_xf3uwFTqEdHZ2odhUY9ZS1H0fpOqJfibawOmyRPTp7XdemcgayeT2ZaSFqzmZxQrwXc/s1600/DSC_0212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBeEhMuPqB22wKCJDcwlQmnLYNkpTrEPSdDzk3-8w2Dc9qrltcwENvIjl9prjW9_dOpC4La3u_xf3uwFTqEdHZ2odhUY9ZS1H0fpOqJfibawOmyRPTp7XdemcgayeT2ZaSFqzmZxQrwXc/s320/DSC_0212.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Unloading Water in Courtyard</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVS75cikPrn0HdbXyehLudX4rAKbPbJ9LqnU03vS1RO7yD61a2soUht_einlpgtd9ImAoFP6ZD7Gs1le87cqVYvjLWR4vuiyvQLtXv075H3-FzGRNu_-DOIlqIyyOGHu9S6hi_r-HB_lQ/s1600/DSC_0223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVS75cikPrn0HdbXyehLudX4rAKbPbJ9LqnU03vS1RO7yD61a2soUht_einlpgtd9ImAoFP6ZD7Gs1le87cqVYvjLWR4vuiyvQLtXv075H3-FzGRNu_-DOIlqIyyOGHu9S6hi_r-HB_lQ/s320/DSC_0223.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Facing Down the He<span style="font-size: small;">rd</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7Bb8wrevyNvsmPmTxo9UlnvUHPhhqkwdE-3Of7U_EpikRvSgkuIWdNRc6S-vZP3a1XiOuo4FiRCgH_AE0ZLN1I-iKb-X8owpJoDdObo3aIJAG-DC4oSnAT6KPTtVYPP0y13EPhaPCu0/s1600/DSC_0227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7Bb8wrevyNvsmPmTxo9UlnvUHPhhqkwdE-3Of7U_EpikRvSgkuIWdNRc6S-vZP3a1XiOuo4FiRCgH_AE0ZLN1I-iKb-X8owpJoDdObo3aIJAG-DC4oSnAT6KPTtVYPP0y13EPhaPCu0/s320/DSC_0227.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Typical Village Lane</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our last day in Bagan began when three jeeps arrived to take us to the remote villages of </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nyauk Tha Yauk Se and Nyauk Tha Yauk Myauk Kone. The sandy road leading into the villages took us through beautiful rural scenery. On the ride in John was able to try his hand at plowing behind a pair of oxen to the amusement of all concerned. Our walk through of Myauk Kone exposed us to many activities within the village. Jack was able to try his hand at cutting grass for animal feed on a device requiring hand, foot and eye coordination lest one lose a finger in the process.while Alan gave rice powder manufacture a try. The primary economic activity in the village centered on pottery manufacture which we were able to witness first hand. Our village ramble allowed interaction with a variety of villagers as well as opportunities to photograph the idyllic scenes of village life. We were met by smiles everywhere.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVH4kwdDbTebBj4oI1KxkEN072c1GzpoxzLaPs1BDENFn3I-SRYNNZmMNuhadZrp9mFsEUSPB7AbuWFdT6invkJ7vqP9-L8-YvInf7moVf7BssLbWp-00xYu4CUap0Vur1Dj5sliSK_4/s1600/DSC_0236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVH4kwdDbTebBj4oI1KxkEN072c1GzpoxzLaPs1BDENFn3I-SRYNNZmMNuhadZrp9mFsEUSPB7AbuWFdT6invkJ7vqP9-L8-YvInf7moVf7BssLbWp-00xYu4CUap0Vur1Dj5sliSK_4/s320/DSC_0236.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Days Transport</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgiK_U-6KHdT9PpY5AfYQZo6g3xVqKzQirdt0AXb9fjSyKbR7LmEnDXG0-qREDJz_VJobVTNbAmhSX9247GUFWg7qDfxh1GtBrM9KP5jIgo5mjE7qrKJQbDgmhxIgLIZJYZGDqqD6zM4/s1600/DSC_0238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgiK_U-6KHdT9PpY5AfYQZo6g3xVqKzQirdt0AXb9fjSyKbR7LmEnDXG0-qREDJz_VJobVTNbAmhSX9247GUFWg7qDfxh1GtBrM9KP5jIgo5mjE7qrKJQbDgmhxIgLIZJYZGDqqD6zM4/s320/DSC_0238.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A Balancing Act</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CIGNiqx4HrSJUYXzFNnD2cJX7Qyoc9JYYz-y7X-1vgb6d9-MByxMjAJySA66Jbo79WgMZNN2HmmRu3GS2KZhaA90PSa2E8zJP5W-itzi3rPkU6g6bJccsTN8B-mWRCu_BnaI94cGmWE/s1600/DSC_0242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CIGNiqx4HrSJUYXzFNnD2cJX7Qyoc9JYYz-y7X-1vgb6d9-MByxMjAJySA66Jbo79WgMZNN2HmmRu3GS2KZhaA90PSa2E8zJP5W-itzi3rPkU6g6bJccsTN8B-mWRCu_BnaI94cGmWE/s320/DSC_0242.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Plowing a Peanut Field</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbBrH3uifk8mhNd0KWBDdCg1aPXo3K8MBzGDGljaUa01zF_g1SP7nKZAFv2ZwxO18IXnMCZToXVxZ9UxzIgG1duN8g0aN85Eh-YuV-FMsws8s9tazZn5bQD3LBSJ6xrlGNCmJGiwWxH8/s1600/DSC_0251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbBrH3uifk8mhNd0KWBDdCg1aPXo3K8MBzGDGljaUa01zF_g1SP7nKZAFv2ZwxO18IXnMCZToXVxZ9UxzIgG1duN8g0aN85Eh-YuV-FMsws8s9tazZn5bQD3LBSJ6xrlGNCmJGiwWxH8/s320/DSC_0251.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">John Giving it a Try</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioF8aE8ZhFmQ5NdCUCsnfo9_G9VcDG5xvxgNtUg5vLbTkNx_f063HAtEu737rRBunLCttCprAekrhSZsdzgmkQ_LB-h0OdEFfIKVDPrPbIandQMfQ3Y_WFiiehRqdphNDNugaQYIDEfUU/s1600/DSC_0245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioF8aE8ZhFmQ5NdCUCsnfo9_G9VcDG5xvxgNtUg5vLbTkNx_f063HAtEu737rRBunLCttCprAekrhSZsdzgmkQ_LB-h0OdEFfIKVDPrPbIandQMfQ3Y_WFiiehRqdphNDNugaQYIDEfUU/s320/DSC_0245.JPG" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Carrying a L<span style="font-size: small;">o</span>ad</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmyj50M5Fq2_Onh6ByJlrJuacafJBo8D3drX1eiycm9tcu3EXQb-ilhGbHP6scCTYzi4g0aAaB9wvUBhPuDNCjrj4aRklNjGF08bAgxXEwBD-39AkbA9dYmp1vEIAVsGWhyUT0vFNlgjU/s1600/DSC_0254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmyj50M5Fq2_Onh6ByJlrJuacafJBo8D3drX1eiycm9tcu3EXQb-ilhGbHP6scCTYzi4g0aAaB9wvUBhPuDNCjrj4aRklNjGF08bAgxXEwBD-39AkbA9dYmp1vEIAVsGWhyUT0vFNlgjU/s320/DSC_0254.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mode of T<span style="font-size: small;">ransport <span style="font-size: small;">T</span>o/From Town</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEHacquSn_slCq8rCgyan67jM7-Or0UPhHVD_NGJW_v3sIDZ-tI5tCI8k3aGLACtFEMflqknL3-n54jLIHWmnIeoR_NHQfkqogJyIQynQbc0fy4XgOAv1FR8fxbWaTLQ_JoQA2Lfi640E/s1600/DSC_0256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEHacquSn_slCq8rCgyan67jM7-Or0UPhHVD_NGJW_v3sIDZ-tI5tCI8k3aGLACtFEMflqknL3-n54jLIHWmnIeoR_NHQfkqogJyIQynQbc0fy4XgOAv1FR8fxbWaTLQ_JoQA2Lfi640E/s320/DSC_0256.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Still LIfe at Nyauk Tha Yauk Myauk Kone Village</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYI8Iu7G71Wy7WVaeImD4mktFXvQhQTcW7mYzJlHB-amS1ffgIcDT95fPjCrdpKSClmsBwlEPqjael23eIxLqdkbkTleIvW39HL8koAvJ0AVlqIX0c_yDue9L3qarxrRBqACY_8fWxUJo/s1600/DSC_0257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYI8Iu7G71Wy7WVaeImD4mktFXvQhQTcW7mYzJlHB-amS1ffgIcDT95fPjCrdpKSClmsBwlEPqjael23eIxLqdkbkTleIvW39HL8koAvJ0AVlqIX0c_yDue9L3qarxrRBqACY_8fWxUJo/s320/DSC_0257.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Patterns in Nature</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPlQqAmthadP27_SxF47dn6-L5p-GKfYU7usODcJzGWJxuAtQACyCDL5KhE3Acu9HI-ME1rXN10MqxBuMj9qnF7LT5dsCf3ELWqx-Isjekr22TNmxxv555Q5OWQ7s_3_FdJfcDP6Tvl4/s1600/DSC_0260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPlQqAmthadP27_SxF47dn6-L5p-GKfYU7usODcJzGWJxuAtQACyCDL5KhE3Acu9HI-ME1rXN10MqxBuMj9qnF7LT5dsCf3ELWqx-Isjekr22TNmxxv555Q5OWQ7s_3_FdJfcDP6Tvl4/s320/DSC_0260.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jack Trying Not to Lose a Hand While Cutting Animal <span style="font-size: small;">Feed</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhSwWu7MklrTeUSrLKwNSUIHUOSQX3rR7cX6JcqOxQ1ZFV94Ssai9PWb8QMFO_TessrhyYNCfFYSkLvwr2XY5qYwH1bc57qfTpSCGfbveip5Ffi-k6M9kviqNtkeZvlTUxetHCp8LHyc/s1600/DSC_0263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhSwWu7MklrTeUSrLKwNSUIHUOSQX3rR7cX6JcqOxQ1ZFV94Ssai9PWb8QMFO_TessrhyYNCfFYSkLvwr2XY5qYwH1bc57qfTpSCGfbveip5Ffi-k6M9kviqNtkeZvlTUxetHCp8LHyc/s320/DSC_0263.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bruce Towers Over Village Girls</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdMLDb9Vwlvgd_InAI0Yv1O2nnLJ7E7076WU5rcrSxaYIrJJw6_NNEI7ggnzAMNGkHfxtjQZTajYw6hmDBAD1HaJbrHZO8yNisFup9iG0qwBKfaspFbTf6D4Rxv_3FisHCceDwnT59p4/s1600/DSC_0264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdMLDb9Vwlvgd_InAI0Yv1O2nnLJ7E7076WU5rcrSxaYIrJJw6_NNEI7ggnzAMNGkHfxtjQZTajYw6hmDBAD1HaJbrHZO8yNisFup9iG0qwBKfaspFbTf6D4Rxv_3FisHCceDwnT59p4/s320/DSC_0264.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">O<span style="font-size: small;">x Cart with Truck Tires</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiXnQPYIFZEMSYuB12ifR6l0E9s9GQGX0FfUibg8hKFlAv-pvmrUHOEk-l1IvLb4ph7yXk8ATxYQoe4fmK4vf-JpyCRdDhOqhtkRXXaKAdddNyATDX2TuJQeGnLdVahl9baqEv6DlV9TA/s1600/DSC_0269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiXnQPYIFZEMSYuB12ifR6l0E9s9GQGX0FfUibg8hKFlAv-pvmrUHOEk-l1IvLb4ph7yXk8ATxYQoe4fmK4vf-JpyCRdDhOqhtkRXXaKAdddNyATDX2TuJQeGnLdVahl9baqEv6DlV9TA/s320/DSC_0269.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Alan <span style="font-size: small;">Giving Rice Pounding a T<span style="font-size: small;">r</span>y</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpdIkzy-qKcuUjhJ6Bj5MasiAfvAQimcOyh6PUh8NOhiLojX2P6Sogrl-2lF2gKoMMRvJ5DyHbi6FT0wsor0kATKyV7UVt72C97UKmyjHHAQCjeS8evBW6bmeAPBCeeiJt4rJHG5AW58/s1600/DSC_0276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpdIkzy-qKcuUjhJ6Bj5MasiAfvAQimcOyh6PUh8NOhiLojX2P6Sogrl-2lF2gKoMMRvJ5DyHbi6FT0wsor0kATKyV7UVt72C97UKmyjHHAQCjeS8evBW6bmeAPBCeeiJt4rJHG5AW58/s320/DSC_0276.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">G<span style="font-size: small;">at</span>hering Rice Flour</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdGMSEtj_stzh4I5hZM1ENNJgBoUJEt4n6DHd2TRhV2mhGEcECjx2EGuEWP5fHtv0aFBByb5_lW6LJ-qGx9dy0eeWHh09UnNNvz-ZXsWJ3OusZo7Z_aOE5e_os1ko3i78L0afGS6QIVY/s1600/DSC_0280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdGMSEtj_stzh4I5hZM1ENNJgBoUJEt4n6DHd2TRhV2mhGEcECjx2EGuEWP5fHtv0aFBByb5_lW6LJ-qGx9dy0eeWHh09UnNNvz-ZXsWJ3OusZo7Z_aOE5e_os1ko3i78L0afGS6QIVY/s320/DSC_0280.JPG" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A Vendors Smile</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKFp1wO_75a64k5kjQ8JyrqDI86HmWKc_q_i_rf08cwLg5k5CIjc7ZDQBUEgDVji6bDIiJaAsHXPtPEhlj_th3cNr9qUJGyGrSTJH6oB1-y68I3BYECHlYRmaThsIijtlRl_yWjNsCSY/s1600/DSC_0282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKFp1wO_75a64k5kjQ8JyrqDI86HmWKc_q_i_rf08cwLg5k5CIjc7ZDQBUEgDVji6bDIiJaAsHXPtPEhlj_th3cNr9qUJGyGrSTJH6oB1-y68I3BYECHlYRmaThsIijtlRl_yWjNsCSY/s320/DSC_0282.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">John and Hugh Enjoying Interacting With Village Kids</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQN8Cwtoue6FsnyIavCBTSRXwA7DWSPZlejasqK8y6SzIezx7W_QynKPqsNp4208gR6ov5VyRgzi44k6-VUSyecmoDHRJ7wdIP1iBRzFCkjgPIxxh0AiNh6XvZWWhsoglUFAVbrAKPSIg/s1600/DSC_0284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQN8Cwtoue6FsnyIavCBTSRXwA7DWSPZlejasqK8y6SzIezx7W_QynKPqsNp4208gR6ov5VyRgzi44k6-VUSyecmoDHRJ7wdIP1iBRzFCkjgPIxxh0AiNh6XvZWWhsoglUFAVbrAKPSIg/s320/DSC_0284.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Village Pottery</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiWCUsvvLYQTjl7dAUWMRKv47Ipbs46iF7lUAcSk8eslsRVV8kFtL7aHECaTKCMweiOCgIE-ydXwY10eOsAsqgE_CKyEoOdLT4l5LjzbjCTtHSq7Zdqdto7PqxjC50qFyWluIVnkjI8g/s1600/DSC_0285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiWCUsvvLYQTjl7dAUWMRKv47Ipbs46iF7lUAcSk8eslsRVV8kFtL7aHECaTKCMweiOCgIE-ydXwY10eOsAsqgE_CKyEoOdLT4l5LjzbjCTtHSq7Zdqdto7PqxjC50qFyWluIVnkjI8g/s320/DSC_0285.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Throwing a Pot Village Style</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCycDuYRSX5PNXu6NY7IK0XKdSo69MN1yf-TjgQOcvQSpCUeQJwl23WeqbHai3exZO-WkHINI7vbA43c_33DrSmqQtM9kVld4cZBHZ5wLxtSbEttueJ8r16g6IYn4F9q4an7UF5ev7lA/s1600/DSC_0299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCycDuYRSX5PNXu6NY7IK0XKdSo69MN1yf-TjgQOcvQSpCUeQJwl23WeqbHai3exZO-WkHINI7vbA43c_33DrSmqQtM9kVld4cZBHZ5wLxtSbEttueJ8r16g6IYn4F9q4an7UF5ev7lA/s320/DSC_0299.JPG" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finishing a Piece <span style="font-size: small;">With Hammer and Anvil Technique</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-fpDlp5NoIlmKCtoF9b2ibPbgGNXX8mUaNbuG7dbt-27_96SAlE4NtSTlK6xgdLWMHbZtKIuBUo6s93ZpKo5RajBHkxToFWq1ULrUjYLnUp3-p8PYjQyOxsXv-ez6nMchwAIg4u636Q/s1600/DSC_0272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-fpDlp5NoIlmKCtoF9b2ibPbgGNXX8mUaNbuG7dbt-27_96SAlE4NtSTlK6xgdLWMHbZtKIuBUo6s93ZpKo5RajBHkxToFWq1ULrUjYLnUp3-p8PYjQyOxsXv-ez6nMchwAIg4u636Q/s320/DSC_0272.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finished Product</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhXxw40z2s1RDUzT4ceYJ3bWWltasWqKqIxv6xdWCw6GNg1wpSuDadw-SJgZ7GoZ_QsOuZFDHHTtdFrfJVX6pQixfAhfCyn-eYris91J1yczMJW4N2ScH4YuPIUPWroc8GpFEDVaw7nQ/s1600/DSC_0304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhXxw40z2s1RDUzT4ceYJ3bWWltasWqKqIxv6xdWCw6GNg1wpSuDadw-SJgZ7GoZ_QsOuZFDHHTtdFrfJVX6pQixfAhfCyn-eYris91J1yczMJW4N2ScH4YuPIUPWroc8GpFEDVaw7nQ/s320/DSC_0304.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Village Kitchen</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2W3ZyPDWb5if48yKkuQXuUSMbLLuy2YOlU7tA_gw4Sb6KKdZA6-hw95giSvFq6mVvSBuBBaOsAPM3IJjkZS2Ccr2WxNl_bSZ4guykiPu44o-s9s0wN_U_dH24CMVQiFOSr3BOlbIdTzM/s1600/DSC_0325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2W3ZyPDWb5if48yKkuQXuUSMbLLuy2YOlU7tA_gw4Sb6KKdZA6-hw95giSvFq6mVvSBuBBaOsAPM3IJjkZS2Ccr2WxNl_bSZ4guykiPu44o-s9s0wN_U_dH24CMVQiFOSr3BOlbIdTzM/s320/DSC_0325.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Village Blacksmith</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFiMaiNosaV3GOFZhJavjgL1Tm0tVZEO7XHkAljmNzpqQjr-yJrrPc6Lfeuv_4pln1NiNcSM81gTbPkxk2S8sF3FjS3bv5VMVJY4TH7e2DWYa8crBIeQMY4c7VAanDZB7j7tV3B7SQSM/s1600/DSC_0311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFiMaiNosaV3GOFZhJavjgL1Tm0tVZEO7XHkAljmNzpqQjr-yJrrPc6Lfeuv_4pln1NiNcSM81gTbPkxk2S8sF3FjS3bv5VMVJY4TH7e2DWYa8crBIeQMY4c7VAanDZB7j7tV3B7SQSM/s320/DSC_0311.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Village Scene</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyuqScEXXJD_ubQuLrBQ4ynsXqyulbrn_I_iF8kih2OyLvtgA0ZHHymzMMONo0WCepTNtcvn7_NS3YnJOzFvKssMAzTkSDLjJrH6XMVn6QHtPMDglVLVMqtT5E6X0uckWaKBwceQm1es/s1600/DSC_0343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyuqScEXXJD_ubQuLrBQ4ynsXqyulbrn_I_iF8kih2OyLvtgA0ZHHymzMMONo0WCepTNtcvn7_NS3YnJOzFvKssMAzTkSDLjJrH6XMVn6QHtPMDglVLVMqtT5E6X0uckWaKBwceQm1es/s320/DSC_0343.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Carrying a L<span style="font-size: small;">o</span>ad Burmese Styl<span style="font-size: small;">e</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We lunched in the nearby village of Nyauk Tha Yauk Se where a group of villagers prepared a tasty lunch of fried noodles. We overwhelmed by the friendly atmosphere and happy hosts. We were guests of a village self help organization who devoted themselves to aiding those in need of medical attention, especially emergency cases requiring evacuation to higher order medical facilities. We were impressed with their dedication and desire to avoid administrative overhead. As a result of our understandings the group decided to make a cash donation and Chris was selected to do the honors. It was a great ending to a fun morning </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_yahy6mx8RqVqZ_JpddgVSG6kKc4aAMvsMbPtWs7gE1z5oRtyxdZ48IUjCVT-bZim2hHR6OKvdfpzl-HgxR9DWwmIBHU4f3C1bsHic0qdc27j0XEFP6CKYvMl3U8U-m6F82HpUlHKpV8/s1600/Steve+with+village+NGO+representatives-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_yahy6mx8RqVqZ_JpddgVSG6kKc4aAMvsMbPtWs7gE1z5oRtyxdZ48IUjCVT-bZim2hHR6OKvdfpzl-HgxR9DWwmIBHU4f3C1bsHic0qdc27j0XEFP6CKYvMl3U8U-m6F82HpUlHKpV8/s320/Steve+with+village+NGO+representatives-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Steve With Village NGO Representatives</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">(Photo courtesy of Hugh Crawford)</span> </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DR5Cw8t16R5I4nhU-ICiXkLRSifJDveL2lA3a9ew-UR7UpEi6HLS6KZ3KioI5-KpOqb8_XukAoEMVLYIjKeN9qqgxwbjGukzV_toH2noWaM52QITOgtzEKyyNpsPff1zv8ZQiInZcY4/s1600/DSC_0347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DR5Cw8t16R5I4nhU-ICiXkLRSifJDveL2lA3a9ew-UR7UpEi6HLS6KZ3KioI5-KpOqb8_XukAoEMVLYIjKeN9qqgxwbjGukzV_toH2noWaM52QITOgtzEKyyNpsPff1zv8ZQiInZcY4/s320/DSC_0347.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Enjoying <span style="font-size: small;">a Village Lunch</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfjXZSRWpBZR1zTw_4rnkItPIa9nSdlcM3L7puByJHKLZ-YcrAJkQhIOlMln_Yh2I9IZ4tlg2HM1KDs_Hx4cwAQK4l7_IFMzs_I6rpJmsnqoq9uETUXjhhsHAt6Pfg6zA6klQKZxwrrkk/s1600/DSC_0352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfjXZSRWpBZR1zTw_4rnkItPIa9nSdlcM3L7puByJHKLZ-YcrAJkQhIOlMln_Yh2I9IZ4tlg2HM1KDs_Hx4cwAQK4l7_IFMzs_I6rpJmsnqoq9uETUXjhhsHAt6Pfg6zA6klQKZxwrrkk/s320/DSC_0352.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Chris Doing the Honors</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WzBhac6u1MibrRaQPC6eA1qQTMTM154UdxbzS_ukEtKpt_DyhFA6dIzrix8Rf2iOri51yB1ilGEi9e-4ssItKpO2wd6HQxhsGpXIbcL2a8uJYq41touc_dmvB8F-jSDWDTTpHdW8gpc/s1600/DSC_0354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WzBhac6u1MibrRaQPC6eA1qQTMTM154UdxbzS_ukEtKpt_DyhFA6dIzrix8Rf2iOri51yB1ilGEi9e-4ssItKpO2wd6HQxhsGpXIbcL2a8uJYq41touc_dmvB8F-jSDWDTTpHdW8gpc/s320/DSC_0354.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bruce Having Fun With One of <span style="font-size: small;">the NGO Rep<span style="font-size: small;">resentatives</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ97Sh0a5-SMKvn2HikENP8UuJ48DZLpQR3dH9mBiy6fNhegCGHO67-NPGDp7L13mOm9-Cc4OEe52K2m3FtLnpcKu8HOhSCYEQA3aahkAVZT1JM_dLXolZOYw2WB73fz0D5KkfFUlQWls/s1600/Kyaw+Swe%2527s+Family-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ97Sh0a5-SMKvn2HikENP8UuJ48DZLpQR3dH9mBiy6fNhegCGHO67-NPGDp7L13mOm9-Cc4OEe52K2m3FtLnpcKu8HOhSCYEQA3aahkAVZT1JM_dLXolZOYw2WB73fz0D5KkfFUlQWls/s1600/Kyaw+Swe%2527s+Family-001.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kyaw Swe<span style="font-size: small;"> and Family</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">(Photo Courtesy of Hugh Crawfor<span style="font-size: small;">d)</span> </span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhF1rBv2beGLdSbk1PHAipU0Ly0IvXqi6Th-TLe4kp9nCFLtGH52idIuPSXcgpS25ap4tG2EyRRItleEAuYpnsVTvvt-7GtofnDNpQAfKOpzxy6UnTussVrRUo-1ybt3381YoVzEs_AI0/s1600/Chu+Chu-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhF1rBv2beGLdSbk1PHAipU0Ly0IvXqi6Th-TLe4kp9nCFLtGH52idIuPSXcgpS25ap4tG2EyRRItleEAuYpnsVTvvt-7GtofnDNpQAfKOpzxy6UnTussVrRUo-1ybt3381YoVzEs_AI0/s1600/Chu+Chu-001.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Irrepressible Chu Chu</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">(Photo Courtesy of Hugh Crawford) </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Upon returning to Nyaung U we visited the home of our guide Kyaw Swe whose charming family plied us with refreshments and fun conversation. After this welcome interlude we visited the Gukyaung Monastery Orphanage School where we met the young student novices some of whom were made orphans by the devastating Cyclone Nargis. The teaching hall is housed in a tin roofed wooden structure where Alan and Kate were happy to donate school supplies for the students. We ended the afternoon with an interesting visit to a family run laquerware factory where we were impressed with all the steps it takes to achieve a finished product.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRN4cRVUkXqCEKFP6ipnvxPjkb4MBaWffAuStRLf-zHQT4Kbxi18Cz7X_z3yN4bTabHueSHBxhgj3phkhlfuvqbuWOH8ZHpNjwDkmttg4AcWYOlJDTx31DpuvMHELlYY5OiqSp6cFewKU/s1600/DSC_0385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRN4cRVUkXqCEKFP6ipnvxPjkb4MBaWffAuStRLf-zHQT4Kbxi18Cz7X_z3yN4bTabHueSHBxhgj3phkhlfuvqbuWOH8ZHpNjwDkmttg4AcWYOlJDTx31DpuvMHELlYY5OiqSp6cFewKU/s320/DSC_0385.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Gukyoung Monastery School, Nyaung U</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPf3C5W39hIz249dWeN1q-yrCPAFNEmwPM5dBVUM4rfiubwxnSzMzGL_iormwF0YBUcRhnQsMGD2V5PP7pCPcSVIrwDz62GkOLdgfrhFIZH0g7vAPXZ-QMqII8AG77SsIW1BDrjSBbi-4/s1600/DSC_0363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPf3C5W39hIz249dWeN1q-yrCPAFNEmwPM5dBVUM4rfiubwxnSzMzGL_iormwF0YBUcRhnQsMGD2V5PP7pCPcSVIrwDz62GkOLdgfrhFIZH0g7vAPXZ-QMqII8AG77SsIW1BDrjSBbi-4/s320/DSC_0363.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A Cla<span style="font-size: small;">ss at the Monastery S<span style="font-size: small;">c</span>hool</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfdl33kNuKDj376wu45UJZKmhuhjZbEhAKyhuySsGvCRz9dP7BYqJGnaCcIte4pqWA_QsctUnNmiBA7elf6YaOpxAu9mLHnNFzb-VPxm1mycnBjKh6X7NGJCFKmqCIUtm-aUV_RBNKNQ/s1600/DSC_0374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfdl33kNuKDj376wu45UJZKmhuhjZbEhAKyhuySsGvCRz9dP7BYqJGnaCcIte4pqWA_QsctUnNmiBA7elf6YaOpxAu9mLHnNFzb-VPxm1mycnBjKh6X7NGJCFKmqCIUtm-aUV_RBNKNQ/s320/DSC_0374.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hugh Sharing a Picture</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpXCY3di4Fe5snXvKMkGkQ0QtLuX7xbMYy4SHEh_EHkk1PUXLETncHq2MmuQi0DMQEPQWm-8PbqrTXPwnlaDQPNJvoAF-pDl9XWOi5lCAQY8QGdJRKQrA-uzqXVl5sMuWcF_kPtLi1y0/s1600/DSC_0366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpXCY3di4Fe5snXvKMkGkQ0QtLuX7xbMYy4SHEh_EHkk1PUXLETncHq2MmuQi0DMQEPQWm-8PbqrTXPwnlaDQPNJvoAF-pDl9XWOi5lCAQY8QGdJRKQrA-uzqXVl5sMuWcF_kPtLi1y0/s320/DSC_0366.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Alan and Kate Making Donation</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZJgttjeOdTFJZFfl1xGHBhVpJSfuIyg_gtpNqvZPh35kUMpcDiboNyyrNbXlYZ9cjQc6TESnw6BFDfrR94AcyZFmptrF5pgBS6W8yD6nE46RUc8m4MCDzIQRkGLFQTrhIUF0i_3tq_w/s1600/DSC_0387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZJgttjeOdTFJZFfl1xGHBhVpJSfuIyg_gtpNqvZPh35kUMpcDiboNyyrNbXlYZ9cjQc6TESnw6BFDfrR94AcyZFmptrF5pgBS6W8yD6nE46RUc8m4MCDzIQRkGLFQTrhIUF0i_3tq_w/s320/DSC_0387.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Polishing Laquerware</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4MhQti5Trd0PqLO5t7o0bShqyMg304f3f2enivb_6WuI6WzwHZju1I-FP_-RPIU4NgXtn6ArRkMATYKfo8nrpuh3ZuCZSvzNgDevOFTpaSsXWZG89OHgF_0PUFQHrqj8Az8qauXaHok/s1600/DSC_0388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4MhQti5Trd0PqLO5t7o0bShqyMg304f3f2enivb_6WuI6WzwHZju1I-FP_-RPIU4NgXtn6ArRkMATYKfo8nrpuh3ZuCZSvzNgDevOFTpaSsXWZG89OHgF_0PUFQHrqj8Az8qauXaHok/s320/DSC_0388.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Applying Finishing Touches</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a repeat dinner at Sunset Garden some of the group headed for the temple fair which found a large audience seated on the ground facing a stage. We were really taken with the traditional Burmese orchestra located to the right of the stage. The ensemble of primarily percussion instruments is known as Hsian Wain. In this group the leading instrument is the pat waing which is a set of 21 tuned drums which hang inside an ornately decorated frame. The drums are tuned by applying a small amount of tuning paste to the center of the drums. Contrasting in sound is the double reed instrument known as hne (oboe). Also in the orchestra are the kyi waing, a high pitched set of bronze gongs (often 19 in number) also set in a gilded circular frame. Cymbals or linkwin and large two faced dobat drums along with six other drums are used to set the underlying patterns of the music.. The music produced includes much improvisation with short phrases produced by the lead drums being imitated by the hne.The gongs will usually support the lead drums but for contrast will occasionally take the lead. We were able to sit with the musicians and observe their joy in producing the infectious music.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqTnVBfP-ZX67a3wba-4z6csZPHlmcemdzYoDDLtnnWcf3uyUHi7qF6XWayB2C8nkpmCs1t9q-t-oAjR-ML3ynOHPDmjqH_So3M7N7a5LJ8mm_TeX-b8rMpUD8_WCF932o67Bcu78cb4/s1600/The+Temple+Fair+Crowd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqTnVBfP-ZX67a3wba-4z6csZPHlmcemdzYoDDLtnnWcf3uyUHi7qF6XWayB2C8nkpmCs1t9q-t-oAjR-ML3ynOHPDmjqH_So3M7N7a5LJ8mm_TeX-b8rMpUD8_WCF932o67Bcu78cb4/s320/The+Temple+Fair+Crowd.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">T<span style="font-size: small;">h</span>e Temple Fair Audience</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">(Photo courtesy of Hugh Crawfor<span style="font-size: small;">d</span>) </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6D9pForqXE9IXW5HM2ENBzkh35GBI4w0vjD3Lj38lKXcCgoC5Ous0tjXIyTy2wXdZAJZCrMn2u00FhqEvTcubDpc3c6f66CQdudeFUO92abhQcQvetc0UN_1DXrDDSgUIIZ1jUQesHUs/s1600/DSC_0389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6D9pForqXE9IXW5HM2ENBzkh35GBI4w0vjD3Lj38lKXcCgoC5Ous0tjXIyTy2wXdZAJZCrMn2u00FhqEvTcubDpc3c6f66CQdudeFUO92abhQcQvetc0UN_1DXrDDSgUIIZ1jUQesHUs/s320/DSC_0389.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Drum Player</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4kGc2JWmA_1AOZ4hLSiCqDHqUjppQuro-l3Yp2jotxRhJ8gHFPjkiJRPUAo2b7XmaDZEM0QBaRV-vtZRIaoaZQjuG9VjwfXYBskoStMukDvZcClb4flQWtX72H9MEQ3cmhcyFShH98w/s1600/DSC_0390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4kGc2JWmA_1AOZ4hLSiCqDHqUjppQuro-l3Yp2jotxRhJ8gHFPjkiJRPUAo2b7XmaDZEM0QBaRV-vtZRIaoaZQjuG9VjwfXYBskoStMukDvZcClb4flQWtX72H9MEQ3cmhcyFShH98w/s320/DSC_0390.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Playing the Cymbals or Linkwin</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35fI65lyQQSvXRCPH7-kY8tuVgo4-IJUA8ALDgn_MSwft-64EbBVYFGvHLA7wZbhmDvDNDI37yHumsAA-cQ5Oxu-DdW-uNpr1-H7mmCcZS2W_GNs764-FRKmUT0Kby6aN2AHxZd2jRtk/s1600/DSC_0391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35fI65lyQQSvXRCPH7-kY8tuVgo4-IJUA8ALDgn_MSwft-64EbBVYFGvHLA7wZbhmDvDNDI37yHumsAA-cQ5Oxu-DdW-uNpr1-H7mmCcZS2W_GNs764-FRKmUT0Kby6aN2AHxZd2jRtk/s320/DSC_0391.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Playing the Pat Waing</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDYIOrTliGcM58qo-gMxceHDNXW8gTXgmwL8wYJMRJbNGWlqnf6vD4E3eFo36iXwMxJBgacoKossf5ysbqB-M3IUGOgXW3OyoemOLtKck-durQr6pGcOVuFsmLhLdz6Ebl9p8_MNWIZNE/s1600/DSC_0394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDYIOrTliGcM58qo-gMxceHDNXW8gTXgmwL8wYJMRJbNGWlqnf6vD4E3eFo36iXwMxJBgacoKossf5ysbqB-M3IUGOgXW3OyoemOLtKck-durQr6pGcOVuFsmLhLdz6Ebl9p8_MNWIZNE/s320/DSC_0394.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Playing the Gongs</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1ryrl5pMjxnq-mS1Ei2FYLlyaRR3Djs3KusixJnsEXnmmpdRrUXxn1X6htPaF9L6rriUpAb8r3aovrbHwrCIRIY_iwSGDPMZboomZQBo5QT3J6IGRUw0gFy6_ul59TNLy5uh40kIZsg/s1600/DSC_0404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1ryrl5pMjxnq-mS1Ei2FYLlyaRR3Djs3KusixJnsEXnmmpdRrUXxn1X6htPaF9L6rriUpAb8r3aovrbHwrCIRIY_iwSGDPMZboomZQBo5QT3J6IGRUw0gFy6_ul59TNLy5uh40kIZsg/s320/DSC_0404.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Playing the Hne </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The orchestra entertained the crowd while the performers were applying make up and donning traditional costumes. The actual stage performance began with a traditional Buddhist themed presentation but was quickly followed by hip hop and rap numbers which were significantly different than the opening presentation but which reflect greater acceptance of Western influence. We found the quick transition to be both unexpected and somewhat puzzling as we were expecting primarily religious themed entertainment. It was a good example of cultural change exemplified by borrowings and integration of stylistic and performance attributes from western sources. After enjoying the performances for awhile we were invited to the house of Thi Thi Win our friend who runs a book stall in the Ananda temple. We were welcomed and fed a delicious noodle dish though we had already had a full dinner. We finished the evening with a quick visit to Thi Thi's parents where we were forced to refuse a third dinner!</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXx2l6JzNY7JSlkUpPOlpg3T61VjDeunRBCJsxkjFr-LxANr7zoPLcGhAHJcRxdfHyjWR9aZkf3XnnfBFS0_LKKRwwlfSPvq0uYCrWv-By4R0IBqTsDyUAbGHZWnBHIpnFTKUieonqqeQ/s1600/DSC_0399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXx2l6JzNY7JSlkUpPOlpg3T61VjDeunRBCJsxkjFr-LxANr7zoPLcGhAHJcRxdfHyjWR9aZkf3XnnfBFS0_LKKRwwlfSPvq0uYCrWv-By4R0IBqTsDyUAbGHZWnBHIpnFTKUieonqqeQ/s320/DSC_0399.JPG" width="217" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Getting Rea<span style="font-size: small;">dy for the Performance</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOpJUdmvY9T5lYzDWAGVr6UWGaqI5-qtCq3NSPfwn9gYl5Rdh38fRzK5KKicBlNwOyLo6skG6fx4HxOHS_SlouUilJXVVf254QtB6UK-nPEaAbqAAazjCcJv7cZKpqFw4yi70t6EMiYI/s1600/DSC_0400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOpJUdmvY9T5lYzDWAGVr6UWGaqI5-qtCq3NSPfwn9gYl5Rdh38fRzK5KKicBlNwOyLo6skG6fx4HxOHS_SlouUilJXVVf254QtB6UK-nPEaAbqAAazjCcJv7cZKpqFw4yi70t6EMiYI/s320/DSC_0400.JPG" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In Costume</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyluWxf1xvsD7kmIXU1RCrSU_nQX9LMx6PaivvXLu5ehSe32tvk2DNbpn1L34v6pOKWYQGaPCPbI2Uy9UrChlXRYW0Prlz__0bKSHxpg8HdxRqpJDs7c2IAphd8PKbbp_f2TtTCg3OKVs/s1600/DSC_0405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyluWxf1xvsD7kmIXU1RCrSU_nQX9LMx6PaivvXLu5ehSe32tvk2DNbpn1L34v6pOKWYQGaPCPbI2Uy9UrChlXRYW0Prlz__0bKSHxpg8HdxRqpJDs7c2IAphd8PKbbp_f2TtTCg3OKVs/s320/DSC_0405.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Opening S<span style="font-size: small;">c</span>ene</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />MANDALAY</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The following morning we were up early for our short flight to Mandalay where we were met by our guide Maybelle who skillfully escorted us to some of the major sights but also to some of Mandalay's best restaurants. We started our visit in Amapura with a trip to Mahagandhayan Monastery one of Burma's largest teaching monasteries. One of the reasons tourists come here is to witness the procession of upwards of 1000 monks as they line up to proceed in silence to the dining hall where they receive their meal which is donated by local people. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmgdUYDEpU6rulpl3pzuwQ1g3YG-VNXsarTNx_9oUiwhuiwYYbo9UUBXx7Tyd-KQ3QpPBfHCZMpUmmnCGminsESA-xgpbXm_vYCvkF40Ysi9VM5XlNQUERxed0P6HOUr0OB5-4M6OKcnA/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmgdUYDEpU6rulpl3pzuwQ1g3YG-VNXsarTNx_9oUiwhuiwYYbo9UUBXx7Tyd-KQ3QpPBfHCZMpUmmnCGminsESA-xgpbXm_vYCvkF40Ysi9VM5XlNQUERxed0P6HOUr0OB5-4M6OKcnA/s320/DSC_0002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Still Life at Mahagandhayan Monastery</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyi8YbX5Sk-ybt-64IY-bCwUQL1Wxefu_W-IrU5V078I33oCnwmumQeTbV1RqrTGRte0BP02O7WSPGjeqg183i7rJaoRKMaaCaQ43Lo1oVe0aRNuQmkFfRWTuSn4Ea-WHCPQt3xWl2fCI/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyi8YbX5Sk-ybt-64IY-bCwUQL1Wxefu_W-IrU5V078I33oCnwmumQeTbV1RqrTGRte0BP02O7WSPGjeqg183i7rJaoRKMaaCaQ43Lo1oVe0aRNuQmkFfRWTuSn4Ea-WHCPQt3xWl2fCI/s320/DSC_0009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Monks Lining Up for Daily Meal</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwBn06YvM92LgF2eN7HnCTkuZ832qQgS5Soley100bWH784Ned4C-CO-g2EhkTwCm0rg_Au3tYTdRLg-5IrrHpHkA2nrft0yj_sxNL2kOTa_Kck8OLRh3CcMWP-35XE0AGZLYMQ2T_F0/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwBn06YvM92LgF2eN7HnCTkuZ832qQgS5Soley100bWH784Ned4C-CO-g2EhkTwCm0rg_Au3tYTdRLg-5IrrHpHkA2nrft0yj_sxNL2kOTa_Kck8OLRh3CcMWP-35XE0AGZLYMQ2T_F0/s320/DSC_0035.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Robes on the Wash Line</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After walking through the monastery and observing the procession we traveled to Ubein Bridge which at 1.2km. in length is the worlds longest teak bridge. Named after a clerk of the Mayor of Amarapura the bridge was constructed in 1849 and spans Taungthamen Lake and is busy during the day and especially at dusk. The bridge was constructed from timber planks and posts salvaged from dismantled houses in Sagaing and Inwa. The bridge and its approaches are populated by many sellers of trinkets and is a good people watching location. After visiting the bridge we moved on to a silk weaving factory that was busy preparing wedding dresses. Here the majority of hand loomers were young women who were employed doing highly detailed designs for soon to be brides.We enjoyed lunch at the riverside Mya Nandar Restaurant.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkezYtF89tmKuPo_YdAcv5eauFR42J-Mw11hFlostSgdqxsSyN-KWtOzPQg_7kMZQchYueKhShv-KQt0wCwyXIqii56l9QbA_tL419L7UEVvmRmHW0Up2Roh0qS20YbeNRFYJOIIDUoH0/s1600/DSC_0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkezYtF89tmKuPo_YdAcv5eauFR42J-Mw11hFlostSgdqxsSyN-KWtOzPQg_7kMZQchYueKhShv-KQt0wCwyXIqii56l9QbA_tL419L7UEVvmRmHW0Up2Roh0qS20YbeNRFYJOIIDUoH0/s320/DSC_0039.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ubein <span style="font-size: small;">Teak Bridge</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUczCoq26hYlr2OlZAU5pijb4sPpC-2RpEISRngWo4Gcs3XR946fGG67KBvPTD9tLIMuOY2zjaRg8LTUbxgKU07ub2jFLDDbhKqpPEgeZbmRuaBkk_TmOo4qNX_UoVHXpbZXGMjxzAhVI/s1600/DSC_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUczCoq26hYlr2OlZAU5pijb4sPpC-2RpEISRngWo4Gcs3XR946fGG67KBvPTD9tLIMuOY2zjaRg8LTUbxgKU07ub2jFLDDbhKqpPEgeZbmRuaBkk_TmOo4qNX_UoVHXpbZXGMjxzAhVI/s320/DSC_0043.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Boatman at Ubein Bridge</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzkRHCPcBK1z0OC0FhkaMz4UAfM79_pmcO94AzMo2_uSkTE_3FOk-PXCWLRG_7SLCDZ-aE7CYYMVKTZZ2lAOd1NDA5BJRNrdGdif2CJm2h8ImSBCpeRuvWUhuWISAa96w2ERyGRwlIMU/s1600/DSC_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzkRHCPcBK1z0OC0FhkaMz4UAfM79_pmcO94AzMo2_uSkTE_3FOk-PXCWLRG_7SLCDZ-aE7CYYMVKTZZ2lAOd1NDA5BJRNrdGdif2CJm2h8ImSBCpeRuvWUhuWISAa96w2ERyGRwlIMU/s320/DSC_0047.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hugh Engaging With a Souvenir Seller</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQiSMf8DTSIKmCS2P724a1njSSDbubeGCQ6l7avLHHCRbLzPOqaviH4ZWw9N0RRVFdvNMTlyS7tJ-vCdU9O7qpZnaxVLt3UKRuXThZ3ZvyPFLJk5eJSBdPVfY4iLJzsJzBe4pVNAypHv4/s1600/DSC_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQiSMf8DTSIKmCS2P724a1njSSDbubeGCQ6l7avLHHCRbLzPOqaviH4ZWw9N0RRVFdvNMTlyS7tJ-vCdU9O7qpZnaxVLt3UKRuXThZ3ZvyPFLJk5eJSBdPVfY4iLJzsJzBe4pVNAypHv4/s320/DSC_0057.JPG" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Meticulous Hand Work</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhguj-9r8fAlZ_axCxL7LWjpAvmxDId_J4dPt8d4CeTkZwh8lKuY2_HlQHAOPK5DcGW1rIJjX4kFog_xsj1_JXQ2Y4nOtPI_xc007gJlkmb50oPIgwNlB9rq-rDdWmfWdz8eXRhtbEtgCk/s1600/DSC_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhguj-9r8fAlZ_axCxL7LWjpAvmxDId_J4dPt8d4CeTkZwh8lKuY2_HlQHAOPK5DcGW1rIJjX4kFog_xsj1_JXQ2Y4nOtPI_xc007gJlkmb50oPIgwNlB9rq-rDdWmfWdz8eXRhtbEtgCk/s320/DSC_0059.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Colorful Thread for a Wedding Dress</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After lunch we headed for the river to meet out boat for a trip up the Irrawaddy to Mingun. Our first stop was to nose the boat up against one of the sand islands in the river so we could get off and explore the life ways of the people inhabiting these temporary strips of sandy land. There the housing was simple as were the children's toys. We were met by friendly smiles and sad stories. The first person we met was a woman whose husband had abandoned her for another leaving her with five children to support on this sliver of sand. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQARA3mPtJy_Xq-qmggvSp0whrQ41QRuF_5Kbg0AbkeFxqzCL9noZ-F0piYlRxwLFRyZCE5vaYxM8Msq5giQdwEXdqqZK5nIrbmJtcPJ5GFyQZ_gr4ydWPo5nxli5V_v7Xaz1xDjs-dHI/s1600/DSC_0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQARA3mPtJy_Xq-qmggvSp0whrQ41QRuF_5Kbg0AbkeFxqzCL9noZ-F0piYlRxwLFRyZCE5vaYxM8Msq5giQdwEXdqqZK5nIrbmJtcPJ5GFyQZ_gr4ydWPo5nxli5V_v7Xaz1xDjs-dHI/s320/DSC_0069.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Chris Walking the Plank for <span style="font-size: small;">Our Boat Excursion</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizEL1vMZ5OVRqELZAWmLzeVG6KdoJBcOyZpQvcmP0E0ak8Ns7bG7Puj44YNjhN-r34hSCx_R0kPwAArxlmyZTrfaO2B3OJkBLkfS6YPg16yVoF7ogsPNxf5YpUjcWwyN2k14g4uSwKfoo/s1600/DSC_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizEL1vMZ5OVRqELZAWmLzeVG6KdoJBcOyZpQvcmP0E0ak8Ns7bG7Puj44YNjhN-r34hSCx_R0kPwAArxlmyZTrfaO2B3OJkBLkfS6YPg16yVoF7ogsPNxf5YpUjcWwyN2k14g4uSwKfoo/s320/DSC_0073.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Typi<span style="font-size: small;">cal Sand Island Homes</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisLUSNQ7sV1wQw2-QR8PNV5Im-6RbOjve2SgeFGbGIH3hOQdjr30GhvQeIc4EqAU5gj_tKMP5o2Tjx_AMBWrE5E6mMVVon7zNT7cPBDSi5gpObt2p1dkOiepa3_mOCLbET2Pe5YNnSbc/s1600/DSC_0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisLUSNQ7sV1wQw2-QR8PNV5Im-6RbOjve2SgeFGbGIH3hOQdjr30GhvQeIc4EqAU5gj_tKMP5o2Tjx_AMBWrE5E6mMVVon7zNT7cPBDSi5gpObt2p1dkOiepa3_mOCLbET2Pe5YNnSbc/s320/DSC_0082.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Home Made Toy</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQfq8UTSw4CFYGiDSfCnFtQbMPsXysLtbApl3wWWliIkfaQ3Wmjj5TSuDkn-NwduFVCu8miIyWtlJmmIV32otHFFESz37mrHpnquAWzpjnVKdEqvXrKZ1k_ESeiCfhA3wCkWBDHCfOME/s1600/DSC_0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQfq8UTSw4CFYGiDSfCnFtQbMPsXysLtbApl3wWWliIkfaQ3Wmjj5TSuDkn-NwduFVCu8miIyWtlJmmIV32otHFFESz37mrHpnquAWzpjnVKdEqvXrKZ1k_ESeiCfhA3wCkWBDHCfOME/s320/DSC_0084.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kate Sharing a Photo</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3llOXHgTwQKg0sA2oOG1j98AV3g5AEfZ6_Qrd3oo7t-71sALpztdtaLeU93A4TeNuxh_oqeZ1mKg16OO1MGArRg8vr-PgfBYXr7CI7FMy_nK-uNro3wU3UeRs0TrZ8fmnt0K3b7uuywk/s1600/DSC_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3llOXHgTwQKg0sA2oOG1j98AV3g5AEfZ6_Qrd3oo7t-71sALpztdtaLeU93A4TeNuxh_oqeZ1mKg16OO1MGArRg8vr-PgfBYXr7CI7FMy_nK-uNro3wU3UeRs0TrZ8fmnt0K3b7uuywk/s320/DSC_0085.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wandering About the Rivers Edge</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCRATTPuOmpWMychE4tmA-u9G8rMcr0PeIPZl-LGhBco7iQr2dqIJ5VHhq25aatwre6LG3FDjXmp_kmATG6PM-a-1XyZ36eZ8jPjKqB19TBqkQmBpruA6co6F1OwfqfKKB_9irnE7NL0/s1600/DSC_0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCRATTPuOmpWMychE4tmA-u9G8rMcr0PeIPZl-LGhBco7iQr2dqIJ5VHhq25aatwre6LG3FDjXmp_kmATG6PM-a-1XyZ36eZ8jPjKqB19TBqkQmBpruA6co6F1OwfqfKKB_9irnE7NL0/s320/DSC_0086.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Village With Garden Plo<span style="font-size: small;">ts</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3GiUEWnClqUTHiPBB8pPqeGj5z-eM1FG8g772U3FrJojXjQGY54aAR95LZhqsGhgxVqog5UbK7KMdHAgpHOLOgIuPuLhqRxHnVd_WsUSznhisGS_9IBK_GlkwqpAeCU61huwPswPXsk/s1600/DSC_0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3GiUEWnClqUTHiPBB8pPqeGj5z-eM1FG8g772U3FrJojXjQGY54aAR95LZhqsGhgxVqog5UbK7KMdHAgpHOLOgIuPuLhqRxHnVd_WsUSznhisGS_9IBK_GlkwqpAeCU61huwPswPXsk/s320/DSC_0087.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Harvesting Sprouts</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNPAbwCCRoINn90gnEAebkY7XiYeVKjjAeFEE736wWcd1vnATYXQZanEUCajsHVXt0B6vQbD7QpwXgLIPVlwGPCSulTjGZsygeHzSX66VxaJ4qhchJfDB5j5BXHC5S9W5j4nnJD1cnM4/s1600/DSC_0096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNPAbwCCRoINn90gnEAebkY7XiYeVKjjAeFEE736wWcd1vnATYXQZanEUCajsHVXt0B6vQbD7QpwXgLIPVlwGPCSulTjGZsygeHzSX66VxaJ4qhchJfDB5j5BXHC5S9W5j4nnJD1cnM4/s320/DSC_0096.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hugh With Curious Kids</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrOKTOvL8_1aNZvFwjp2yrRIP4HlRufCKt2NrtruFQ0XM0OQs1Ojd0N_cTxWNHWlwwYQaRHhyphenhyphenUY9iQxBPJUObYfFAyV7LbCWajucWfYONIMm4sFYfTwgsvdBqq2Op9oLMf4EWQt53XIU/s1600/DSC_0097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrOKTOvL8_1aNZvFwjp2yrRIP4HlRufCKt2NrtruFQ0XM0OQs1Ojd0N_cTxWNHWlwwYQaRHhyphenhyphenUY9iQxBPJUObYfFAyV7LbCWajucWfYONIMm4sFYfTwgsvdBqq2Op9oLMf4EWQt53XIU/s320/DSC_0097.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Island Style Privy</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRr_xzVkW3UqIqU-cuLz6N_bkmHVHTXDFzy6m5C5NjCwKaI_guYH52souJikHOzFhqtLDt9COGCbxThXQVvnRw4mjv1zCk2bz0zyml_0dFuJtO_oT23XtvhEb4dRAJc4n7cGF43Hfl64I/s1600/DSC_0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRr_xzVkW3UqIqU-cuLz6N_bkmHVHTXDFzy6m5C5NjCwKaI_guYH52souJikHOzFhqtLDt9COGCbxThXQVvnRw4mjv1zCk2bz0zyml_0dFuJtO_oT23XtvhEb4dRAJc4n7cGF43Hfl64I/s320/DSC_0098.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">John With New Friends</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1INyLOE04alYrwUz3Zf5bqHDbEFegbtGXHt9_sjCdbGOBvS2gcdEKfQLYKphbDedYmp6-pmo4RMGYnGhl4IgFmqog9fK28bRyXjmbDxpsma1cnM_lu2DhyphenhyphennSVYYDOjPNyk5KQov5JSm8/s1600/DSC_0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1INyLOE04alYrwUz3Zf5bqHDbEFegbtGXHt9_sjCdbGOBvS2gcdEKfQLYKphbDedYmp6-pmo4RMGYnGhl4IgFmqog9fK28bRyXjmbDxpsma1cnM_lu2DhyphenhyphennSVYYDOjPNyk5KQov5JSm8/s320/DSC_0099.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sand Island Kitchen</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkjPsXp6ArfzKRyNhGoF_85W4JOihDcPC6lYE8IrifizhREJKseKmVwvmLhyI_Rd7nTl4NBhAZrFaITIVjmWz23kq-CO-nnC7mDCzAx4c9UMkT1ePeIlEcSOAc_tvbHQxwbEPoS068HU/s1600/DSC_0102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkjPsXp6ArfzKRyNhGoF_85W4JOihDcPC6lYE8IrifizhREJKseKmVwvmLhyI_Rd7nTl4NBhAZrFaITIVjmWz23kq-CO-nnC7mDCzAx4c9UMkT1ePeIlEcSOAc_tvbHQxwbEPoS068HU/s320/DSC_0102.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Doing the Washing</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8fREVMuenv_cJAVEFMDIXAsK1ulIPi98CsY9jm-TVJK6-C_trswlPyVx0Xqvc3j3JGqvaDP0EdBL9q99sBjupW-oGWah8CVHWST051Cq5E7E38FAZVg9GNT0F_AOxXiNg0H8LcHk4uk/s1600/DSC_0106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8fREVMuenv_cJAVEFMDIXAsK1ulIPi98CsY9jm-TVJK6-C_trswlPyVx0Xqvc3j3JGqvaDP0EdBL9q99sBjupW-oGWah8CVHWST051Cq5E7E38FAZVg9GNT0F_AOxXiNg0H8LcHk4uk/s320/DSC_0106.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Village Edge</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8E-dUU1FbcXMKvmZDYyHVfVnut6NkkOqZrk6R3-FCQp5Tf2m4_Xo7ZkE2iQ3JmJacUs8AdG6qIjpbZxGOUHT71bnxsMmFG_f-k2ZwDKrhOL6t41SV5q-_DugJQAcuQE3WY-RxHp_OAP0/s1600/DSC_0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8E-dUU1FbcXMKvmZDYyHVfVnut6NkkOqZrk6R3-FCQp5Tf2m4_Xo7ZkE2iQ3JmJacUs8AdG6qIjpbZxGOUHT71bnxsMmFG_f-k2ZwDKrhOL6t41SV5q-_DugJQAcuQE3WY-RxHp_OAP0/s320/DSC_0108.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">River T<span style="font-size: small;">raffic</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOeK0q-ym1XiCCyPy9eE3voDT22emBBGvmO0nrKnd2JXJ0faH0FYl8ls0mOUcDzhELlgCScdP-cwRRBnSm4PL0uw7K0Ao-88s63uUDcZkwhabomGIJiRrCXjkkEgbqqiB1eL4VvqbqWtE/s1600/DSC_0112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOeK0q-ym1XiCCyPy9eE3voDT22emBBGvmO0nrKnd2JXJ0faH0FYl8ls0mOUcDzhELlgCScdP-cwRRBnSm4PL0uw7K0Ao-88s63uUDcZkwhabomGIJiRrCXjkkEgbqqiB1eL4VvqbqWtE/s320/DSC_0112.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Deck Still Life</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdAJWktP8v2GreL_Z37Vzxmmh7XTMxjhjTpz5tm5fla5fee8KW-jlsl_VOtakK5lezRTp7Gd1K_V8tMS5RemKiE97fLRNfYEuxjIxSaFodHGFV9j4wFBrTnZh5wm6LM0m5jrZaRPopgs/s1600/DSC_0105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdAJWktP8v2GreL_Z37Vzxmmh7XTMxjhjTpz5tm5fla5fee8KW-jlsl_VOtakK5lezRTp7Gd1K_V8tMS5RemKiE97fLRNfYEuxjIxSaFodHGFV9j4wFBrTnZh5wm6LM0m5jrZaRPopgs/s320/DSC_0105.JPG" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Chris and Pat Enjoying the Ride</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Given the time we spent on the sand island we did not climb the unfinished Mingun Paya (Pahtodawgyi) but viewed it from nearby. The structure was started in 1791 with a plan to reach a height of 500 feet ,however, an earthquake in the late 1830's severely cracked the works which were abandoned at a height of 162 feet. Slaves and prisoners of war were used construct the Chedi. After inspecting the remnants of two giant lion statues in front of the east gate of the chedi we moved to the nearby Mingun Bell. Here Jack gave a try at ringing the large 90+ ton bronze bell. The bell was cast between 1808 -1810 at the behest of King Bodawpaya who was also responsible for initiating work on the Mingun Chedi.. The bell is uncracked and is rung by striking the outer rim with a wooden mallet. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSe9J1IFliJDL6hfabemPc3GEu1m-BEeiM-dW0kVJPxZMCRnfe4MHLK7KW9CA3KR-DFu4epoHaIYiU2DnhFJIZ2ZGcPV7PR5ZtTXuOTqt2bIQTC4OQf1DPwYBoqR6soHQGC4xtb3a8cxI/s1600/DSC_0297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSe9J1IFliJDL6hfabemPc3GEu1m-BEeiM-dW0kVJPxZMCRnfe4MHLK7KW9CA3KR-DFu4epoHaIYiU2DnhFJIZ2ZGcPV7PR5ZtTXuOTqt2bIQTC4OQf1DPwYBoqR6soHQGC4xtb3a8cxI/s320/DSC_0297.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Unfinished Mingun Chedi</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoL7JvUai_7OkHCAXD5V3pJnxOLLcidyLQhY0tC2w4cqvtOEldE9DAMqTre5-Bvn6Dbmid6H9MxcSONi5A6HCpS2-ohqwaWgqziCRIjYkONjxHW8i0j2zOXw7286wEX2PBf_1-NTxBfU/s1600/DSC_0116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoL7JvUai_7OkHCAXD5V3pJnxOLLcidyLQhY0tC2w4cqvtOEldE9DAMqTre5-Bvn6Dbmid6H9MxcSONi5A6HCpS2-ohqwaWgqziCRIjYkONjxHW8i0j2zOXw7286wEX2PBf_1-NTxBfU/s320/DSC_0116.JPG" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jack Giving the Mingun Bell a Try</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjt9nt4hgtj85WsRUfQADog9L6RvtYaqlD9g1LsIi0ajsWLH3RkOLwwpley2CDdSHVniwbr9fCVzrKiwbC3LhzriK5Q24lhbt3IOD16ghtsueyWsrEPNT7e9iCpP0oJZCLJw08h2qi6Us/s1600/DSC_0114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjt9nt4hgtj85WsRUfQADog9L6RvtYaqlD9g1LsIi0ajsWLH3RkOLwwpley2CDdSHVniwbr9fCVzrKiwbC3LhzriK5Q24lhbt3IOD16ghtsueyWsrEPNT7e9iCpP0oJZCLJw08h2qi6Us/s320/DSC_0114.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jack, Linda, Hugh, Jude and John Cruising With<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>a View</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Winding our way back to the boat we passed the Mingun Home for the Aged. Home to nearly 100 elderly persons usually those without families to support them. The facility established in 1915 is supported by private donations. Overseeing the medical care of the residents was Nurse Thwe Thwe Aye blessed with incredible energy and an infectious personality. We received a briefing and tour of the facility from her, met some of the residents and responded with a donation to help with the purchase of medicines. We were happy to see that these aged had not been forgotten. Our evening meal was at the A Little Bit of Mandalay Restaurant.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNnRn2ZnK9PoflObu7hD3x-kWkpV2seVTPN6Sv6dskp5ZNjsshQZv2WcPhrvGd7ROSIrtsP4YiGcl0B10CIME6YS8ciXv_kKF_UN0gJdWts6MibjAykI5Nod5hQdfC8knG2ixdijaIac/s1600/DSC_0120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNnRn2ZnK9PoflObu7hD3x-kWkpV2seVTPN6Sv6dskp5ZNjsshQZv2WcPhrvGd7ROSIrtsP4YiGcl0B10CIME6YS8ciXv_kKF_UN0gJdWts6MibjAykI5Nod5hQdfC8knG2ixdijaIac/s320/DSC_0120.JPG" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thwe Thwe Aye the Dynamo Nurse at Mingun Home for the Aged</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next morning we were up early for a bus trip to the small town of Kyauk Se about 48 km. south of Mandalay. Kyauk Se is home of the annual elephant dance festival, a pagoda festival to celebrate the construction of a pagoda more than 2000 years ago.. This is the only festival of its kind in Burma and draws people from all over the country. Kyauk Se was formerly the granary of the 9th century Bagan Kingdom owing to its rich and fertile land. The legendary King Anawrahta of Bagan is said to have been behind the development of canals and weirs to improve the areas irrigation.and it was his command that all subjects who benefited must come and pray at the annual festival on the full moon day of Thadingyut (October) also the end of Buddhist Lent.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuskD2azeLvfMGCV1jsCgUTM8GVvtT7xWOcbSeqzzZjmgTdpI5bC_otbXagI883pLAlmzGhTzvFR_TVJ8K12L8YXZuKUBgaEN6Rwvy1ySPfOrsaJg2yBbvUjBJDuq6DfQ2Tqom1_2uUIk/s1600/DSC_0124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuskD2azeLvfMGCV1jsCgUTM8GVvtT7xWOcbSeqzzZjmgTdpI5bC_otbXagI883pLAlmzGhTzvFR_TVJ8K12L8YXZuKUBgaEN6Rwvy1ySPfOrsaJg2yBbvUjBJDuq6DfQ2Tqom1_2uUIk/s320/DSC_0124.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Young Nuns Collecting Food Donations in Kyauk Se</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvDYAriSQH8GL8JJIuMYslFN7nb9sI6RD-v2ZVoxNZ9OQ5_Oh0DKTumHOyNhMI0cdJD7X6pzvFOqU7LCwF5OFmH1FWeqeX39JHOjPMB5zoJMHikJojWFWbeQzCHSnWzGbPak3rCvj6Rg/s1600/DSC_0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvDYAriSQH8GL8JJIuMYslFN7nb9sI6RD-v2ZVoxNZ9OQ5_Oh0DKTumHOyNhMI0cdJD7X6pzvFOqU7LCwF5OFmH1FWeqeX39JHOjPMB5zoJMHikJojWFWbeQzCHSnWzGbPak3rCvj6Rg/s320/DSC_0128.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fruits in the Kyauk Se Markets</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfOEeUzqrbD9otNhX7Zj5Ag0Fo8Nh_PM15AJRk9ftgSGLrAkXOLIACLV-KdVdiIK2_mf6GUPzubasxFVLpEQvLFvi8hJKMqvkkAvcwnMfsASc-G2PRkPh7Dy2Qbx9jO9qZ17R8Cw_u6c/s1600/DSC_0131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfOEeUzqrbD9otNhX7Zj5Ag0Fo8Nh_PM15AJRk9ftgSGLrAkXOLIACLV-KdVdiIK2_mf6GUPzubasxFVLpEQvLFvi8hJKMqvkkAvcwnMfsASc-G2PRkPh7Dy2Qbx9jO9qZ17R8Cw_u6c/s320/DSC_0131.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Minature Elephants For Sale in Kyauk Se</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For months prior to the festival villagers are busy fabricating their elephants out of bamboo, cloth, paper plus large quantities of gilt foil, glitter, satin, velvet, ribbons and other ornamentation. The art of making the paper elephants is handed down with rules of proportions set to verse to make it easier to remember. The craft of making the elephants is called Sut-b'ji and before work can start prayers and offerings must be made to the appropriate nats (spirits) in order to bring good results in the competition. Each group has its own closely guarded secret way of folding the bamboo to make a secure foundation or frame upon which cloth and hand made rice paper will be applied. Several layers are used to form the skin. Soot and boiled rice water are used as an adhesive for black elephants while for the more regal white ones several layers of lime are used. Finally the ornamentation is added as well the chosen name is painted on the elephant's side. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZouddIr-ytzfzpGGQVQOR3Gco_3RQGK1HgeH-HWCPfCDKxJeWkD-2Pf9kSVzf0mJ2hp3nR_YRtZ49as4yGv0Iuu5VzHIyQhFkwf8lZVnx-9bhCPhdspWzLP_2G_5rTO5d1-7ILQiVbRk/s1600/DSC_0132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZouddIr-ytzfzpGGQVQOR3Gco_3RQGK1HgeH-HWCPfCDKxJeWkD-2Pf9kSVzf0mJ2hp3nR_YRtZ49as4yGv0Iuu5VzHIyQhFkwf8lZVnx-9bhCPhdspWzLP_2G_5rTO5d1-7ILQiVbRk/s320/DSC_0132.JPG" width="217" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cotton Candy A</span> Favorite Treat at the Festiv<span style="font-size: small;">al</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGNIfdRXcx-Nhof3b2oYlM4uu4YcfELJaApPoZ9ZcANEPfROqXXhUKl6LG67t3ViMK7SkeFTR5FKMdf9n_8co44zJsUC46PFFCiUAU7tVCcG9kYBCrGjbfjBBlNsUjcF_5YUO0XC_zBs/s1600/DSC_0134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGNIfdRXcx-Nhof3b2oYlM4uu4YcfELJaApPoZ9ZcANEPfROqXXhUKl6LG67t3ViMK7SkeFTR5FKMdf9n_8co44zJsUC46PFFCiUAU7tVCcG9kYBCrGjbfjBBlNsUjcF_5YUO0XC_zBs/s320/DSC_0134.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A Serious Photographer Poised to Get the Perfect Shot</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieyz8w7GSruhNT2UDAQAZr5NDf1LGSHFL0RJGdiGgDj82tZ2NDA5Gq86825sYGXE5mTXULmLH6pYrM6ws74hVwasJJN9aX4XhoVwltbU01h6ETYpHLgi7MKW144fqldY1vrHdEAaLf-gc/s1600/DSC_0137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieyz8w7GSruhNT2UDAQAZr5NDf1LGSHFL0RJGdiGgDj82tZ2NDA5Gq86825sYGXE5mTXULmLH6pYrM6ws74hVwasJJN9aX4XhoVwltbU01h6ETYpHLgi7MKW144fqldY1vrHdEAaLf-gc/s320/DSC_0137.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pride of a Village</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nP1RdnWYheYzk0dJsMi7MqzgIGQ-Lp2HD3mV7TvvRYxkfhHgo5OJM6ldmKw0cMp1iwIfVWXIzmQ_PWbn_4whEvYkSr0rVf8gIDNLoHdXooUr0InNXOBRb1HcnpMbPnDrYGp5UG_X3Ag/s1600/DSC_0143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nP1RdnWYheYzk0dJsMi7MqzgIGQ-Lp2HD3mV7TvvRYxkfhHgo5OJM6ldmKw0cMp1iwIfVWXIzmQ_PWbn_4whEvYkSr0rVf8gIDNLoHdXooUr0InNXOBRb1HcnpMbPnDrYGp5UG_X3Ag/s320/DSC_0143.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A Highly Decorated El<span style="font-size: small;">ephant</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeovf3O1GUaGKaH5VORpxYLNCUr7IwJFgL1tbSR4Ot6VBalZnTzGHzhDDTEZTDXvvSZbNnTI8UzmD4qkdBV2MS8j7PufsOvlVPXqS-tFkbUtFdfmIPNhR7yF3Ihp66dT3dsSe5ia22PEA/s1600/DSC_0138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeovf3O1GUaGKaH5VORpxYLNCUr7IwJFgL1tbSR4Ot6VBalZnTzGHzhDDTEZTDXvvSZbNnTI8UzmD4qkdBV2MS8j7PufsOvlVPXqS-tFkbUtFdfmIPNhR7yF3Ihp66dT3dsSe5ia22PEA/s320/DSC_0138.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Elephant Heads</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjGfl-was5-82a1CznlpCqWs7j7BUoDscgknFbsLYAv4t8MqP4BEq5tckn9-YKWHwWMx4xcYty9llbqWrO3xc5P1UUO9foLI7kYoDlM9jZ9Ydu7KMzoGjzUZPNvI9DrUOHyZ0t1OLPFc/s1600/DSC_0145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjGfl-was5-82a1CznlpCqWs7j7BUoDscgknFbsLYAv4t8MqP4BEq5tckn9-YKWHwWMx4xcYty9llbqWrO3xc5P1UUO9foLI7kYoDlM9jZ9Ydu7KMzoGjzUZPNvI9DrUOHyZ0t1OLPFc/s320/DSC_0145.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Instru<span style="font-size: small;">ments Used to Accompany <span style="font-size: small;">the Da<span style="font-size: small;">ncing Elephants</span></span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4eGLm-3rlC9DFZQCKGXPe9d2VPzxke5fnx4MU8qFza0hz8oNcN1lcfinwhbhukdsUw0hcb5R9O9qBCdmRC4nahYq9kQSa_a0xIY-HFsXAdjr9eOCZnuQGq5zM81_2T_19ecUyNnfCiwQ/s1600/DSC_0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4eGLm-3rlC9DFZQCKGXPe9d2VPzxke5fnx4MU8qFza0hz8oNcN1lcfinwhbhukdsUw0hcb5R9O9qBCdmRC4nahYq9kQSa_a0xIY-HFsXAdjr9eOCZnuQGq5zM81_2T_19ecUyNnfCiwQ/s320/DSC_0148.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">De<span style="font-size: small;">corative Details</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The elephant's head is connected to the body in a way that permits its turning by the man in front. Sewn cloth tubes form the legs while the flexible trunk is made from rings of bamboo set in a long tapered roll of cloth. The hindmost person is responsible for movement of the tail and the fancy leg movements. The motion of the elephants varies from small dainty steps to large acrobatic twists and turns. Dancers practice for months on the previous years elephants so as not to soil the new creation. Some elephant teams do not enter the competition but just parade and dance through the town streets. These latter groups enjoy performing comedy skits for those watching while the serious competitors must comport themselves in a manner becoming of a noble creature. The competitors are judged on several criteria and the three top contestantsl receive trophies and will be in demand to perform all over the country at State, novitiation and charitable functions. After observing the opening ceremonies and some incredible dancing we joined the throngs as elephants made their way around the marketplace and into the crowded streets. After we returned to Mandalay we enjoyed a great Thai meal at the Tom Yam Koong Restaurant.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3g7zUbYcB_-ARsUmL7xXZZr6BYJPPbfRatwHtMdccJ_0vdHS8LPzUOvuiRXbBgLt9bCeNDZ5BpBqRzFI5NpYfN61uQOfg4IfTNe-afI_VbnRhdwBTKvxz3q3dMCsFjSCJzAj83bUVbug/s1600/DSC_0187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3g7zUbYcB_-ARsUmL7xXZZr6BYJPPbfRatwHtMdccJ_0vdHS8LPzUOvuiRXbBgLt9bCeNDZ5BpBqRzFI5NpYfN61uQOfg4IfTNe-afI_VbnRhdwBTKvxz3q3dMCsFjSCJzAj83bUVbug/s320/DSC_0187.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Elephant Gymnastics</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbq7obz4TqgvROIDCbXtXSeNr9cTMGn0EsbNe11t34j6ChjvsnhFb3JY6iBrTzlSuL5gnwOwIgk3WCBXZmTNpmWf24K507KIaXmGnotm1tyrsJRHlSFnngzSZNyRRaO__RwuZzEn8odw/s1600/DSC_0178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbq7obz4TqgvROIDCbXtXSeNr9cTMGn0EsbNe11t34j6ChjvsnhFb3JY6iBrTzlSuL5gnwOwIgk3WCBXZmTNpmWf24K507KIaXmGnotm1tyrsJRHlSFnngzSZNyRRaO__RwuZzEn8odw/s320/DSC_0178.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Elephant Performing</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiU7LX3SlVElIsyT9ZDZO8HOosg29GP6Rxaqkh5KQG1z9885ZFpRgsa1s2yFkd_JeH0dZWtA7Ot44hGJUVr3c5KIsIgWD96wODmU4-Jbe0YdoseyNcwednyY19AswhHl6OHl7XQYg6kA/s1600/DSC_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiU7LX3SlVElIsyT9ZDZO8HOosg29GP6Rxaqkh5KQG1z9885ZFpRgsa1s2yFkd_JeH0dZWtA7Ot44hGJUVr3c5KIsIgWD96wODmU4-Jbe0YdoseyNcwednyY19AswhHl6OHl7XQYg6kA/s320/DSC_0183.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A Young Spectator</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlmZyTKFiMbSCRS6nObbG2dweRh7ze9-2Fejt9G6-uPXLDfJX9ze1iCVuZMuqDYSjFwpIPYx4GKwQI44b6KkE2q2Re4x70D9vt06ad8UVzN_KCjhPE8mhnetsE_tHLqCLEsg6WBm-y44/s1600/DSC_0192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlmZyTKFiMbSCRS6nObbG2dweRh7ze9-2Fejt9G6-uPXLDfJX9ze1iCVuZMuqDYSjFwpIPYx4GKwQI44b6KkE2q2Re4x70D9vt06ad8UVzN_KCjhPE8mhnetsE_tHLqCLEsg6WBm-y44/s320/DSC_0192.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Spectators and Elephants</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AMQ6e6Wrbhy_33lQYEXBz0aG4OSZIBt3zel8Kr6VUZqp2-33NHmFg_2Muf3BVCq1N7K08kSeMFmWvrS96KjGBxWA206jjbwiKI1CzCuOdUiJND5TDLjqEdvRd6O1BFG2acWXyIuodqA/s1600/DSC_0201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AMQ6e6Wrbhy_33lQYEXBz0aG4OSZIBt3zel8Kr6VUZqp2-33NHmFg_2Muf3BVCq1N7K08kSeMFmWvrS96KjGBxWA206jjbwiKI1CzCuOdUiJND5TDLjqEdvRd6O1BFG2acWXyIuodqA/s320/DSC_0201.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Watching from a Temple Viewpoint</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZ4XMjPMKSxVuf7N23UzA2GMsTT6TCe6gz2QLupIk2zGCtOSxUgKAKqfLVIj27c1ZoE10nHWmCMHM2pLYsOE2c2mKYZG7vaUNYd8uSAJUe_whr7schzNVQ4SuS28mJeD9ES53M1j2ytE/s1600/DSC_0202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZ4XMjPMKSxVuf7N23UzA2GMsTT6TCe6gz2QLupIk2zGCtOSxUgKAKqfLVIj27c1ZoE10nHWmCMHM2pLYsOE2c2mKYZG7vaUNYd8uSAJUe_whr7schzNVQ4SuS28mJeD9ES53M1j2ytE/s320/DSC_0202.JPG" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vendors</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-MaksJrk4v1VkISAax1icfJsaemXT3NhRiaZ41ETR-Xva3OanpX9bf6omTIudfCY3r9aUrUI71lbBL8oqyrFbTikTfuc_OmXuwfgP7ytI5MicgYwnCBmCl9t2HcSBalJKjwbzIW6Xo4/s1600/DSC_0205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-MaksJrk4v1VkISAax1icfJsaemXT3NhRiaZ41ETR-Xva3OanpX9bf6omTIudfCY3r9aUrUI71lbBL8oqyrFbTikTfuc_OmXuwfgP7ytI5MicgYwnCBmCl9t2HcSBalJKjwbzIW6Xo4/s320/DSC_0205.JPG" width="271" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Parading Through Kyauk Se<span style="font-size: small;">'s Streets</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiyEmz05lQU0jwDQyVeCLCAM5_JuYsxkBp3KKyJxytgpSZEeCuyq6rmwWjVyAxHxr9Ae4E-9aE0Mk7buwQr6clUbQ9ZDdfOo_q299BKpMkRpAzHyc-InEHg8412zpEJRwJ8-Nmt5Yi8Xs/s1600/DSC_0198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiyEmz05lQU0jwDQyVeCLCAM5_JuYsxkBp3KKyJxytgpSZEeCuyq6rmwWjVyAxHxr9Ae4E-9aE0Mk7buwQr6clUbQ9ZDdfOo_q299BKpMkRpAzHyc-InEHg8412zpEJRwJ8-Nmt5Yi8Xs/s320/DSC_0198.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Carrying an Elephant!</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkUOG4ZXvVd1HHgUtCxz3vEL6NKGJhDhJyJsptWEhSQoMterv4vhgx4dBXTZ3Xf8I9mFWjr0nKk0AQmx5WZwTyO3uJKGAFhYRt8lNnIcGjd2G4MuZoG-lITWqtu04CJaL4f12jECRWTE/s1600/DSC_0211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkUOG4ZXvVd1HHgUtCxz3vEL6NKGJhDhJyJsptWEhSQoMterv4vhgx4dBXTZ3Xf8I9mFWjr0nKk0AQmx5WZwTyO3uJKGAFhYRt8lNnIcGjd2G4MuZoG-lITWqtu04CJaL4f12jECRWTE/s320/DSC_0211.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Elephant on a Trishaw</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After lunch our attention turned to visiting a wood carving factory in which the famous Burmese Kalaga were also being embroidered. Kalagas originated in the Mandalay Court around 150 years ago. The designs are usually drawn from ancient tales and legends originating in Buddhist or Hindu themes. Subjects are often astrological symbols or auspicious animals such as elephants, peacocks etc. Materials used include wool, glass, beads and sequins. The extensive use of sequins originates with Thai artisans who were brought to Burma after the conquest of Ayudhaya in 1767. The resulting tapestries have a quilted quality and are usually used as wall hangings. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkb1XrQWcfxQZ8usLCpq2OJR768yylBITfHDSxar_wpY66wTaB2EcYf21YBw9o7rK5uPvaV_1JKLxUTJ11dTzKJEGje6mtt0omaKWZgJlTtP98PnzHvjFbcoV4EBUr8eLSEY13ZjaAAJw/s1600/DSC_0213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkb1XrQWcfxQZ8usLCpq2OJR768yylBITfHDSxar_wpY66wTaB2EcYf21YBw9o7rK5uPvaV_1JKLxUTJ11dTzKJEGje6mtt0omaKWZgJlTtP98PnzHvjFbcoV4EBUr8eLSEY13ZjaAAJw/s320/DSC_0213.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Woman Sewing Kalaga Tapestry</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our attention then turned to several of Mandalay's famous monuments. First to be visited was the Maha Myat Muni Pagoda. This pagoda contains the most revered Buddha image in Mandalay which is also the oldest Buddha image in Burma. In contrast to most every other image this image was cast during the Buddha's lifetime. The image is in a seated position known as Bumi Phasa Mudras which symbolizes his conquest of Mara (the mind of illusion, doubt and death). After a four months journey in B.C 123 King Sanda Thuriya of Rakhine-Dharyawaddy had the image enshrined in its present location. The image is 3.83 meters high with a golden crown decorated with diamonds, rubies and sapphires. During our visit the prayer hall was filled with devotees.while men climbed the altar to apply gold leaf to the image.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2IwR6vq26mTU7yqoTuKQC-t6SpLGAW4x8J6nMU40AxOiV2BUq3STpqQx9mR1NFgBw7tCuR7lVkp4Bs1mWP65XfF9ss83ABDwr9fwmHEZIoPVlQb7WYZHYS7dkTlc7VadS24JuPeE8B0/s1600/DSC_0222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2IwR6vq26mTU7yqoTuKQC-t6SpLGAW4x8J6nMU40AxOiV2BUq3STpqQx9mR1NFgBw7tCuR7lVkp4Bs1mWP65XfF9ss83ABDwr9fwmHEZIoPVlQb7WYZHYS7dkTlc7VadS24JuPeE8B0/s320/DSC_0222.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Applying Gold Leaf to the Buddha I<span style="font-size: small;">m</span>age at the Maha Myat Muni Pagoda, Mandalay</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Second on our itinerary was a brief stop at the King Galon gold leaf factory. Composed of many steps and 5 to 7 hours of hammering the workers were able to beat 1 tical of gold into about 2000 very thin gold leaves. The finished product can usually be purchased at pagodas for application on sacred images.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1A-hdjZ4Ap802WvJSjHkNz5DN_QbwGLE1YhvLI9pazsQoPR1KKQH1m69QJO-bGQN4K8M_K_rXz5WLAfja2dr7_2KTWBKxod-97lzmLuTMDfPviEtOgx5HbVz6e_X3T6FSqCU54Ao7oeQ/s1600/DSC_0226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1A-hdjZ4Ap802WvJSjHkNz5DN_QbwGLE1YhvLI9pazsQoPR1KKQH1m69QJO-bGQN4K8M_K_rXz5WLAfja2dr7_2KTWBKxod-97lzmLuTMDfPviEtOgx5HbVz6e_X3T6FSqCU54Ao7oeQ/s320/DSC_0226.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pounding to make gold leaf</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our next stop was the Shwenandaw or Golden Palace Monastery a fine example of a Burmese wooden monastery. Famous for its many beautiful wood carvings the building used to reside in the old Mandalay palace complex. After the death of King Mindon who died in the building King Thibaw Min had the building dismantled and then erected at its present site in 1880. The extensive carving includes a variety of motifs and mythical creatures. Unfortunately the years of exposure to harsh tropical weather have removed the thick gold which used to cover the exterior. The interior however still glitters with gold. We were left in awe at the extraordinary skill of the ancient Burmese carvers.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3c3SCQEEYSwhcLVk2dKgI78olJbxG6BY1ElKZ2IDP_1RaIX3csmQqJoBwT2dGsV38Up8PP9iWHMju-dEwyXRnYwcy8AfAVUYH70n_oNCE56amhDUZJ2lPCkHLJN2GXEB_ZIVH0kUgnQ/s1600/DSC_0246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3c3SCQEEYSwhcLVk2dKgI78olJbxG6BY1ElKZ2IDP_1RaIX3csmQqJoBwT2dGsV38Up8PP9iWHMju-dEwyXRnYwcy8AfAVUYH70n_oNCE56amhDUZJ2lPCkHLJN2GXEB_ZIVH0kUgnQ/s320/DSC_0246.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Intricate Wood Carvings at Shwenandaw Monastery, Mandalay</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9-okvVEqNfacMrD3v3adCWq5xLa6D8TGpvDAPWTkKpmW6UHuFPUcUaxL6MjFjjXrDSTmXoBF-FH3hKt2ZnLkv2of_Po6e9O0TC3UvZa7Zo2cJXbpkhgOYPjv74WT5wopCOAMoJV44uo/s1600/DSC_0251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9-okvVEqNfacMrD3v3adCWq5xLa6D8TGpvDAPWTkKpmW6UHuFPUcUaxL6MjFjjXrDSTmXoBF-FH3hKt2ZnLkv2of_Po6e9O0TC3UvZa7Zo2cJXbpkhgOYPjv74WT5wopCOAMoJV44uo/s320/DSC_0251.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shwenandaw Carving</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvTPh3i3e7re1xDcxEeuqvpT7v7auALqyN-7LXFynx3LyUzndESK8jdOsUSBkgoF5y1t0NZdpb2JntSmmKFSFj0LUZnxm1oeS_1JGfnhUqvsU7Uve0D_QkPRpp5zZAbIUjvjdu51nYkw/s1600/DSC_0253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvTPh3i3e7re1xDcxEeuqvpT7v7auALqyN-7LXFynx3LyUzndESK8jdOsUSBkgoF5y1t0NZdpb2JntSmmKFSFj0LUZnxm1oeS_1JGfnhUqvsU7Uve0D_QkPRpp5zZAbIUjvjdu51nYkw/s320/DSC_0253.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Detail of Wall Panel at Shwenandaw</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The final monument we visited was the Kuthodaw Pagoda. Before entering, we were treated to a taste of former days by the presence of an antique Dennis fire truck which was parked near the pagoda entrance.The sight of old but functioning vehicles used to be a common experience in Burma. The Kuthodaw Pagoda, located at the foot of Mandalay Hill is well known as the home of the worlds largest book. The central gilded stupa is modeled after the Shwezigon Pagoda at Nyaung U. and was built by King Mindon. On the grounds of the pagoda King Mindon had constructed 729 kyauksa gu or stone inscription caves. Each cave contained a marble slab which was inscribed on both sides with a page of text from the Tripitaka, the entire Pali Canon of Theravada Buddhism. Sadly after the annexation of Mandalay by the British in 1885 and their removal in1890 by order of Queen Victoria it was discovered that the soldiers had looted the pagoda of its hti (umbrella with precious stones) to the Italian marble tiles from its terraces. Restoration activities by Burmese monks and the Burmese royal family continued over succeeding decades.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDJrd5UhyLy0lwC7rMOytcNu-zVKFHhVFEXvwIho8Iog-fXvMa52BTU8Nh4HVMb31_kJIBQPhHASdSh5TekQqjWxwrxBh0vVaUml_Ns4CGT9qw364LPiE89ohUwgWVH4i9-RtpbNb4tk/s1600/DSC_0269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDJrd5UhyLy0lwC7rMOytcNu-zVKFHhVFEXvwIho8Iog-fXvMa52BTU8Nh4HVMb31_kJIBQPhHASdSh5TekQqjWxwrxBh0vVaUml_Ns4CGT9qw364LPiE89ohUwgWVH4i9-RtpbNb4tk/s320/DSC_0269.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Antique Dennis Fire Engine</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigH-sW-c62TT39LUfK2MxJFZP5LxBMmTN-qx24AFeynMesUoR87du65Wx0zqCfaMRip7gmiiEFjP0Q2F0Z-6AU7BHEVJIA3WfaF938mWLkCmhzwphHDfnTYONJZ_vxQkKiKHR0i6nOS-A/s1600/DSC_0271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigH-sW-c62TT39LUfK2MxJFZP5LxBMmTN-qx24AFeynMesUoR87du65Wx0zqCfaMRip7gmiiEFjP0Q2F0Z-6AU7BHEVJIA3WfaF938mWLkCmhzwphHDfnTYONJZ_vxQkKiKHR0i6nOS-A/s320/DSC_0271.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Flowers For Sale at Temple En<span style="font-size: small;">trance</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8u2VXtCdSn9wHX3xm9Euy8fIzcy6tn3CI-KgNf65QqXwSlmNpfl2QF0KiGo2McvnxxEbmIvuej7cncESJrH237zS2UylYwMTTGJTR4LLkCYMx-_Cc7YTofWKPZXKvPJm4FO3v1Y7z_0/s1600/DSC_0277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8u2VXtCdSn9wHX3xm9Euy8fIzcy6tn3CI-KgNf65QqXwSlmNpfl2QF0KiGo2McvnxxEbmIvuej7cncESJrH237zS2UylYwMTTGJTR4LLkCYMx-_Cc7YTofWKPZXKvPJm4FO3v1Y7z_0/s320/DSC_0277.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kuthodaw Pagoda</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We ended our day by chasing the setting sun up the flanks of Mandalay Hill. Here, we enjoyed the sunset view and just relaxing and looking out over the countryside. Meanwhile, Jack and Linda had an interesting time conversing with several monks anxious to hone their English language skills. It was also sobering to read the plaques memorializing the Gurka soldiers who lost their lives in the fierce fighting to take Mandalay Hill from the occupying Japanese. We returned to the city and dinner at The Green Elephant Restaurant. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbigxYWfoItwIELZ1IY_dCXth1crSyo-97KdITRKJvNbuU_REtn0AiZhS7IiwoGoBpG0fWTETK4cdIc5cL9MSq_mcTLcYlPKVxrtCCxGSIoE5MwvzhqRHK4L8qQURpvLEVBU-GIM6iuQ8/s1600/DSC_0293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbigxYWfoItwIELZ1IY_dCXth1crSyo-97KdITRKJvNbuU_REtn0AiZhS7IiwoGoBpG0fWTETK4cdIc5cL9MSq_mcTLcYlPKVxrtCCxGSIoE5MwvzhqRHK4L8qQURpvLEVBU-GIM6iuQ8/s320/DSC_0293.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jack Giving Impr<span style="font-size: small;">omptu English Lesson</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDoXZi1pwoH9hilhAaLBWrM0GhBA2rlBe82gYsTSHnGeMuWEo_rbC4rhI3Xf7RHnTGDCqZkBxhpb9P7qg1UeJ5CN9z7v4I_5p3YUTXqujE6gZd4GtmfPVZzX15-HKD6ZzOx6Rc2Sxe2Q/s1600/DSC_0301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDoXZi1pwoH9hilhAaLBWrM0GhBA2rlBe82gYsTSHnGeMuWEo_rbC4rhI3Xf7RHnTGDCqZkBxhpb9P7qg1UeJ5CN9z7v4I_5p3YUTXqujE6gZd4GtmfPVZzX15-HKD6ZzOx6Rc2Sxe2Q/s320/DSC_0301.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mandalay Hill Sunset</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHykcA4xkczIechovWccuMUtGJh1vIrQyMPRvpKDKP8km1yOib5DnlusfCmt58Dq_8M1fjUng-x_qvqlbR_DMc_nxsAbEtz_nAnSqS_2rcU4tQXwsWO-f7Y7owUyD_zAKc6YhOfJX_5k/s1600/DSC_0303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHykcA4xkczIechovWccuMUtGJh1vIrQyMPRvpKDKP8km1yOib5DnlusfCmt58Dq_8M1fjUng-x_qvqlbR_DMc_nxsAbEtz_nAnSqS_2rcU4tQXwsWO-f7Y7owUyD_zAKc6YhOfJX_5k/s320/DSC_0303.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mandalay Hill Moon Scape</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9pI4QLbLmJqgVoaaRGGZyH9SlL5HY69Gdsh2OimsjhBs3CNA8vmyFkztEVKDvs_A4pIr5w0ejU0jDdSoNkOrxZ2hh9e-fH8FJ1Wp84FmjPvXThZZzXxrSazgl_xwufjzul8jJeH3-Bc/s1600/DSC_0302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9pI4QLbLmJqgVoaaRGGZyH9SlL5HY69Gdsh2OimsjhBs3CNA8vmyFkztEVKDvs_A4pIr5w0ejU0jDdSoNkOrxZ2hh9e-fH8FJ1Wp84FmjPvXThZZzXxrSazgl_xwufjzul8jJeH3-Bc/s320/DSC_0302.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Plaq<span style="font-size: small;">ue Commemorati<span style="font-size: small;">ng Gurka Victory Du<span style="font-size: small;">ring World War ll</span></span></span></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">INLE LAKE</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The next morning it was up early to fly to Heho the site of a former Japanese World War ll air base to begin our excursion in the Inle Lake area. We
were all looking forward to settling in for several days and having the
chance to both see and experience as well as relax in this unique
cultural and natural landscape. </span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inle Lake, Burma's second largest, is set in a classic horst and graben geologic structure where a block of land through faulting has been depressed while adjoining areas have been uplifted forming the mountain ranges bordering the low lying Inle Lake basin. Inle Lake with a surface area of 44.9 square miles is 13 miles long and about 6.5 miles wide at its widest. The lake varies in depth from 7 to 12 feet depending on the season and amount of rain falling in the lake's drainage basin. In 1985 the Inle Lake Wetland Sanctuary was established in order to conserve and protect the natural vegetation, wetland birds and fresh water fishes as well as important upland geologic features and scenic values among other goals.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The inhabitants surrounding the lake include Shan, PaO and Intha people. The latter, who who number about 70,000 live along the lake shore and over the lake in wooden houses built on stilts. The Intha practice a form of hydroponic gardening that was introduced in the 1960's. Requiring considerable manual labor floating gardens or Kyun Myaw are made by obtaining a floating mat made of sediment and old decayed water hyacinth, weeds and reeds which are cut into long pieces then towed to a new location where they are anchored directly to the lake bed by bamboo poles. It takes years for a thick layer of floating land to form around the rim of the lake. These floating islands form the bed on which a variety of vegetables are grown.The nutrient rich lake waters permit the growing of large amounts of tomatoes while water hyacinth is harvested from the lake. Water hyacinth is used to make a variety of goods including bags, shawls, headdresses and baskets. Special robes for Buddha images called kya thingahn are made from a unique fabric made from lotus plant fibers. Other items grown around the lake include beans, cauliflower, cabbage, eggplant, garlic,onions,betel vine, melon, papaya and banana. Rice is primarily grown at the northern end of the lake. Inle is also famous for its woven cotton and silk fabrics.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In keeping with our desire to explore life ways and traditional culture we avoided packaged lake trips which usually feature stops at numerous work shops set up for tourists and for which boat drivers receive a commission for bringing tourist. This type of circuit did not exist on our pre 2006 visits. The number of fisherman practicing their unique and famous leg rowing method of propelling their small craft has diminished significantly. On this trip we noted a couple of leg rowers waiting near the mouth of the long canal leading to Nyaungshwe to serve as photographic subjects for a fee of course. The number of one cylinder diesel and outboard motor propelled boats has increased as residents abandon their unique leg powered propulsion technique.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the way from Heho to Nyaungshwe we stopped at the Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery, a wooden structure which has become famous owing to the many pictures tourists have taken of young monks (who at times now seem to intentionally pose) peering out of the darkened openings created by a series of oval windows. Next door is a stucco structure whose internal walls hold many niches with recently placed Buddha images. A highlight of this stop was the opportunity to share food with groups of PaO women who had come from a nearby village to worship as this our visit coincided with the end of Buddhist Lent. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTChJ4foUZryYOKkhBeXih0nYMYBWcqEa0IKQXSkY13R8Oa7ebm_aP-0Py9iz6Dq8mr6cSyCf0YQGH-qLVWUzPHTkI5YksyJX1eiXPTve9IfZm4Vi3qoHleKKRxj1ZpMOpX-5PwVCYm8/s1600/DSC_0306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTChJ4foUZryYOKkhBeXih0nYMYBWcqEa0IKQXSkY13R8Oa7ebm_aP-0Py9iz6Dq8mr6cSyCf0YQGH-qLVWUzPHTkI5YksyJX1eiXPTve9IfZm4Vi3qoHleKKRxj1ZpMOpX-5PwVCYm8/s320/DSC_0306.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLXpJqiT8p9wu3hQehqEzZDOXJnnm8mxb4LCbrBplIRPGscm73ZAZ35_HgHUxlIkFj9nWcGsUVvEr_gEok1zUzZqPBTcqRcSclzhpvvESvjtOchXQq3fpURBlwzFWsRX1mHGmEwq1-81c/s1600/DSC_0309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLXpJqiT8p9wu3hQehqEzZDOXJnnm8mxb4LCbrBplIRPGscm73ZAZ35_HgHUxlIkFj9nWcGsUVvEr_gEok1zUzZqPBTcqRcSclzhpvvESvjtOchXQq3fpURBlwzFWsRX1mHGmEwq1-81c/s320/DSC_0309.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Flowers in Temple Grounds</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAPgmyCAvT82enm1JI_HcBJrIHCU7J7D9qgLtjw45W4peZY5K9KeuS9wxfzfpSMHqAlCdoHlKAIW-i7s3oKsAwFxhaw4loKd-sM_5rNap3JTtGBScBDcGCuAMPo1hPNlWNBCxQKtnbzo/s1600/DSC_0312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAPgmyCAvT82enm1JI_HcBJrIHCU7J7D9qgLtjw45W4peZY5K9KeuS9wxfzfpSMHqAlCdoHlKAIW-i7s3oKsAwFxhaw4loKd-sM_5rNap3JTtGBScBDcGCuAMPo1hPNlWNBCxQKtnbzo/s320/DSC_0312.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Decorations on Wall of Adjacent Structure</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyScMdWY2UeAiRXM-vwRfkPZXI-NNc5RQbs9VNEb0NF9FL7XjlhqkSbQxwZVmezoh1f9HsUptwl8LTFlCovWmsiEpaRbO1uQKyZJPoVacS57QeCEcbFwCVJyK_qM0eDhWL7Xfb2hSScwg/s1600/DSC_0313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyScMdWY2UeAiRXM-vwRfkPZXI-NNc5RQbs9VNEb0NF9FL7XjlhqkSbQxwZVmezoh1f9HsUptwl8LTFlCovWmsiEpaRbO1uQKyZJPoVacS57QeCEcbFwCVJyK_qM0eDhWL7Xfb2hSScwg/s320/DSC_0313.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some of the Many Buddhas in Niches of Temple</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRI_xg99E1p-y9PmBsMw6N_HGc2_sSXan79tQadn4ny5dp5c1NmIvGpV3fL0szZfRoGyg3NJ5nYIOiqHd49yXTELVdtK8_qcvI0kI4H48547e1aGHtsPTJo1OxUQo-VLV13Gx-rmwGjTw/s1600/DSC_0319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRI_xg99E1p-y9PmBsMw6N_HGc2_sSXan79tQadn4ny5dp5c1NmIvGpV3fL0szZfRoGyg3NJ5nYIOiqHd49yXTELVdtK8_qcvI0kI4H48547e1aGHtsPTJo1OxUQo-VLV13Gx-rmwGjTw/s320/DSC_0319.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shrine</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1ZwOG0TThrpBn4GdXoxf_wLogt1CLQ_4vqGOxKeLnh5QZxAmx6KvldXuFjKJzUe544480gRSGUfmbyRTNWcVcVNfy6lVeRCagno-KGunwyJ4nLNvIkIETZCKU-Z78NPo-FkC69g5l2Y/s1600/DSC_0324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1ZwOG0TThrpBn4GdXoxf_wLogt1CLQ_4vqGOxKeLnh5QZxAmx6KvldXuFjKJzUe544480gRSGUfmbyRTNWcVcVNfy6lVeRCagno-KGunwyJ4nLNvIkIETZCKU-Z78NPo-FkC69g5l2Y/s320/DSC_0324.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Buddha I<span style="font-size: small;">m</span>age with Floral Offerings</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiU0c-4dOMwpUs7CFw6floeNTraXpsu718gKaWwqMOpK3xLs1XZ7jYD8cJUFHIu3lNYqL0pRUXWw_o_7Fvd28s1y6S7cIpPNPD2AFmTXRyEywNMPQetmDH43QYvht3Ddi6oVu8-ZkMUlg/s1600/DSC_0326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiU0c-4dOMwpUs7CFw6floeNTraXpsu718gKaWwqMOpK3xLs1XZ7jYD8cJUFHIu3lNYqL0pRUXWw_o_7Fvd28s1y6S7cIpPNPD2AFmTXRyEywNMPQetmDH43QYvht3Ddi6oVu8-ZkMUlg/s320/DSC_0326.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Praying</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGcCF1kGfw4dmTm55QXcyNtsxcXzyyPvGTMhStnIgziEmq87BZ37no4hQ1Ci0k84YM7Lu2DsMibAfTGPK_eSUSxQJ7B4kmIirpeuw15Oxv_K4X7QAL1_iu9hjZj0IV6DFjgmOdOmkxh3o/s1600/DSC_0327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGcCF1kGfw4dmTm55QXcyNtsxcXzyyPvGTMhStnIgziEmq87BZ37no4hQ1Ci0k84YM7Lu2DsMibAfTGPK_eSUSxQJ7B4kmIirpeuw15Oxv_K4X7QAL1_iu9hjZj0IV6DFjgmOdOmkxh3o/s320/DSC_0327.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Buddha I<span style="font-size: small;">mage</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzbmP3YDexzxn-Y3_xrdwWfiGi-7wN6Wwwa-X52tbYNohC6ehz0LTGS1sP03Ajcz3iHo40GbroVijZCam3KvKSzTyy_z0RvCUBj1YdbgWssoNcAj7pequkXmwmxEeKVEjqbYHtWTZ1rs/s1600/DSC_0332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDzbmP3YDexzxn-Y3_xrdwWfiGi-7wN6Wwwa-X52tbYNohC6ehz0LTGS1sP03Ajcz3iHo40GbroVijZCam3KvKSzTyy_z0RvCUBj1YdbgWssoNcAj7pequkXmwmxEeKVEjqbYHtWTZ1rs/s320/DSC_0332.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kate and Alan Trying PaO Food</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEOEndB8OtCWomZcHHccsKhCYrkGxABnhdAAu5AdpeKo3KGuiamVZ1FQMa5dtPKeimjvQgohZtp1gLSw-cjix0CR0gTfax8UEfUAPMPAjNtw91M7-deRhNk0xdSzAWmkEfASyNw12rjo/s1600/DSC_0334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEOEndB8OtCWomZcHHccsKhCYrkGxABnhdAAu5AdpeKo3KGuiamVZ1FQMa5dtPKeimjvQgohZtp1gLSw-cjix0CR0gTfax8UEfUAPMPAjNtw91M7-deRhNk0xdSzAWmkEfASyNw12rjo/s320/DSC_0334.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Linda and Jack Join In</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our friends of 30 years Thaung Lwin and Tin Nwe Yee and their daughter Theingi and son in law Aung Aung welcomed us back to an expanded and improved Teak Wood Hotel. Tin is descended from a former Sawbaw and Chief of Yaungshwe who also was the first President of Burma after independence. Their assistance insured that we would have as much of an off the beaten track.experience as possible in the rapidly expanding tourist presence in Inle. After a Shan lunch a bit of a walkabout we had a late afternoon introduction to the lake by canoe. The stillness and rural scenery along small canals provided a restful respite from the noisy traffic of the main canal leading into Nyaungshwe. Upon return we enjoyed a delicious dinner of local food.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAlSe1VtcnDEj3xwkSVQ5o8-6gupmcDeil8Jfq0dVk-TDtsYuux3X_aagC2ekFuCE3fFpgPo2OZLA7ss0sBJPvaBZ4Ce8YDYYNbWU90UeyUuZNbT2Bf2zBo_CVw3FuLD2Yybnl-k43dyM/s1600/DSC_0340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAlSe1VtcnDEj3xwkSVQ5o8-6gupmcDeil8Jfq0dVk-TDtsYuux3X_aagC2ekFuCE3fFpgPo2OZLA7ss0sBJPvaBZ4Ce8YDYYNbWU90UeyUuZNbT2Bf2zBo_CVw3FuLD2Yybnl-k43dyM/s320/DSC_0340.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Quiet Canals by Canoe</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitb3VVjieHzAEuziIgumpRs8ZzyixADqxH9hTKKL1kY1gtHWzqycKTB3PZEbn7lhZzh83YLLc-MEmy_AJNeCveL8mU4IzAvQhE1R7s1G6Pif7SA69qZlXBJoRhJCsuO1fTLNQD87HiyYU/s1600/DSC_0342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitb3VVjieHzAEuziIgumpRs8ZzyixADqxH9hTKKL1kY1gtHWzqycKTB3PZEbn7lhZzh83YLLc-MEmy_AJNeCveL8mU4IzAvQhE1R7s1G6Pif7SA69qZlXBJoRhJCsuO1fTLNQD87HiyYU/s320/DSC_0342.JPG" width="271" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ple<span style="font-size: small;">as</span>ing <span style="font-size: small;">Sce<span style="font-size: small;">nery</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hGE201Bl4KUXc3kwaBscZG2YzcxzkApuPc8LI7gFm0Njf_ODStOSUrlRm7YzK0h789RW459_nbpfHcTrFbBjsaI6bxstaQtOvJ5CLpj4_TL6ImMdx6dhtGjgvx2SdK-2AbjfrJkFDQc/s1600/DSC_0348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hGE201Bl4KUXc3kwaBscZG2YzcxzkApuPc8LI7gFm0Njf_ODStOSUrlRm7YzK0h789RW459_nbpfHcTrFbBjsaI6bxstaQtOvJ5CLpj4_TL6ImMdx6dhtGjgvx2SdK-2AbjfrJkFDQc/s320/DSC_0348.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Home Made Flo<span style="font-size: small;">tation</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFizcVWEurPa3kb2Bh3Kas9tRR-4xNwPRQJGLPbIu13b1mrilQOJ16B9lcweQzO20h1e3vWVrzF_yfgMGuXttvNCC-xAeY-FzzUDzqGWyO7gQuBOMXAa_a-XMS6_lSxJew4MACz_NV9ks/s1600/DSC_0352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFizcVWEurPa3kb2Bh3Kas9tRR-4xNwPRQJGLPbIu13b1mrilQOJ16B9lcweQzO20h1e3vWVrzF_yfgMGuXttvNCC-xAeY-FzzUDzqGWyO7gQuBOMXAa_a-XMS6_lSxJew4MACz_NV9ks/s320/DSC_0352.JPG" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rural Quiet</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7j0OBEGMMC-DrYPCa5wXrAZJRTyWfbalDk2ecEMRUE19LqFYq1AB28IYmlXuieFAMsTwQZNeuUHWo82nP8Ncmc8K1arXcxlJr5W9QZo0WfbMfCC98NtOGqOTaBm0bO_PrMnNzhNghuw/s1600/DSC_0355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7j0OBEGMMC-DrYPCa5wXrAZJRTyWfbalDk2ecEMRUE19LqFYq1AB28IYmlXuieFAMsTwQZNeuUHWo82nP8Ncmc8K1arXcxlJr5W9QZo0WfbMfCC98NtOGqOTaBm0bO_PrMnNzhNghuw/s320/DSC_0355.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Alan and Kate Looking at Water Lillies</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNUPoidvK07aJ9sQMt2IUN0zBBzhRHVE4PGhXCYrYVUbwNrv66H1CxVCBY9VXdkvgzxJlwb-k91-hZOoNHvEB89YZ5cyMVxv7W8_c5cJDgcEtTiONrqLGpXTDSle99Epn1Nai0rqv2ow/s1600/DSC_0366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNUPoidvK07aJ9sQMt2IUN0zBBzhRHVE4PGhXCYrYVUbwNrv66H1CxVCBY9VXdkvgzxJlwb-k91-hZOoNHvEB89YZ5cyMVxv7W8_c5cJDgcEtTiONrqLGpXTDSle99Epn1Nai0rqv2ow/s320/DSC_0366.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Heading Tow<span style="font-size: small;">ar</span>ds a Village</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlOLiAss_y3p3DmQDQdwbaQzhVlJwrgt8akH82aCFsWV8HPr1O9UgPnlPr10idHMg7G4eFX2Q0HT5fJsUHEUSt1AI1ZtMS4FkQBD0jj-Viwk7yE_GqE-RjpXfc-dG_2DF2hnVclvtiN28/s1600/DSC_0347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlOLiAss_y3p3DmQDQdwbaQzhVlJwrgt8akH82aCFsWV8HPr1O9UgPnlPr10idHMg7G4eFX2Q0HT5fJsUHEUSt1AI1ZtMS4FkQBD0jj-Viwk7yE_GqE-RjpXfc-dG_2DF2hnVclvtiN28/s320/DSC_0347.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Washing Time</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-AVZY77j0VNRMgviczTF3MDUIfELLdk0Cal_zqtnJR6qfx7Ndun7HQwXmJwr0G5CtTpZ2jZ7tc5ET4XfQuuqiyDr2zUrTVIUzAPRdqTaXaRhpPzy3g8rXKTUiSoO9sEF7aBp2a7kC2FY/s1600/DSC_0368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-AVZY77j0VNRMgviczTF3MDUIfELLdk0Cal_zqtnJR6qfx7Ndun7HQwXmJwr0G5CtTpZ2jZ7tc5ET4XfQuuqiyDr2zUrTVIUzAPRdqTaXaRhpPzy3g8rXKTUiSoO9sEF7aBp2a7kC2FY/s320/DSC_0368.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Leg Rowing Inle Style</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGODx5_H1UOCtOpMt_Q71SBzwxRyV53v4Pn12FeJHPDZ27FMIH0WPuAKFpAzWgV9eassMYkbWAmKEW_gJZF57CYaDq7IGGciuSp16ZHA8l8s7uaFzAQxSjTu0EdS9z0cy1yXhlyzsnblI/s1600/DSC_0354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGODx5_H1UOCtOpMt_Q71SBzwxRyV53v4Pn12FeJHPDZ27FMIH0WPuAKFpAzWgV9eassMYkbWAmKEW_gJZF57CYaDq7IGGciuSp16ZHA8l8s7uaFzAQxSjTu0EdS9z0cy1yXhlyzsnblI/s320/DSC_0354.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Phwe Phwe and Bruce Enjoying the View</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-AR8DaUqeq9AUHwht_5K-3mI-fxpAaQbAtLs5y-Pl7d0Yadfj4oQuuk3moYKDPbNoC0ibqoSZ8nNO5SNpcGmhlDCEtZJlMx5qhO3yicG9HxWaTIL2fV7vHGuS0EyY2wrJ3v3GsCsrOY/s1600/DSC_0371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-AR8DaUqeq9AUHwht_5K-3mI-fxpAaQbAtLs5y-Pl7d0Yadfj4oQuuk3moYKDPbNoC0ibqoSZ8nNO5SNpcGmhlDCEtZJlMx5qhO3yicG9HxWaTIL2fV7vHGuS0EyY2wrJ3v3GsCsrOY/s320/DSC_0371.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rural Home</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5Z47ycX81dz1XTH5VQhD7QI4qPUwfP29Am3z1ov1SAZbLTC9rwogXVBPTuIDWqmpdH0Dd4sJdlV_ViQypXVwxH53XwxpLZGjvNeu4yQBHpqkYCv-u60LoCi1wNzHepUj_2PNv6-UDKc/s1600/DSC_0373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5Z47ycX81dz1XTH5VQhD7QI4qPUwfP29Am3z1ov1SAZbLTC9rwogXVBPTuIDWqmpdH0Dd4sJdlV_ViQypXVwxH53XwxpLZGjvNeu4yQBHpqkYCv-u60LoCi1wNzHepUj_2PNv6-UDKc/s320/DSC_0373.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Heading Home at Sunset</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Paung Dao Oo Monastery is the central monastery in Inle Lake and is the home of five revered Buddha images which vary in size from nine to eighteen inches. The images are believed to have been brought to the Inle Lake area by King Alaungsithu of Bagan.These images have received so much gold leaf from pilgrims over the past 100 or so years that they no longer resemble their original forms. </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Pilgrims may also place a small robe or thingan around the images which they then take home and place on their own altar as a sign of respect for the Buddha and his teachings.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We timed our visit to coincide with the latter stages of the famous Paung Dao Oo festival.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every year during the festival which lasts around 18 days in September/October four of the images are transported around the lake from monastery to monastery making as many as 21 stops along its circuit. The fifth image remains at the Paung Dao Oo Monastery to act as a guardian and to welcome pilgrims. The trip between monasteries may involve stopping only at lunch time or staying the night as worshipers come from near and far to pay their respects by making offerings of food, water, fruit and flowers and men to apply yet more gold leaf on the images.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The images are carried between monasteries on a large royal barge designed after a mythical bird the Karaweik. The Karaweik barge is pulled by a series of boats linked by lines and each propelled by 70-100 leg rowers. The long line of leg rowers and the royal barges make for an impressive sight. Lining the route which has been decorated with various colorful constructions villagers with offerings wait in their small craft for the procession to pass. The individual boats are decorated and the rowers usually wear the same shan style uniform of tan pants and a white shirt. At the center of the boat one may see men dancing on a raised platform and hear music from drums, gongs or a recording coming from a loudspeaker.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After an early morning departure to a spectacular sunrise over the adjacent mountains we arrived to witness the procession moving from Nyaung Taw to In Paw Khone. On the way we had our first introduction to over water village life as we glided along "streets" of water. As the</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">procession had begun at 7:00am and was to cover only a short distance we arrived near the end of the procession. As the waterway leading to In Paw Kone is quite narrow, the barge was docked some distance away and the various boats pulling the barge positioned themselves around the nearby village thus presenting an excellent opportunity to be up close with the leg rowers putting on a good show of their skill. We found a place to tie up and then walked to observe the activities of the throng of devotees which included many PaO people.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-XucBVSOEyxj4cDezkQw4PDsoyW12HHOk48F0i8ZnVlh5W5e20NYJT6e7INyvZqfOTyV4e6a8C6zkeisUCFMvWDoiTXsX0VNV3WnbWrBkuwUTBKoEvR30nwMha_R-JG2I95ynWkHZng/s1600/DSC_0394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-XucBVSOEyxj4cDezkQw4PDsoyW12HHOk48F0i8ZnVlh5W5e20NYJT6e7INyvZqfOTyV4e6a8C6zkeisUCFMvWDoiTXsX0VNV3WnbWrBkuwUTBKoEvR30nwMha_R-JG2I95ynWkHZng/s320/DSC_0394.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Early Morning on the Lake</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMu4lySW1PyAPCKTyTs744k3oZYYPBdQRJ3w-4FIAfgFSCVIFjJ7yVITJnEoX03ivRYdB4koJO84GX6OtW43SvDCu0o7tWex6pnhx_SWGKaTxBG_FxY3xkw8PcVMUEUbmDIew60-BndC4/s1600/DSC_0406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMu4lySW1PyAPCKTyTs744k3oZYYPBdQRJ3w-4FIAfgFSCVIFjJ7yVITJnEoX03ivRYdB4koJO84GX6OtW43SvDCu0o7tWex6pnhx_SWGKaTxBG_FxY3xkw8PcVMUEUbmDIew60-BndC4/s320/DSC_0406.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sunrise</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4u4RrDx3w_5gkT4izHQWSfrCDWe4fy5qUpRUnwdqG6H5UC-LxD1dnZ-rnqiRVJe1h98fRUJqz2WdGD8IlFNQj8SJuw4lfKD6KCYStXUVYtEr7eLCmgXUKSnXmh7M3sHicKAc_w7yNSHg/s1600/DSC_0420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4u4RrDx3w_5gkT4izHQWSfrCDWe4fy5qUpRUnwdqG6H5UC-LxD1dnZ-rnqiRVJe1h98fRUJqz2WdGD8IlFNQj8SJuw4lfKD6KCYStXUVYtEr7eLCmgXUKSnXmh7M3sHicKAc_w7yNSHg/s320/DSC_0420.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Clouds and Mountains</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7toKpnVS-kQZ-gf8GOmQlG4Z_YwpoISiu7KMAymZDQBfDfNse6pzyqVoJQ7V8eRSarHLmFqgtfyKx8SXqkokJhUfPOKx3hClXmYatUVjzt9Iiir1tV0ioEO266hT1uEj12-aZ9XTolg/s1600/DSC_0430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7toKpnVS-kQZ-gf8GOmQlG4Z_YwpoISiu7KMAymZDQBfDfNse6pzyqVoJQ7V8eRSarHLmFqgtfyKx8SXqkokJhUfPOKx3hClXmYatUVjzt9Iiir1tV0ioEO266hT1uEj12-aZ9XTolg/s320/DSC_0430.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lak<span style="font-size: small;">e Houses on Stilts</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ioBbVvbSmUxnOWTbEdfaWBCJAEspBa-Hz-xDkmS0WQi_HSHcJQjyHvIUpurROgTe1WkObQ-KeW9G2DMTxtL04W9i0nGhS98OOPXBTBpWuVWWvtrQKsVbO0KPbC-mU87TVW7eDnUueYc/s1600/DSC_0440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ioBbVvbSmUxnOWTbEdfaWBCJAEspBa-Hz-xDkmS0WQi_HSHcJQjyHvIUpurROgTe1WkObQ-KeW9G2DMTxtL04W9i0nGhS98OOPXBTBpWuVWWvtrQKsVbO0KPbC-mU87TVW7eDnUueYc/s320/DSC_0440.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A Typical Team of Leg Rowers Who Pull the Karaweik Barge</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtnjli28aYRTAxvkhq2kgdlnVXq3kqiZLp_Z8uueVbcmXq2S7VS4Tmbb5Lxt9nlDCVYMXy_Wzv9T6WkUfpbaY1NK_0VzINrB-ap-M-k0aZh9YjTa0ilvZcDlnmY7g_VUcLjaOqCNTSGQ/s1600/DSC_0443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtnjli28aYRTAxvkhq2kgdlnVXq3kqiZLp_Z8uueVbcmXq2S7VS4Tmbb5Lxt9nlDCVYMXy_Wzv9T6WkUfpbaY1NK_0VzINrB-ap-M-k0aZh9YjTa0ilvZcDlnmY7g_VUcLjaOqCNTSGQ/s320/DSC_0443.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">L<span style="font-size: small;">ittle</span> Freeb<span style="font-size: small;">oa</span>rd<span style="font-size: small;"> to Spare!</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwO073HQyZdm65Xt3QfOIBAkayqid-caoS8hh19V9SUYLUH6frh7rBD3mSJUZcAquTRAfApQDkHZ-C1_gTJEUeWR6Pp9BsZfXSRQnrAd4IOVoarRTuM0uUosRZTzm_1eNqzluIK5mK90w/s1600/DSC_0445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwO073HQyZdm65Xt3QfOIBAkayqid-caoS8hh19V9SUYLUH6frh7rBD3mSJUZcAquTRAfApQDkHZ-C1_gTJEUeWR6Pp9BsZfXSRQnrAd4IOVoarRTuM0uUosRZTzm_1eNqzluIK5mK90w/s320/DSC_0445.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">On Board Celebratory Dancing</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMdEQmjgvWDLVBW9vWdfVsg6w7PVZEjDrXF23vHx39757b2QvO7FiMoA4LiilnAN7c8FgO4vgjL6WUA7HPpezmiXmijB7E7FxfjfEVHSJU-nH8-LrqXpSCK6gvBzv7j9UMFrPEgSj1Mg/s1600/DSC_0449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMdEQmjgvWDLVBW9vWdfVsg6w7PVZEjDrXF23vHx39757b2QvO7FiMoA4LiilnAN7c8FgO4vgjL6WUA7HPpezmiXmijB7E7FxfjfEVHSJU-nH8-LrqXpSCK6gvBzv7j9UMFrPEgSj1Mg/s320/DSC_0449.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Putting <span style="font-size: small;">Your Leg to the Task</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRjYxTdYn-nwMlMDfq2XWFig9XYKSCAEtdGcxJtYzc-QoKkQFcmbajBsYQT04fdqqjpGwmekybENhOMImdLaFTWOpd5iVpuIrb4cIKJ5AP4FohEZFgH0Paw0EAePtWy3swzAASs2_inU/s1600/DSC_0452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRjYxTdYn-nwMlMDfq2XWFig9XYKSCAEtdGcxJtYzc-QoKkQFcmbajBsYQT04fdqqjpGwmekybENhOMImdLaFTWOpd5iVpuIrb4cIKJ5AP4FohEZFgH0Paw0EAePtWy3swzAASs2_inU/s320/DSC_0452.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Typical Inle Lake Monastery in Background</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicp-XN0yQFKw2he6QK5qK6rXXlqJkV_-94mzkVCpih-QumZrxWmDiF8dQE5-qpa4Wz2AFSY-YZRfoCbyCVDdcskDJEflJA3zz0Prdh2HJp3-St6gdL_T6PecjamAX4NAYCQg3al55OIjc/s1600/DSC_0453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicp-XN0yQFKw2he6QK5qK6rXXlqJkV_-94mzkVCpih-QumZrxWmDiF8dQE5-qpa4Wz2AFSY-YZRfoCbyCVDdcskDJEflJA3zz0Prdh2HJp3-St6gdL_T6PecjamAX4NAYCQg3al55OIjc/s320/DSC_0453.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Powering Up</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF77Soa40OGG7eFaziiWwjGae5lvdQDzKjhF7jJ9SLyc8XJNufiZDVCHhwJsnp-07EGDSoyGNPw7Ujy7_3vhAVo0y5D8HSE0gR0pVJp2KyjzZxbd7GVdBaBv2qOmwMiWoZjdUDf8lDXXI/s1600/DSC_0454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF77Soa40OGG7eFaziiWwjGae5lvdQDzKjhF7jJ9SLyc8XJNufiZDVCHhwJsnp-07EGDSoyGNPw7Ujy7_3vhAVo0y5D8HSE0gR0pVJp2KyjzZxbd7GVdBaBv2qOmwMiWoZjdUDf8lDXXI/s320/DSC_0454.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Karaweik Barge Carrying Four Sacred Buddha Images</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEgdTERlV7jOjLBKpYIPbE4gxqGRt-022oj9qYh0xS6gIKbQcR7zsJK4pMyjNpWYys6fn1DgShlh3xUUAeHMfRhrC0Y0sgb0HPqANyWjSB1Y57DSEIbaPjNBISVjxqSga44J8oyP5-GQ/s1600/DSC_0460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEgdTERlV7jOjLBKpYIPbE4gxqGRt-022oj9qYh0xS6gIKbQcR7zsJK4pMyjNpWYys6fn1DgShlh3xUUAeHMfRhrC0Y0sgb0HPqANyWjSB1Y57DSEIbaPjNBISVjxqSga44J8oyP5-GQ/s320/DSC_0460.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Monks on the Way to In Paw Khone Pagoda</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DsS-bkQuScr_g97B1G5SaP9wLovjRRK2HKKVMf7qz9KJmPeGEuwZKK8J3G6shUFsmAefHTy8yHWEn0lZxU5QE82Z6wdIa20Us98oqtyHBdLPW5yvJfs06E_ejvJQNPEUKt6rtFHdDHk/s1600/DSC_0472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DsS-bkQuScr_g97B1G5SaP9wLovjRRK2HKKVMf7qz9KJmPeGEuwZKK8J3G6shUFsmAefHTy8yHWEn0lZxU5QE82Z6wdIa20Us98oqtyHBdLPW5yvJfs06E_ejvJQNPEUKt6rtFHdDHk/s320/DSC_0472.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rowing Together</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEolWN41HTL9O76AcBLCL1rbA__SbjfZuK8FMizCt2A1Cbfwdxd9I-ANZF7XWNw6cHDAnHskVec1mSAAOcSHxW43Hh6mHIHY69oE9b_lXNZAXpSc1J50gTEMpfsBb8s7sm3tgHHgvbmQ/s1600/DSC_0488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEolWN41HTL9O76AcBLCL1rbA__SbjfZuK8FMizCt2A1Cbfwdxd9I-ANZF7XWNw6cHDAnHskVec1mSAAOcSHxW43Hh6mHIHY69oE9b_lXNZAXpSc1J50gTEMpfsBb8s7sm3tgHHgvbmQ/s320/DSC_0488.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Close Up of Leg <span style="font-size: small;">Rowing</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7oiqjk7WMq4nkhQxpm4A0XS1iHVc-t6IWJ05dAyCVb_-hT4uZ_pcqQ2WKWZg8tOvbVEx9RTb-1vaww2GEu-nOlP0vSI-fAJfvneMX82Du_wA7KytOeNxIu8GnjiAJdxOytMmyur_0EQ0/s1600/DSC_0489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7oiqjk7WMq4nkhQxpm4A0XS1iHVc-t6IWJ05dAyCVb_-hT4uZ_pcqQ2WKWZg8tOvbVEx9RTb-1vaww2GEu-nOlP0vSI-fAJfvneMX82Du_wA7KytOeNxIu8GnjiAJdxOytMmyur_0EQ0/s320/DSC_0489.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Moving Fast</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHovaJ3IDbuZ56G0Z0nCFxrzIuPtqgWd67KAt3S4A5xJEjbc2RWvZX55scjckwh2SDAhI2HZi71KUETl37YNr7Y2AFlTPf5HSpLBcozCxQSrtXJzCO-kYfNRUW0DvsR3ZASxANZUPOCc/s1600/DSC_0497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHovaJ3IDbuZ56G0Z0nCFxrzIuPtqgWd67KAt3S4A5xJEjbc2RWvZX55scjckwh2SDAhI2HZi71KUETl37YNr7Y2AFlTPf5HSpLBcozCxQSrtXJzCO-kYfNRUW0DvsR3ZASxANZUPOCc/s320/DSC_0497.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Moving in Rhythm</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZb6m8ydV_ESwUYCey_aAV8xbGW_V1fB6tykU9_-f7wtTRtnLu_hCawvtIzqlKb9AiiNARTZrSVcmKuThnqJt8Q6X-SJKKNBwSmUGOy5Dt5d1QUXhDHrMBad-x1EGGbzkZRx_AoKNkfs/s1600/DSC_0500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZb6m8ydV_ESwUYCey_aAV8xbGW_V1fB6tykU9_-f7wtTRtnLu_hCawvtIzqlKb9AiiNARTZrSVcmKuThnqJt8Q6X-SJKKNBwSmUGOy5Dt5d1QUXhDHrMBad-x1EGGbzkZRx_AoKNkfs/s320/DSC_0500.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Children Partici<span style="font-size: small;">pating</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNXRbFP6TzzmaVRu3fE9SlrWfourVdgtRbjan-BiHxVhk5znfRSi25Zm2kWYA02WpJGfwNToWAdY6BIRUqh32iEqSyQGXVK6tELgzoV9tgEm3EyHBjRBUr-Zg0soDeYP1sYFPXg2vu_c/s1600/DSC_0503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNXRbFP6TzzmaVRu3fE9SlrWfourVdgtRbjan-BiHxVhk5znfRSi25Zm2kWYA02WpJGfwNToWAdY6BIRUqh32iEqSyQGXVK6tELgzoV9tgEm3EyHBjRBUr-Zg0soDeYP1sYFPXg2vu_c/s320/DSC_0503.JPG" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Even the Very Young Learn</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0Dh94WI7XPefoHo8PuAIVxIdJyZjmFQ6hOoWnvJaJ6uEt1ML-XOnlFvvotYsuvKrZE8AjAKb_i-rQo_fWgoXgTqwwVsgXr-0N0foGE0Er-i3UYX5y-bEerLQHYn0QKla_vE502duyMg/s1600/DSC_0522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0Dh94WI7XPefoHo8PuAIVxIdJyZjmFQ6hOoWnvJaJ6uEt1ML-XOnlFvvotYsuvKrZE8AjAKb_i-rQo_fWgoXgTqwwVsgXr-0N0foGE0Er-i3UYX5y-bEerLQHYn0QKla_vE502duyMg/s320/DSC_0522.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Karawe<span style="font-size: small;">ik Barge</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Wm9LDRvqIe_RYcKjFukWbC_pHFCGTZM6El4ai8iZz_AzP-9_98cGETlEMERMvu3p1CkFc8RZmz6kh3WqJpQCwN9jUKv345JWygz5jxx3w1K5F8zZ3X2wcjg4QwEsvz4f5Whoc1Hz-Fg/s1600/DSC_0526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Wm9LDRvqIe_RYcKjFukWbC_pHFCGTZM6El4ai8iZz_AzP-9_98cGETlEMERMvu3p1CkFc8RZmz6kh3WqJpQCwN9jUKv345JWygz5jxx3w1K5F8zZ3X2wcjg4QwEsvz4f5Whoc1Hz-Fg/s320/DSC_0526.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Happy Pilgrims</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87MhuzWLUvDUekvdA7eZMSKf9fS2v_7qirBxfM0iafbx2zadPjnTTan-DY-4PCUN1MFcJeN9mDQreBwy0TNeo1IBRdJww-9V3Ey2zc-5TH2npz4qQAbTI3-mxH3pyRHAKGIv1NlgdZHc/s1600/DSC_0534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87MhuzWLUvDUekvdA7eZMSKf9fS2v_7qirBxfM0iafbx2zadPjnTTan-DY-4PCUN1MFcJeN9mDQreBwy0TNeo1IBRdJww-9V3Ey2zc-5TH2npz4qQAbTI3-mxH3pyRHAKGIv1NlgdZHc/s320/DSC_0534.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">PaO Women at In Paw Kone Pagoda</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2zsn8QQ0Mg-eU9ZlguC-XQqS1fQQD1XEMKK8cf-I0QiEmrwkFV1Lvroabs_eYpQYWVqx_JwsZe0qE296haxUgRpW3ZEU7r5FZD_jK_124Ci0eiTBZ8MhdCHnHIS1QqYPDq0qAJqOiEs/s1600/DSC_0546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2zsn8QQ0Mg-eU9ZlguC-XQqS1fQQD1XEMKK8cf-I0QiEmrwkFV1Lvroabs_eYpQYWVqx_JwsZe0qE296haxUgRpW3ZEU7r5FZD_jK_124Ci0eiTBZ8MhdCHnHIS1QqYPDq0qAJqOiEs/s320/DSC_0546.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Temple Offerings</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6XO4nh2bWOBknSY_qEC-hIGkYq4Qt_AnaWllgsGvLRKGjhCZmnGD2vC8nz9qGqLY2R7zN8X_oulLioT2sQWpFyZKOMrOvzAm23B1hq_9OQnA6z4GL12e9Dp31k_R2f3atCfe6htaKZA/s1600/DSC_0547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6XO4nh2bWOBknSY_qEC-hIGkYq4Qt_AnaWllgsGvLRKGjhCZmnGD2vC8nz9qGqLY2R7zN8X_oulLioT2sQWpFyZKOMrOvzAm23B1hq_9OQnA6z4GL12e9Dp31k_R2f3atCfe6htaKZA/s320/DSC_0547.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Applying Gold Leaf While Images are at In Paw Kone Pagoda</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leaving In Paw Khone we stopped at the Nice Restaurant for some refreshment. Here we observed an Intha man demonstrating the traditional method of fishing which is based on a conical trap which is lowered into the water and pressed into the bottom in hopes of trapping fish inside which can then be speared through an opening in the top end of the conical trap. All this activity of course while one balances on one leg and oars with the other while positioned on the very stern of an unstable dugout canoe. We then made a visit to to the Paung Dao Oo Monastery to see the fifth image which remains there and to do some shopping in the maze of shops on the ground floor under the pagoda. Our next destination was the village of Indein. Our route from the Paung Dao oo Pagoda was via the Indein Creek. The narrow sinuous creek passed through paddy fields which afforded views of agricultural activities and buffaloes bathing in the creek. Though it was the scheduled market day there was little activity owing to it being festival time. However, numerous souvenir vendors inhabited the village paths.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQL6DzOVs78nBPOAfRCyypA9Phh2dn1uFEJdVTgZWz27ZyJNgsaPlSA0Z4xNMD-slbegcq9SfiCDeLpMtNOvuIdSa0dwSAtMi3GHXVNoDDsUz53bcoLGjrZVxqFkZYspJRs4zwWCyVAs/s1600/DSC_0565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQL6DzOVs78nBPOAfRCyypA9Phh2dn1uFEJdVTgZWz27ZyJNgsaPlSA0Z4xNMD-slbegcq9SfiCDeLpMtNOvuIdSa0dwSAtMi3GHXVNoDDsUz53bcoLGjrZVxqFkZYspJRs4zwWCyVAs/s320/DSC_0565.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Setting the Conical Fish Trap</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UBuUednDGAM8iZq4sAKBprqTIwVc2ZVqzAz3wstYlUyXKCjp4IQJJZ0WjickNxWyqRy0iDvsVV9pWtlWGBKyu_6KKBYdSbr8pPU3Q48gUZ8BPLpm5YoDnzgVonpqx4AAy6ApRdEgemo/s1600/DSC_0572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UBuUednDGAM8iZq4sAKBprqTIwVc2ZVqzAz3wstYlUyXKCjp4IQJJZ0WjickNxWyqRy0iDvsVV9pWtlWGBKyu_6KKBYdSbr8pPU3Q48gUZ8BPLpm5YoDnzgVonpqx4AAy6ApRdEgemo/s320/DSC_0572.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Changing Position</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1k-E803Rd8d_hyo3gLCQgUaEWhf0WGPQEf-Edw4rI0Rswyty13jTDQiSnT-P9Jsn8m_fBE29wcSjPZFwo-siQEwtnuF9Nx20shy4ZlXbOIbD9bbVgujAqbf8AMXtne8Ybw0S5Ij6KRs/s1600/DSC_0575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1k-E803Rd8d_hyo3gLCQgUaEWhf0WGPQEf-Edw4rI0Rswyty13jTDQiSnT-P9Jsn8m_fBE29wcSjPZFwo-siQEwtnuF9Nx20shy4ZlXbOIbD9bbVgujAqbf8AMXtne8Ybw0S5Ij6KRs/s320/DSC_0575.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Balancing</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtz8Yx71LjWW5oHcIB7OY5pmUfwiZ9CCWlJ3TB3JkBaOzqIqWSQhqSzZehB4Wj8h7MkJIH7nmo1Q5OLZt9G4gycArLP1HvboU0gt_wXHP1SRHgV5ZLHzF4I_9ICpRP5MN24TmSPEVSmNA/s1600/DSC_0584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtz8Yx71LjWW5oHcIB7OY5pmUfwiZ9CCWlJ3TB3JkBaOzqIqWSQhqSzZehB4Wj8h7MkJIH7nmo1Q5OLZt9G4gycArLP1HvboU0gt_wXHP1SRHgV5ZLHzF4I_9ICpRP5MN24TmSPEVSmNA/s320/DSC_0584.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Heading Home</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj128aJqwcYTF0KdiiNmVopYQcIcuOaqqqbwLFehC7roVcdCU-awAEor7u0fGyz5rvA6wj8dRWs5cB2GMDsxIl7y73CSD5zHonTLkS5AlIE0H6gxdoWsCNsTumL2QubzN_kLpyO76TZzZc/s1600/DSC_0586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj128aJqwcYTF0KdiiNmVopYQcIcuOaqqqbwLFehC7roVcdCU-awAEor7u0fGyz5rvA6wj8dRWs5cB2GMDsxIl7y73CSD5zHonTLkS5AlIE0H6gxdoWsCNsTumL2QubzN_kLpyO76TZzZc/s320/DSC_0586.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A Waterborne Ballet</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zCDkhHIpQwA1Qqxz4u_r43EZNRKqel6YXrSCpombl4y8C97bElfP88vcVBKTWzxZcswxUHULXvGb6ByeH44EFJTJNk4ZpdM1gehe8XCYyw-vJw3uwFttNfJhstRT8zjOEmIA8INxdss/s1600/DSC_0590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zCDkhHIpQwA1Qqxz4u_r43EZNRKqel6YXrSCpombl4y8C97bElfP88vcVBKTWzxZcswxUHULXvGb6ByeH44EFJTJNk4ZpdM1gehe8XCYyw-vJw3uwFttNfJhstRT8zjOEmIA8INxdss/s320/DSC_0590.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Inle <span style="font-size: small;">Pagoda on Stilts</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnHUsOFkZylIqk0sr6nSc9X1OUKaobuhr7HLMWL9RbjtzCZsXGFhgmNLhD71z-W5cU_xw_xn7XlKHrF7maowyLsVGRLDexGe-R1IlHCV5I3T6uLGseVn6WwbURxCpzXhU2lmsbHMtN_k/s1600/DSC_0599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnHUsOFkZylIqk0sr6nSc9X1OUKaobuhr7HLMWL9RbjtzCZsXGFhgmNLhD71z-W5cU_xw_xn7XlKHrF7maowyLsVGRLDexGe-R1IlHCV5I3T6uLGseVn6WwbURxCpzXhU2lmsbHMtN_k/s320/DSC_0599.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Inle Scene</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLj1H9t_PI5CDoQ7Qf9jdl12dDAPNU8YGb-_j-kLUsL6svMPzkF5MsscaCyh5jWwLuqoouxe6P5aytyp9DXH3EOBXnThHnNzLVPRFad8Da3NiC_4D3CtEo3zzq9Hvago61Rqz5qTcY23M/s1600/DSC_0588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLj1H9t_PI5CDoQ7Qf9jdl12dDAPNU8YGb-_j-kLUsL6svMPzkF5MsscaCyh5jWwLuqoouxe6P5aytyp9DXH3EOBXnThHnNzLVPRFad8Da3NiC_4D3CtEo3zzq9Hvago61Rqz5qTcY23M/s320/DSC_0588.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Freighter Bound for Nyaungshwe</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8jXASKKsaULa5DRLzThL7hIqX7dV1J3o57Nu-4bhBJTvhYnm90-A0auxsVSaRE7_amvoAEeQiS07CvqH7kMJCg1ieHgU_uNFm0Y29aoLR2EArNZJQq6Rf-VbOdc2S7tvhBRSYeYSB8w/s1600/DSC_0591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8jXASKKsaULa5DRLzThL7hIqX7dV1J3o57Nu-4bhBJTvhYnm90-A0auxsVSaRE7_amvoAEeQiS07CvqH7kMJCg1ieHgU_uNFm0Y29aoLR2EArNZJQq6Rf-VbOdc2S7tvhBRSYeYSB8w/s320/DSC_0591.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mother and Son Un<span style="font-size: small;">derway</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2QwIu3wrztuZK6IGAf-FLLzT1nYJishXW8lNakrGYQ5kRBGQOe_Yb39ETx9U0YTAqxJ8CHaJOaUAROlhabLLTfuyn0XQRuswdW-rDuJ4f8RdStEwUnmIDQ8WHHzYjXF2tHxlxGifvf9Y/s1600/DSC_0595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2QwIu3wrztuZK6IGAf-FLLzT1nYJishXW8lNakrGYQ5kRBGQOe_Yb39ETx9U0YTAqxJ8CHaJOaUAROlhabLLTfuyn0XQRuswdW-rDuJ4f8RdStEwUnmIDQ8WHHzYjXF2tHxlxGifvf9Y/s320/DSC_0595.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lakeside Home</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkIB-JPwm71Prdw9Q7El6HtHkDn8PRkLclUJdkYSjykF_Avv4h1MRnDf7ArB-c7N2P5zOIjuJ9DnPJXVMJpCG0EtXqJdZuBwxRGd259V1lPc5A5Vm0GRyBTnyPCqzifePbiVhLWdEkVlo/s1600/DSC_0597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkIB-JPwm71Prdw9Q7El6HtHkDn8PRkLclUJdkYSjykF_Avv4h1MRnDf7ArB-c7N2P5zOIjuJ9DnPJXVMJpCG0EtXqJdZuBwxRGd259V1lPc5A5Vm0GRyBTnyPCqzifePbiVhLWdEkVlo/s320/DSC_0597.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Oaring a Heavy Load</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUw9NmbKlMgt46XIEdg7Qpd3C0lYpvATmBPQ9gSDY3yJLzYnJAVXUWD6l5Ck7quExCscINMeoK9uJDOFQpqVFLJ6goGiP2ccV-69nmH3JCMka03GDXP5T_VQYVDvKKReECKM4tVHd687I/s1600/DSC_0603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUw9NmbKlMgt46XIEdg7Qpd3C0lYpvATmBPQ9gSDY3yJLzYnJAVXUWD6l5Ck7quExCscINMeoK9uJDOFQpqVFLJ6goGiP2ccV-69nmH3JCMka03GDXP5T_VQYVDvKKReECKM4tVHd687I/s320/DSC_0603.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Paun<span style="font-size: small;">g</span> Dao Oo Pagoda</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGaELLqFzalk0k6NTCd7WenJwC587PxVPtCkvNlJkO9Ciof31S1q4ALFDSDyF8KbUF_NSQrUHSuCfB4Pr3jNJOZPs7973Lfc6vrGLKBleGdKAPIwDduFzJ7Gf5QqHM5t1YzLAaoO_uaoY/s1600/DSC_0605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGaELLqFzalk0k6NTCd7WenJwC587PxVPtCkvNlJkO9Ciof31S1q4ALFDSDyF8KbUF_NSQrUHSuCfB4Pr3jNJOZPs7973Lfc6vrGLKBleGdKAPIwDduFzJ7Gf5QqHM5t1YzLAaoO_uaoY/s320/DSC_0605.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Flowers for Donation</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGzFIx7jfTBKlewfaLDYSBFbVTP5aKrMp8ZTcHclIByhWlb9-kEz0-OVIU32THHqjLYcu9L5oZbbnGjyRZGPQe-x887roPsqLeYPJbpzChiFSBVpjM7x3I_5oUcOB8d_TuOXuz8TgqXA/s1600/DSC_0606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGzFIx7jfTBKlewfaLDYSBFbVTP5aKrMp8ZTcHclIByhWlb9-kEz0-OVIU32THHqjLYcu9L5oZbbnGjyRZGPQe-x887roPsqLeYPJbpzChiFSBVpjM7x3I_5oUcOB8d_TuOXuz8TgqXA/s320/DSC_0606.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Applying Gold Leaf to the Fifth Buddha Image<span style="font-size: small;"> Which Remains at the Pagoda</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXy3ec8WGNL9k026FcPXTjArrjQ-C-226MtnIrKWlLrKvYsWv-JzzVqd7DuxyqvfQIsDmpof77qjNPuatJ4Lk11GF6bLbY59pZLhIL2tBjg5GuQT697liR0Cp28KusE9uOHl6g1eKvwY/s1600/DSC_0610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXy3ec8WGNL9k026FcPXTjArrjQ-C-226MtnIrKWlLrKvYsWv-JzzVqd7DuxyqvfQIsDmpof77qjNPuatJ4Lk11GF6bLbY59pZLhIL2tBjg5GuQT697liR0Cp28KusE9uOHl6g1eKvwY/s320/DSC_0610.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Orogenic Clouds Forming <span style="font-size: small;">Over Mountain<span style="font-size: small;">s <span style="font-size: small;">Bordering to Inle Lake</span></span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRlWYWD_2SQmqjgDsHrAj7D6DzV7eXQJGPLL9-WLCQK_MNk0WC4Vu7ppTDYAYt8Hi3wp5eht3icRzkX-GbQWwKltYD43C0L0VJYZ8_ns6wFMIE1DWSdLtdOXRJchQMa5cMiEFDmWUKG14/s1600/DSC_0611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRlWYWD_2SQmqjgDsHrAj7D6DzV7eXQJGPLL9-WLCQK_MNk0WC4Vu7ppTDYAYt8Hi3wp5eht3icRzkX-GbQWwKltYD43C0L0VJYZ8_ns6wFMIE1DWSdLtdOXRJchQMa5cMiEFDmWUKG14/s320/DSC_0611.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Typi<span style="font-size: small;">cal Bridge Over Waterway</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Jku6VO7u-xmMYCwXI_u396pOl1NYhIM65vdEqTryyqerNOTnebKJpTJT8ROj3ecPWRJBBtkFyCw407NaZ4sKKlcJtSkR2hGPkpIwW5wRIjNpTGwFDPRnQaxCTHqZD0kRRZru3V3STIs/s1600/DSC_0617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Jku6VO7u-xmMYCwXI_u396pOl1NYhIM65vdEqTryyqerNOTnebKJpTJT8ROj3ecPWRJBBtkFyCw407NaZ4sKKlcJtSkR2hGPkpIwW5wRIjNpTGwFDPRnQaxCTHqZD0kRRZru3V3STIs/s320/DSC_0617.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Buffalo Bathing in Indein Creek</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOZnNWYSVCtMSHtUS9VQeYAsQHcrTZQKp3H1KvZ9F7g9ZUgzC0jn1lY9LnHo053czEVvSQ7MAQF3SZqglqeTwvTv-IK213bx7aCImjIUuyF-tdI8NH3-CoNibXFSquYhf4nS7dUECgTg/s1600/DSC_0619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOZnNWYSVCtMSHtUS9VQeYAsQHcrTZQKp3H1KvZ9F7g9ZUgzC0jn1lY9LnHo053czEVvSQ7MAQF3SZqglqeTwvTv-IK213bx7aCImjIUuyF-tdI8NH3-CoNibXFSquYhf4nS7dUECgTg/s320/DSC_0619.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tourist Boats at Indein Village</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The main feature of interest are the ruins of ancient stupas which number in the hundreds many of which are overgrown with vegetation. Nyaung Oak is the name given the first group of stupas found immediately behind the village. Though in a crumbling state it is still possible to view ornate stucco carvings of mythical animals and celestial beings. A covered walkway lined by 403 tall pillars with a roof of zinc sheets leads to the Shwe Indein Pagoda. Here one finds another grouping of ancient stupas constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries. Many of these stupas are being restored or rebuilt to the extent they look like new constructions of which there are also examples.As might be expected the covered walkway is lined with vendors of all manner of crafts and souvenirs. The summit pagoda provided expansive views across iNle Lake and to the surrounding mountains.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpdRHsrAMKHNbMyHeDVr962qPTyRdVt8C0Z-mBuEwgiSqYbkrTsDW-Nkf18pFDwKpTX4ctKKNGhVwLUIqAqYptOgmrLbuuLQpYWUGS6NNrUHLGxxwjXYxbDTwB1uLpBi_9PRyeui-oHs/s1600/DSC_0620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpdRHsrAMKHNbMyHeDVr962qPTyRdVt8C0Z-mBuEwgiSqYbkrTsDW-Nkf18pFDwKpTX4ctKKNGhVwLUIqAqYptOgmrLbuuLQpYWUGS6NNrUHLGxxwjXYxbDTwB1uLpBi_9PRyeui-oHs/s320/DSC_0620.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Old Stupas at Indein</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT82p5BLI-F6_kwiCYSdwhYpeM7vuoT6dUDO3dL-HNxalgIdTvgHBsvQAhryd64R59MYgpV0D89Y3KAB_WBVGrwmVeCM0Wgj9rl21HF-TmYSkV4NkuGXO0BERZBYidPv7Esw_I6Jq9dK0/s1600/DSC_0623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT82p5BLI-F6_kwiCYSdwhYpeM7vuoT6dUDO3dL-HNxalgIdTvgHBsvQAhryd64R59MYgpV0D89Y3KAB_WBVGrwmVeCM0Wgj9rl21HF-TmYSkV4NkuGXO0BERZBYidPv7Esw_I6Jq9dK0/s320/DSC_0623.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">New and Restored Stupas at Indein</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZPPg0Hhn5DJffc-sUlm_3pYN9lgH68SrGzWZutpU7p5wGV_oz3TkRleE_LNOIbvM4mvrCXodau49v2Fm7VWbbW0z7WgzUv_NU4DNloYQYXMJ0yuwLWurxpe6-gHPom9muGe2VOsiwfc/s1600/DSC_0628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZPPg0Hhn5DJffc-sUlm_3pYN9lgH68SrGzWZutpU7p5wGV_oz3TkRleE_LNOIbvM4mvrCXodau49v2Fm7VWbbW0z7WgzUv_NU4DNloYQYXMJ0yuwLWurxpe6-gHPom9muGe2VOsiwfc/s320/DSC_0628.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ancient Stupa</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2eqt-WhmqzB667f5M-h6npZC7ZJ-ExCTchaR1WOcgXPx4OKdHXiakw9N3GCr5TscOdJW5rNV7BylwFYcwQvLoGpYzXsatj50YBe6FD-CRw6qIBurokV1TGkjdUS4eFSwae6bTZPsNr4/s1600/DSC_0630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2eqt-WhmqzB667f5M-h6npZC7ZJ-ExCTchaR1WOcgXPx4OKdHXiakw9N3GCr5TscOdJW5rNV7BylwFYcwQvLoGpYzXsatj50YBe6FD-CRw6qIBurokV1TGkjdUS4eFSwae6bTZPsNr4/s320/DSC_0630.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Restoring a Stupa at Indein</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK18548wPTkdJosAYPGKbzka1LYCqTdoHEOfOAqCYpPxcWl2EjDDAgKCmj-tiEznU0qfftnxl8xx61ydYbKY92lmiqKdWccvq5WJZFX3Hwed4qhp8tYmOBkNgjf1t9yDHmrjBTRxQ7sGk/s1600/DSC_0633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK18548wPTkdJosAYPGKbzka1LYCqTdoHEOfOAqCYpPxcWl2EjDDAgKCmj-tiEznU0qfftnxl8xx61ydYbKY92lmiqKdWccvq5WJZFX3Hwed4qhp8tYmOBkNgjf1t9yDHmrjBTRxQ7sGk/s320/DSC_0633.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Natures Patterns</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HBsNd0Oa09Rp8I2AR5_au1KujepliwXsAUZwX-Wd5n-fXT5A-3vYy9QZAsXjDsOQxtvN9epKgQHHrIGrtaHzrCTCvkg7CAbKiezLlWsUEDiCb_0simBVz9dxx4rVsl3B05KYHaIL12I/s1600/DSC_0639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HBsNd0Oa09Rp8I2AR5_au1KujepliwXsAUZwX-Wd5n-fXT5A-3vYy9QZAsXjDsOQxtvN9epKgQHHrIGrtaHzrCTCvkg7CAbKiezLlWsUEDiCb_0simBVz9dxx4rVsl3B05KYHaIL12I/s320/DSC_0639.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Break Time</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMwGXi_zr-L955fsxfailuWfpfvKRlSijKq4psEPTTXg_exYG8HxKcmuLpFuXnvTFpIx8hzB6_8OuAkjR3gwJ7mZC731zKQp-01NqjNGIVf0b8JBorFpxI7Erfb2au5hq6WehSYLbTRY/s1600/DSC_0641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMwGXi_zr-L955fsxfailuWfpfvKRlSijKq4psEPTTXg_exYG8HxKcmuLpFuXnvTFpIx8hzB6_8OuAkjR3gwJ7mZC731zKQp-01NqjNGIVf0b8JBorFpxI7Erfb2au5hq6WehSYLbTRY/s320/DSC_0641.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Relaxing in Shwe Indein Pagoda</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweSBPSUWLMiB22kNPj43QibMEe93u2Ue-I9fFG72XSgdFphOY020QhFMwIMpKp88tijuKZUvXAgRxcnwGHSTLwQWkFxcqGccxBP_FFXoTwPXwsv7iFkbUuFAYvUyYkOMXZHfG9y-bpdA/s1600/DSC_0658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweSBPSUWLMiB22kNPj43QibMEe93u2Ue-I9fFG72XSgdFphOY020QhFMwIMpKp88tijuKZUvXAgRxcnwGHSTLwQWkFxcqGccxBP_FFXoTwPXwsv7iFkbUuFAYvUyYkOMXZHfG9y-bpdA/s320/DSC_0658.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lunch b<span style="font-size: small;">y the River</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To cap off the days trip we stopped for a visit to the home of U Lay Paul an Intha family who were friends of friends and most welcoming. This stop provided a window into the life of the lake dwelling people as we were able to meet the family, tour a typical home and be treated to tea and refreshments. On the way back to Nyaungshwe we were treated to great cloud formations as we traveled through Ywama the site of the famous floating market which unfortunately now sees more boats filled with tourists being sold a variety of souvenirs as opposed to locals shopping for fruits and vegetables as was the case some years ago. That evening we enjoyed Nepalese food at the Nyaungshwe branch of Everest Restaurant.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIH0SdzIr31OdSqOg37i6u-pvqLdcs27kaUBskoH8IMAMC5ak4FaUfVyBkflEbjqwQaxDFDtKWi05qbmYm8-QsY3GDo6v56Y4CE4XXXH6LZ7aC8VsCCpBskUV8YhGRdZ5MHUWVgLWvq8/s1600/DSC_0669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIH0SdzIr31OdSqOg37i6u-pvqLdcs27kaUBskoH8IMAMC5ak4FaUfVyBkflEbjqwQaxDFDtKWi05qbmYm8-QsY3GDo6v56Y4CE4XXXH6LZ7aC8VsCCpBskUV8YhGRdZ5MHUWVgLWvq8/s320/DSC_0669.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Intha Kitchen</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeKBIFgfaHoEgMHzl6HkU4GCiQVOyqOnKvJ8G01R-eP2MmaTlrGH7gYlvHVEqGavrMkSWULPMcRFEyWsQ_aV9hkmq_BKOi-lEfpV4uUkg6t6h7qWu0vmJlirPNecLtuo1irSV4TZWQ6E/s1600/DSC_0670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeKBIFgfaHoEgMHzl6HkU4GCiQVOyqOnKvJ8G01R-eP2MmaTlrGH7gYlvHVEqGavrMkSWULPMcRFEyWsQ_aV9hkmq_BKOi-lEfpV4uUkg6t6h7qWu0vmJlirPNecLtuo1irSV4TZWQ6E/s320/DSC_0670.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Family Shrine</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSrO3BnptCboATcgv6osm4ystqmdHZT-6jUi-9PAyIwxSsfBG6dPO0MH1MJZEnqjEym4gNcJXLrx2rMIpSL1SNifWa87-YXsTHJrcLU2nmD9cNC0FrAZWfQ6QLkClwTk8YYUIFrBbN9A/s1600/DSC_0676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSrO3BnptCboATcgv6osm4ystqmdHZT-6jUi-9PAyIwxSsfBG6dPO0MH1MJZEnqjEym4gNcJXLrx2rMIpSL1SNifWa87-YXsTHJrcLU2nmD9cNC0FrAZWfQ6QLkClwTk8YYUIFrBbN9A/s320/DSC_0676.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Enjoyi<span style="font-size: small;">ng Snacks and a Chat</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZFVLFZHcay70l-DEal5tLi6JezNEPrQfaGyyOW7w2JgRkxj0JoVTHMV5Gt-CnhKFYPNksLDkXq5waZ19sq2pqMlaPJJfkdZ5Krbdeza70h_qbxghh-g4-stJFpIVfp43umcjE-nSeV8/s1600/DSC_0679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZFVLFZHcay70l-DEal5tLi6JezNEPrQfaGyyOW7w2JgRkxj0JoVTHMV5Gt-CnhKFYPNksLDkXq5waZ19sq2pqMlaPJJfkdZ5Krbdeza70h_qbxghh-g4-stJFpIVfp43umcjE-nSeV8/s320/DSC_0679.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our Gracious Hosts</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80kTCdyZWFYW488GI9t3mLQ51HFsI3W9qtyP1_ClO2hVboGOFtxfS_iTzbeaWu9A0vWohaag_p95NJNeUlG8JyvhN6lZ4sVXGQTgYb0oH9rnRcAHJhRT0oy41EqpHVuaeKVmQprh5nf8/s1600/DSC_0687.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80kTCdyZWFYW488GI9t3mLQ51HFsI3W9qtyP1_ClO2hVboGOFtxfS_iTzbeaWu9A0vWohaag_p95NJNeUlG8JyvhN6lZ4sVXGQTgYb0oH9rnRcAHJhRT0oy41EqpHVuaeKVmQprh5nf8/s320/DSC_0687.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Off <span style="font-size: small;">to the Next Adventure</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRWmhYXL5BwceQabiUvxkkk3VfI3_RosrAIbgultcUPSlkzqGXh4JfcB6mlAsy7l1lOl6lQqX4U0TyLuM0Dd4Qs79SyxGJINMWujQFZ8bUcY2tu41YcptAi2tYskleL1KbJkffV-OLns/s1600/DSC_0695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRWmhYXL5BwceQabiUvxkkk3VfI3_RosrAIbgultcUPSlkzqGXh4JfcB6mlAsy7l1lOl6lQqX4U0TyLuM0Dd4Qs79SyxGJINMWujQFZ8bUcY2tu41YcptAi2tYskleL1KbJkffV-OLns/s320/DSC_0695.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Chedis at Ywama Site of Famous Floating Market</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissfqYrSXA9whclwjzZJ6CIn0Z9T2b0GHVMTKixzGeESVLrRSgQTogUP0wmaQ3TUv2Pb6s5AZ8gsW42UPFqwzgTEy9vzyz9ceXLQSpZ7GLwak9n7q3GCzB2ITey88G_65_jhEz03zpmbo/s1600/DSC_0702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissfqYrSXA9whclwjzZJ6CIn0Z9T2b0GHVMTKixzGeESVLrRSgQTogUP0wmaQ3TUv2Pb6s5AZ8gsW42UPFqwzgTEy9vzyz9ceXLQSpZ7GLwak9n7q3GCzB2ITey88G_65_jhEz03zpmbo/s320/DSC_0702.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Clouds over the Lak<span style="font-size: small;">e</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRSb0kjkEOLEq9Li9YYCZCcJnN7ISDaiNq-nbBmviV-xyomsz4E0VxwAFy8Ddwo8v4hRyxbnJbENbLmGEoV2pFYzxuQ_JsR-zGwpNaTOR3cKe2nPXeAy1vaY7DAOu-HSl6mwGnJjLgEw/s1600/DSC_0716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRSb0kjkEOLEq9Li9YYCZCcJnN7ISDaiNq-nbBmviV-xyomsz4E0VxwAFy8Ddwo8v4hRyxbnJbENbLmGEoV2pFYzxuQ_JsR-zGwpNaTOR3cKe2nPXeAy1vaY7DAOu-HSl6mwGnJjLgEw/s320/DSC_0716.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Corner Store</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBfwnL5iF5knpMiSq6s1by_1u5Odgy8xvYhcnK_fcikL_6JQle5ECHKsXDdesLRHoF_A3aGdCna3hyk7wvIOb6sxeUzse0YZ-SJ7z-HGLyBPXLAluMUZXFt38DVzvXpCPylcGWfF0Gzc/s1600/DSC_0717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBfwnL5iF5knpMiSq6s1by_1u5Odgy8xvYhcnK_fcikL_6JQle5ECHKsXDdesLRHoF_A3aGdCna3hyk7wvIOb6sxeUzse0YZ-SJ7z-HGLyBPXLAluMUZXFt38DVzvXpCPylcGWfF0Gzc/s320/DSC_0717.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Main Street</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdg8HbEi_5SZWJPKGvVVWzihLA6HkwFARcf8NXskeOxjBdoEe932YW3wdDlo1kLiEAMa8ZdmzebNDrmfA-W0UR-WU2h9vK4-xmelIAtkFu5qQ_W_jr_18-MijD8uk56Iu48E5v_GaEuLE/s1600/DSC_0734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdg8HbEi_5SZWJPKGvVVWzihLA6HkwFARcf8NXskeOxjBdoEe932YW3wdDlo1kLiEAMa8ZdmzebNDrmfA-W0UR-WU2h9vK4-xmelIAtkFu5qQ_W_jr_18-MijD8uk56Iu48E5v_GaEuLE/s320/DSC_0734.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Riding in Style</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvO9jXx4EYnfTFuhMNBmeVDtVT8Daqt7d7ky2-j5YM4O7TsFxmZC0diJ9ps-l1frMpJp6b4nYHysGSuUIgCgeJyRzQB4abKzoeToaq_3QaPzEK5VZpNp1Jr5GNFsb_MqslN08-xSN5pc/s1600/DSC_0739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvO9jXx4EYnfTFuhMNBmeVDtVT8Daqt7d7ky2-j5YM4O7TsFxmZC0diJ9ps-l1frMpJp6b4nYHysGSuUIgCgeJyRzQB4abKzoeToaq_3QaPzEK5VZpNp1Jr5GNFsb_MqslN08-xSN5pc/s320/DSC_0739.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fishing</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfHiFZgvUiloXU2wQMUgIturXeXkM1MopMArxb6kH_ZCBKdLAvhkNnGeq944hrfB5mWu7hdGrvdOY4tUiSskA_NuCNkOSbMBFlKiJVC9RperHZRzMbbtf9piZsDMd-9ZcUEaXqgMWqoo/s1600/DSC_0741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfHiFZgvUiloXU2wQMUgIturXeXkM1MopMArxb6kH_ZCBKdLAvhkNnGeq944hrfB5mWu7hdGrvdOY4tUiSskA_NuCNkOSbMBFlKiJVC9RperHZRzMbbtf9piZsDMd-9ZcUEaXqgMWqoo/s320/DSC_0741.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Doing Several Things at Once</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGWBP7G2PgG-J3wQyg1kqt0aMRu0OEovPtLmZxv9bAOb3IOiQX6NFJAA4XR-4SoSMBbPtayO3M_GAMsjVUhE98kR-hZ9V93zUsFrOSWRrsjCieUjry9Rr1ufmNVhc2vbidAASzHZZf9M/s1600/DSC_0745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGWBP7G2PgG-J3wQyg1kqt0aMRu0OEovPtLmZxv9bAOb3IOiQX6NFJAA4XR-4SoSMBbPtayO3M_GAMsjVUhE98kR-hZ9V93zUsFrOSWRrsjCieUjry9Rr1ufmNVhc2vbidAASzHZZf9M/s320/DSC_0745.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Clouds Over Mountains</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97E1N1bbFB4kSaCAMlvvfQP4kUMJoMMMjl6d5y2xsgamtG6uIsL0LLxRen2cE3525-GqqzAmZ0wHOuSO8nXP1MCXxSpvwHFr4Wcbn_6yBsa0noDV1fgZoX5cRixR_sHVKLHpuZxljjQo/s1600/DSC_0750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97E1N1bbFB4kSaCAMlvvfQP4kUMJoMMMjl6d5y2xsgamtG6uIsL0LLxRen2cE3525-GqqzAmZ0wHOuSO8nXP1MCXxSpvwHFr4Wcbn_6yBsa0noDV1fgZoX5cRixR_sHVKLHpuZxljjQo/s320/DSC_0750.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tomatoes Fresh From the Lake</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfW4VHcUx3MyDYuJKx0TnJ84cQKSH5j-qBsaPA3Vr4Xd4Z8TmjRHO5VE6cini7WK9kSqEGnTYHgxX-0ZYWNJ3sSLUmyuWo2AJkAKrEI9nx7OKyVG70NyCCkRGaPdZR2haSejNSEJ2vJE/s1600/DSC_0752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfW4VHcUx3MyDYuJKx0TnJ84cQKSH5j-qBsaPA3Vr4Xd4Z8TmjRHO5VE6cini7WK9kSqEGnTYHgxX-0ZYWNJ3sSLUmyuWo2AJkAKrEI9nx7OKyVG70NyCCkRGaPdZR2haSejNSEJ2vJE/s320/DSC_0752.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Boat Park</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Dyswwc-c7YQZR8RDywdIjCF6vr45s_FnFzvlYxOlRoW7Gv2N-aaS73HH3PtVeF7bTkXcDj-d6hkUk_I8A2YYt6xDFW7FYo4SJdgPLUS-2KopK43owboZDmLLbXzVGrpolzbtsqVhGjE/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Dyswwc-c7YQZR8RDywdIjCF6vr45s_FnFzvlYxOlRoW7Gv2N-aaS73HH3PtVeF7bTkXcDj-d6hkUk_I8A2YYt6xDFW7FYo4SJdgPLUS-2KopK43owboZDmLLbXzVGrpolzbtsqVhGjE/s320/DSC_0021.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Inle Sunset</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The following morning we headed back out on the lake to witness the arrival of the procession back at the home monastery of Paung Dao Oo. The day before we had secured front row seats in a canal side restaurant so we had a good comfortable place to view both the returning procession as well as the boat races. There developed a traffic jam of epic proportions of boats carrying people coming to enjoy the festivities. Before the arrival of the procession a decorated boat rowed by young women and carrying several long haired dancers dressed in pink made numerous circuits of the basin in front of the monastery. Over time boats from the procession arrived followed by the royal barges. The Karaweik barge proceeded to the monastery landing and the four buddha images were unloaded and returned to their usual resting place within the monastery. There, various officials paid respect to the images. With the conclusion of the welcoming ceremonies the boat races began and we tucked into a packed lunch provided by Tin and her staff.There were competitions for both men and women's teams. It was generally easy to identify the winners by the raucous cheers they emitted. After the races the crowd dispersed and the tired racers headed for home. On our way home we meandered through Intha villages and observed their famous floating gardens. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijS6MK4Jmt3766bUvkR7Uobe5zx-TRdc1ZYyyrpRiKpRL3Q9SEEL5q_4pY6d1_1ygjdYp_knordr1IPV4DtCpEvhZbeX-pMtXK_qUkLzaH5IUt2rOTdTgLxP6iMddZl8N9cVRSWCgRA7o/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijS6MK4Jmt3766bUvkR7Uobe5zx-TRdc1ZYyyrpRiKpRL3Q9SEEL5q_4pY6d1_1ygjdYp_knordr1IPV4DtCpEvhZbeX-pMtXK_qUkLzaH5IUt2rOTdTgLxP6iMddZl8N9cVRSWCgRA7o/s320/DSC_0030.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dancers with Offerings</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmI5YcIB7qF7LGYrQL5rJS_Ye3e08WxeYcLNNrud0v7LobJeuSgoRIE_nVi9EbNk_IHxFn-31MX2Lc3qeUq_TXWHongyYHhYXL9PCQIhVL3P79NhyOUkc4zZqSjUbE5nCY29yxE-QKDY/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmI5YcIB7qF7LGYrQL5rJS_Ye3e08WxeYcLNNrud0v7LobJeuSgoRIE_nVi9EbNk_IHxFn-31MX2Lc3qeUq_TXWHongyYHhYXL9PCQIhVL3P79NhyOUkc4zZqSjUbE5nCY29yxE-QKDY/s320/DSC_0035.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And More Dancers</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwugbPhFzaUqTCX49cRJ40BzYNW_b6Wum-QW17Z2FDSoDuXkRcuTEGO8-x8iGdVIk2YpA9r6iA2tkyyCsonA9v_FcYtDl1Tr8Zkkg5cYz32Bpu_zgW6gwYZya-R0Vo2NU3f2IIcMmYbz0/s1600/DSC_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwugbPhFzaUqTCX49cRJ40BzYNW_b6Wum-QW17Z2FDSoDuXkRcuTEGO8-x8iGdVIk2YpA9r6iA2tkyyCsonA9v_FcYtDl1Tr8Zkkg5cYz32Bpu_zgW6gwYZya-R0Vo2NU3f2IIcMmYbz0/s320/DSC_0043.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Crowded Waterway</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vQyMq8HGSXHYCayJ34VGNStVo65QwVi6p6nsF9rL8YYU_qxkLC_NyPp_Hi8BLDnPx1E_fKnWSk9YGXzMvVg5J4Hgl3kPX4MJ6gaqFHV6BPVoSsRvA7xvEDPgGcn6graCHZbMv83M8Ag/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vQyMq8HGSXHYCayJ34VGNStVo65QwVi6p6nsF9rL8YYU_qxkLC_NyPp_Hi8BLDnPx1E_fKnWSk9YGXzMvVg5J4Hgl3kPX4MJ6gaqFHV6BPVoSsRvA7xvEDPgGcn6graCHZbMv83M8Ag/s320/DSC_0046.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Spectators and Dancers with Offerings</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqiRsUdCtQWGENPss8rklirzOFhv9T9i0gRq4ru8XCaEUc_Qt-BZAiWNDVvdM-KMyt-XLMD1Ceiv-wM2IvPGTfhbAr2y56En3u6l5hWuZuTXESPGaslfZn7G4yJEiwFqYfo5RAVOCh0uo/s1600/DSC_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqiRsUdCtQWGENPss8rklirzOFhv9T9i0gRq4ru8XCaEUc_Qt-BZAiWNDVvdM-KMyt-XLMD1Ceiv-wM2IvPGTfhbAr2y56En3u6l5hWuZuTXESPGaslfZn7G4yJEiwFqYfo5RAVOCh0uo/s320/DSC_0048.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Waterborne Vendors</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKyF2ZGspp3B4hICo6VcU0K61lS7PM8cR_yh1mBxhnjgm9m8ZVt8cX8gzTIRYnyE1Hr1rcCSCS6XDr-AEuulB6SF7VbPIseeaTgIQe1cuY-t4Zy1s1F8gewiNMYB8sDw2UXYEvQsdTAoo/s1600/DSC_0049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKyF2ZGspp3B4hICo6VcU0K61lS7PM8cR_yh1mBxhnjgm9m8ZVt8cX8gzTIRYnyE1Hr1rcCSCS6XDr-AEuulB6SF7VbPIseeaTgIQe1cuY-t4Zy1s1F8gewiNMYB8sDw2UXYEvQsdTAoo/s320/DSC_0049.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dancing Before Arrival of Karaweik Barge</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXrFP2y8TjvV5KM93bltYhtI7NBMuWfpIwzv2uVAvoNezmYvqP8Z1zipDEfhIVAlFIFrDbDKeG9c07vw4fUWuRDATc2VaDZq5uQNCoddvzyUXrUJDgrDbosE26hECWYo2wYYIvHVRiqw/s1600/DSC_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXrFP2y8TjvV5KM93bltYhtI7NBMuWfpIwzv2uVAvoNezmYvqP8Z1zipDEfhIVAlFIFrDbDKeG9c07vw4fUWuRDATc2VaDZq5uQNCoddvzyUXrUJDgrDbosE26hECWYo2wYYIvHVRiqw/s320/DSC_0053.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Spectator Family</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8BeSecqKfZ89nDY2wvL5AW4nPF7W2idm7tY3LDXYOQ6hiGCEV6CjWUHKpXLrY6iGVAMGlHt_gyDmLZitwoF5bVeXd41vTYmud3qhHGLXhRAEyPqEtwvpNyymWWeNtMhqpL6E9JnU3AM/s1600/DSC_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8BeSecqKfZ89nDY2wvL5AW4nPF7W2idm7tY3LDXYOQ6hiGCEV6CjWUHKpXLrY6iGVAMGlHt_gyDmLZitwoF5bVeXd41vTYmud3qhHGLXhRAEyPqEtwvpNyymWWeNtMhqpL6E9JnU3AM/s320/DSC_0056.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rowers Arriving In Basin at Paung Dao Oo Monastery</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbsPNu9odK-xRyzo5wb0YlcpdVS-2TYS1H9gnq8HeJPSsJzmi-Vh3UnFaLZaCpMw3DiPi-xBvTvLyJZzasyA_Tz8gFhQHJZI45P_JjP3oGu6GS3mOQCFH2DYvG_IlW0UDUfJcbaX1Db0/s1600/DSC_0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbsPNu9odK-xRyzo5wb0YlcpdVS-2TYS1H9gnq8HeJPSsJzmi-Vh3UnFaLZaCpMw3DiPi-xBvTvLyJZzasyA_Tz8gFhQHJZI45P_JjP3oGu6GS3mOQCFH2DYvG_IlW0UDUfJcbaX1Db0/s320/DSC_0061.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Spectators</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmjH-qfwXH-HmJcgwLeQJZjLeoG1-WT1tyjmvz-dnd0xDyZzrbswyVnyLYl6eccs5FMW2uVYtVtWMfI9VswU_vDPN5pehi3HUN5zbfyBBagJmieAV6zRRcIjZCY587RVYiVQLz816pgk/s1600/DSC_0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmjH-qfwXH-HmJcgwLeQJZjLeoG1-WT1tyjmvz-dnd0xDyZzrbswyVnyLYl6eccs5FMW2uVYtVtWMfI9VswU_vDPN5pehi3HUN5zbfyBBagJmieAV6zRRcIjZCY587RVYiVQLz816pgk/s320/DSC_0065.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Spectators Everywhere</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1ldQmzWjISOa2d9Wjs1XUKS4kpyBMJClIzO2Zia-4sr5bpbwlZFnkFx5Gh2Vv-IQIlwiFyC28JHIlHglp177sRp2rbRIpMZUJlDW0d2x1H8m5zPML-3JKFAIUHd7GVF6N2tgo6ioyhg/s1600/DSC_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1ldQmzWjISOa2d9Wjs1XUKS4kpyBMJClIzO2Zia-4sr5bpbwlZFnkFx5Gh2Vv-IQIlwiFyC28JHIlHglp177sRp2rbRIpMZUJlDW0d2x1H8m5zPML-3JKFAIUHd7GVF6N2tgo6ioyhg/s320/DSC_0066.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Playing the Long Drum</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFD5vmCWOvbtYYG7Tc6O7-fajSGySVK7XLVsDUUjZrqekIqRIvPHosee-VPidXNHbsZ8ihIzm7OOyNhF223caD1QX5unPzGwlwt59jxZXEuYRagE0TP-BYgt-dBv1sE5O_s41xmefESik/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFD5vmCWOvbtYYG7Tc6O7-fajSGySVK7XLVsDUUjZrqekIqRIvPHosee-VPidXNHbsZ8ihIzm7OOyNhF223caD1QX5unPzGwlwt59jxZXEuYRagE0TP-BYgt-dBv1sE5O_s41xmefESik/s320/DSC_0067.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Arrival of a Ceremonial Barge</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrJCiVxPeg0meZ6TUy4gpYBP6SOr4m7Bo0y5kFJ6RfIkyrjpQxQLLG2AXv9tr7Pwk6POqb2riQaljGzLMumuP64NcYsi_WpmtS8_y-7nR49sjcPyDdbnzyEquM4nIlTiMXisRiPdGDG8/s1600/DSC_0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrJCiVxPeg0meZ6TUy4gpYBP6SOr4m7Bo0y5kFJ6RfIkyrjpQxQLLG2AXv9tr7Pwk6POqb2riQaljGzLMumuP64NcYsi_WpmtS8_y-7nR49sjcPyDdbnzyEquM4nIlTiMXisRiPdGDG8/s320/DSC_0068.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">More Dancin<span style="font-size: small;">g Devotees</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7QCOHwxSInTwmzNoMivUTbnpJ7oeF3Dx3cE1Iqbo3rxesbAzhGLo-K3Ynz7vVZbY58igOwW9-SZ5piwqOFf5WHEX2JfAAmmPn23MmHx-HY6zSZPFVRWPVR9XuiYQQEMUGXF8AMa1iSo/s1600/DSC_0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7QCOHwxSInTwmzNoMivUTbnpJ7oeF3Dx3cE1Iqbo3rxesbAzhGLo-K3Ynz7vVZbY58igOwW9-SZ5piwqOFf5WHEX2JfAAmmPn23MmHx-HY6zSZPFVRWPVR9XuiYQQEMUGXF8AMa1iSo/s320/DSC_0070.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ro<span style="font-size: small;">wers Arriving</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhve2rzvenIJpZfT-4oWf3dQofKjvXOGU_rS022NEJ-nByX0r8krKMr9kdYYA8RSXwtZM7fGJBx6RrR2rHcanmgdBwwpIZdYc-K2EkU-rwqYMEFcQ9BuQIF2b6tpJpItvNWB0Ydfssfahc/s1600/DSC_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhve2rzvenIJpZfT-4oWf3dQofKjvXOGU_rS022NEJ-nByX0r8krKMr9kdYYA8RSXwtZM7fGJBx6RrR2rHcanmgdBwwpIZdYc-K2EkU-rwqYMEFcQ9BuQIF2b6tpJpItvNWB0Ydfssfahc/s320/DSC_0071.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Arrival of Ceremoni<span style="font-size: small;">al</span> <span style="font-size: small;">B<span style="font-size: small;">arg</span>e</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBibF6CqRtOz-HH7Eye6gkbd2ydQv4jcBRdvVb21-kMDpoZUvMSHkHhS_nlIHqcdz3vAtNRAj9LdKCF2FL9yrr6vZkxptsXc2QApAMOLu6R16QMN7KDJK5iETGK9D7Q9Nf0TSg7kHE0s/s1600/DSC_0074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBibF6CqRtOz-HH7Eye6gkbd2ydQv4jcBRdvVb21-kMDpoZUvMSHkHhS_nlIHqcdz3vAtNRAj9LdKCF2FL9yrr6vZkxptsXc2QApAMOLu6R16QMN7KDJK5iETGK9D7Q9Nf0TSg7kHE0s/s320/DSC_0074.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Arrival of Karaweik Barge</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirz3hQake1_T2VEP-1ngqu_D-QmAXFSPVv-dEFS-RvpO6hnSzMoA2ZChuNoknVIUafC1L4t8oBhehozRnBLWfprwvRDeEi5JX6oxIfEklqGeKaxQIwTGtvHaJfyga2W6zqhk-Cl88JIKc/s1600/DSC_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirz3hQake1_T2VEP-1ngqu_D-QmAXFSPVv-dEFS-RvpO6hnSzMoA2ZChuNoknVIUafC1L4t8oBhehozRnBLWfprwvRDeEi5JX6oxIfEklqGeKaxQIwTGtvHaJfyga2W6zqhk-Cl88JIKc/s320/DSC_0076.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Karaweik Barge <span style="font-size: small;">with</span> Paung Dao Oo Pagoda in Background</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BBZ24LBldmbXopUfnsHj3W9E2pi_sA-k2VmqNK7XnN-FmfdLbfE81ZiD5ivp-3AEvBXqNGWf_VYeEQK6U4ul6sYz-LgN1MGPFCYDmkVd5c7E9-Y-09Nnk9ZyAN96VsyGTVniNI9Nv84/s1600/DSC_0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BBZ24LBldmbXopUfnsHj3W9E2pi_sA-k2VmqNK7XnN-FmfdLbfE81ZiD5ivp-3AEvBXqNGWf_VYeEQK6U4ul6sYz-LgN1MGPFCYDmkVd5c7E9-Y-09Nnk9ZyAN96VsyGTVniNI9Nv84/s320/DSC_0080.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Karaweik Barge at Paung Dao Oo Pier</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7OoCBVC8WO41h-vevw5ZpbzAxg8W8VBs4Fmjttpp31HTDMLu8do4Z6DaofDOCCaKEH3HfHTGjibI-RJILJjFeuyzNb5QmIFpBv4DDydaS_BkAkcsqpe_zECiaLA_TcgLMIy3QYTEEYkI/s1600/DSC_0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7OoCBVC8WO41h-vevw5ZpbzAxg8W8VBs4Fmjttpp31HTDMLu8do4Z6DaofDOCCaKEH3HfHTGjibI-RJILJjFeuyzNb5QmIFpBv4DDydaS_BkAkcsqpe_zECiaLA_TcgLMIy3QYTEEYkI/s320/DSC_0084.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Unloading the Sacred Images</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFSzQxI3YSwWMsPwLUceDLLxZS3lzjF4XdXIvHmQM44BsHmJguCb1P0Yhifs-6hUZSJSEOhQuoX7_t_RBSi7tnpU88muoeqIOvXPzfG14zGZzW-dmEjx5kON_e2_FyQLOyNVw1GRuQDk/s1600/DSC_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFSzQxI3YSwWMsPwLUceDLLxZS3lzjF4XdXIvHmQM44BsHmJguCb1P0Yhifs-6hUZSJSEOhQuoX7_t_RBSi7tnpU88muoeqIOvXPzfG14zGZzW-dmEjx5kON_e2_FyQLOyNVw1GRuQDk/s320/DSC_0085.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Traffic Jam</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgRlwHorgY0HIrLaXpyePinlWb02HekM8FCWU9xwMgL6HDFFnGAXb9ChAiExO5lyWzS_05xnlOeMkKGtr6gnoypGPwRp_BEajNuM2enGtyz74qpKOFTs7ku5ovlok2zdjYPLuXL-vkRE/s1600/DSC_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgRlwHorgY0HIrLaXpyePinlWb02HekM8FCWU9xwMgL6HDFFnGAXb9ChAiExO5lyWzS_05xnlOeMkKGtr6gnoypGPwRp_BEajNuM2enGtyz74qpKOFTs7ku5ovlok2zdjYPLuXL-vkRE/s320/DSC_0088.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Starting Area for Boat Races</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixuawir2paSrtwLZ-_jYKBiqELVqFyJ8q4PehOdzMwuRmz2deFMLqco-dbDVt6nwsXzZFPpJD9s-jEOjmOV_y79aXxbYy0ETJw2cBAlh6zNAOszoeWsB9dervuKU-ZoLDr2VRUACfxtYM/s1600/DSC_0106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixuawir2paSrtwLZ-_jYKBiqELVqFyJ8q4PehOdzMwuRmz2deFMLqco-dbDVt6nwsXzZFPpJD9s-jEOjmOV_y79aXxbYy0ETJw2cBAlh6zNAOszoeWsB9dervuKU-ZoLDr2VRUACfxtYM/s320/DSC_0106.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In Race Mode</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ErCEgPx1Ec60WQPLCFjOlwG3lRjYdUPM9itdddZN6zjOOuOxDGcqDrqSM5owqTnpeIgBOhUN8S35Uz_gA8k7Ys4hxjH9hFWm33DbHEg7yj0JXKhpqWJxwSTtNU8liTLoDFMdOpKgWmU/s1600/DSC_0114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ErCEgPx1Ec60WQPLCFjOlwG3lRjYdUPM9itdddZN6zjOOuOxDGcqDrqSM5owqTnpeIgBOhUN8S35Uz_gA8k7Ys4hxjH9hFWm33DbHEg7yj0JXKhpqWJxwSTtNU8liTLoDFMdOpKgWmU/s320/DSC_0114.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Womens Racing Team</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaelb9xDgcbcewRaFLOfVtyX-fWrTVMLNllWSTNXVYN2OLbA4LYLmWPqgrxq1p96Tf6HweZk2cVpF-45KZvll1zeqYqcdCdyb2FxHH78-7z6sSCeoiAkoZn_7Vpfbdh_dY3egOjJ_T2B0/s1600/DSC_0117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaelb9xDgcbcewRaFLOfVtyX-fWrTVMLNllWSTNXVYN2OLbA4LYLmWPqgrxq1p96Tf6HweZk2cVpF-45KZvll1zeqYqcdCdyb2FxHH78-7z6sSCeoiAkoZn_7Vpfbdh_dY3egOjJ_T2B0/s320/DSC_0117.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dancers Taking a Break</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfv6zliCmDY3rrwevT5qVcRN16adWD8h0C1eIB_3VEhxSmKLRSlP4BKU_hvZcuraEw8OU7shYt6jWaeeN6KxB4yZSoqklhCgqdKsTJbNre80T3E4WBsDGhbKt6d8U3OtYxMxu1uBsk9c/s1600/DSC_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfv6zliCmDY3rrwevT5qVcRN16adWD8h0C1eIB_3VEhxSmKLRSlP4BKU_hvZcuraEw8OU7shYt6jWaeeN6KxB4yZSoqklhCgqdKsTJbNre80T3E4WBsDGhbKt6d8U3OtYxMxu1uBsk9c/s320/DSC_0121.JPG" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Singing For <span style="font-size: small;">T</span>he Buddha</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvshXE5Udz-3t0Csl_0cZN-QJLDzuKG6iYfBeT0QzuecHK2V4FMwcrlq9liK0IeesZ-bceB_59COY8rg9sfULtGkjxgS9bStpxWH4SEmqZPbNNxzFkwXThKag4iAMAGeq47asIBIZln0/s1600/DSC_0127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvshXE5Udz-3t0Csl_0cZN-QJLDzuKG6iYfBeT0QzuecHK2V4FMwcrlq9liK0IeesZ-bceB_59COY8rg9sfULtGkjxgS9bStpxWH4SEmqZPbNNxzFkwXThKag4iAMAGeq47asIBIZln0/s320/DSC_0127.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A Dancer</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvx3VkVxl4d1A5vNlp8eFv3pTbrlz6MTgqwFG-csKiLzmVNj0zjmf0RU2xEUtgcbkVQjgbfrkqAX8zB4mHl-ItJt1-zVfeofAcu-stX5xE_cIOvdxqWyB4C731RTfq422j8xWuI0YpnU/s1600/DSC_0147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvx3VkVxl4d1A5vNlp8eFv3pTbrlz6MTgqwFG-csKiLzmVNj0zjmf0RU2xEUtgcbkVQjgbfrkqAX8zB4mHl-ItJt1-zVfeofAcu-stX5xE_cIOvdxqWyB4C731RTfq422j8xWuI0YpnU/s320/DSC_0147.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Youthful Boaters</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMmkhnGz-UOUIHD8qFM6KVmO5sI4FX8ZX8BBaU_scQ3nVm0zbeW0MakTGmwnjz-2h_uLLDwbSX0I5tgwcAC25TcVbS0m58iQsE6hJUHzTQQj2Z7e09ti7NWM96hVIbIbZQsNpkvMC7i0/s1600/DSC_0153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMmkhnGz-UOUIHD8qFM6KVmO5sI4FX8ZX8BBaU_scQ3nVm0zbeW0MakTGmwnjz-2h_uLLDwbSX0I5tgwcAC25TcVbS0m58iQsE6hJUHzTQQj2Z7e09ti7NWM96hVIbIbZQsNpkvMC7i0/s320/DSC_0153.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Floating Gardens</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3bBfJk6Qq6jFvyczCTQpnpJaMpv8-WCZmdDhi6PUqLZ6xW3wFIBMH0KcTKhyRRPG0lw6mrqXAodWMMFPo7zpuvDLERmuWeBkbNf-T6Wdsca2K-pqwLq6dltdNodvc16vk69uln4Kv08/s1600/DSC_0159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3bBfJk6Qq6jFvyczCTQpnpJaMpv8-WCZmdDhi6PUqLZ6xW3wFIBMH0KcTKhyRRPG0lw6mrqXAodWMMFPo7zpuvDLERmuWeBkbNf-T6Wdsca2K-pqwLq6dltdNodvc16vk69uln4Kv08/s320/DSC_0159.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Household Chores </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had a special ending to the days travels where we went to visit the orphanage run by the Myittamon Foundation in Nyaungshwe. Here we toured the facilities and met many of the residents. We received a very good briefing on the operation of the orphanage and as a group we decided to make a donation of school supplies and cash. It was a special ending to an exciting day of touring. In the evening we had the pleasure of being the first guests in the Intha run Sunflower restaurant where we feasted on Intha food.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqN20JyqzMn3n_wEo1p0gwSOfO5GXBCe7CLUsoy1aoyMPzjLE-f83eVDP_4NnADJw2A1gDPOFFrxmkN3TnXlAlEnFhfb_Ol1KblM3Zs2BqSlFoot97oxIGSe8QBnl5M5xcOAQp28fSDv4/s1600/DSC_0160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqN20JyqzMn3n_wEo1p0gwSOfO5GXBCe7CLUsoy1aoyMPzjLE-f83eVDP_4NnADJw2A1gDPOFFrxmkN3TnXlAlEnFhfb_Ol1KblM3Zs2BqSlFoot97oxIGSe8QBnl5M5xcOAQp28fSDv4/s320/DSC_0160.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pat Making One of Our Donations to the Myittamon Foundation Orphanage</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2LfsgXBRUuJUSXfMaO0pqrouujfpOlc5PDCyY7YDZKg91x3IUriiXcXRvArtJ_BMiYZD_5MGHcF9hOUc-vEpu5Tmu5EyTCZimEUgT2ZKNyNL7PQLY6UPW22YCEcGxgL04cfGvOqsePw/s1600/DSC_0165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2LfsgXBRUuJUSXfMaO0pqrouujfpOlc5PDCyY7YDZKg91x3IUriiXcXRvArtJ_BMiYZD_5MGHcF9hOUc-vEpu5Tmu5EyTCZimEUgT2ZKNyNL7PQLY6UPW22YCEcGxgL04cfGvOqsePw/s320/DSC_0165.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bruce <span style="font-size: small;">Also Doing the Honors</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwTYSZm-G23WrCQunrRXhqKIAZojd4gdBoIpebfYE7PU2xRU9m_HmOZRy68A0MqRpx69beb84-W2xqx_tEkqXE-j3VxrNYvq1tAFRt6BSPLFVSM7pB5hJK9btx2FV6fbV8J2rimdSLZM/s1600/DSC_0170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwTYSZm-G23WrCQunrRXhqKIAZojd4gdBoIpebfYE7PU2xRU9m_HmOZRy68A0MqRpx69beb84-W2xqx_tEkqXE-j3VxrNYvq1tAFRt6BSPLFVSM7pB5hJK9btx2FV6fbV8J2rimdSLZM/s320/DSC_0170.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nyaungshwe Sunset</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The following day we departed for Taunggyi a former British Hill Station where we paid our entry fee and obtained our guide for the PaO administered site of Kakku. Our guide for the day to the delight of all was Nang Nge Pay or Pay Pay who lit up everyone's day with her effervescent smile and radiant energy. </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kakku was only opened for tourism in 1996. </span>We embarked on a bus ride through rolling hills for our destination of Kakku. Here framed by giant Banyan trees sits an assemblage of over 2000 stupas on an elevated site of about 1 square kilometer which overlooks the Hopong Valley. The main stupa is about 40 meters high. A variety of styles are represented and many of the stupas have delicate stucco decorations. In a few cases parts of the original colored surfaces remain. Most of the stupas are topped by a multi tiered umbrella structure made of gilded metal known as a hti. Small brass bells hang from the Hti and provide a gentle musical backdrop to the already spiritual complex. The exact origins of kaku are unknown but legend has it that the sire dates back 2000 years. The stupas are of varying style evoking the various periods in which they were constructed. The main pagoda houses a relic of the Buddha which was attended by several guards. Also on site was a shrine with an image of the deceased Buddha a rare form of presentation.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Po-BHFIQy2XKIPE_vdGNtqpV7WVvHNIkBIR7Q3dgYFAyOe-u2sXjG8_oeZzuFwN7c6W5IYrRufkJQp5cOEKtwNPrPBdHgyEnnGn_zoH-TrYJ2EAvJCGOo7CME4B8-hzCHHa64LYXilg/s1600/DSC_0174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Po-BHFIQy2XKIPE_vdGNtqpV7WVvHNIkBIR7Q3dgYFAyOe-u2sXjG8_oeZzuFwN7c6W5IYrRufkJQp5cOEKtwNPrPBdHgyEnnGn_zoH-TrYJ2EAvJCGOo7CME4B8-hzCHHa64LYXilg/s320/DSC_0174.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kakku</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwkHki7Zgt9fv1QoGqz67zbOJrSofPnZbgVz4n_eBqdDWRhNLmQruWhwkp1nPVqCtZfGlRkDY6ueCMD1QyM8nPng3jawL004RBX5LHuXlJH9rqfEIrZwEXngmVnHx7qFJipicpguIvw4/s1600/DSC_0175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwkHki7Zgt9fv1QoGqz67zbOJrSofPnZbgVz4n_eBqdDWRhNLmQruWhwkp1nPVqCtZfGlRkDY6ueCMD1QyM8nPng3jawL004RBX5LHuXlJH9rqfEIrZwEXngmVnHx7qFJipicpguIvw4/s320/DSC_0175.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hugh and Alan Conversing with Pay Pay</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPG94tC55jgSS-kFNmlyo4rrUsoxIlL3YPksqR5wH9HJlZz_txWWVIiXsZngCcgXN_ZwzU8vS7Pe5anKdQUN-Gckdz6hOIGBzv4GqXcWl5CPxW0UeSEEt_9UkPPdn1gtX4rx46a0GGz6g/s1600/DSC_0181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPG94tC55jgSS-kFNmlyo4rrUsoxIlL3YPksqR5wH9HJlZz_txWWVIiXsZngCcgXN_ZwzU8vS7Pe5anKdQUN-Gckdz6hOIGBzv4GqXcWl5CPxW0UeSEEt_9UkPPdn1gtX4rx46a0GGz6g/s320/DSC_0181.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Anna Trying PaO Style</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisk-glUjSSLsjDrKGnmlRRju80jy_qVry60ZIR70eA-n1UeQEOIveWG0cj2MmhUlbVPARKOZyD86J_gyhME7duJihyphenhyphen4Z_BTh2PVZ1hsp5uTdS7K4hb7zUQsmpIVy6KgPdnWBp8uBa0arA/s1600/DSC_0186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisk-glUjSSLsjDrKGnmlRRju80jy_qVry60ZIR70eA-n1UeQEOIveWG0cj2MmhUlbVPARKOZyD86J_gyhME7duJihyphenhyphen4Z_BTh2PVZ1hsp5uTdS7K4hb7zUQsmpIVy6KgPdnWBp8uBa0arA/s320/DSC_0186.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Finished Product <span style="font-size: small;">w</span>ith Smiles All <span style="font-size: small;">Ar</span>ound</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6SlJiEs0Tt9YepXPf71UAtMuqx2yrHwwWUfUoDdkn18PrEuqmSp_dcxa-V8HpS3TSFBqLnF_w3T6yJqOlUkhkPfyUtvxRO2JUavrAu60CeeiWSwEm6M9vkK4LnXs4p6b6YDW0vbwABk/s1600/DSC_0189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6SlJiEs0Tt9YepXPf71UAtMuqx2yrHwwWUfUoDdkn18PrEuqmSp_dcxa-V8HpS3TSFBqLnF_w3T6yJqOlUkhkPfyUtvxRO2JUavrAu60CeeiWSwEm6M9vkK4LnXs4p6b6YDW0vbwABk/s320/DSC_0189.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Impressive Banyan Trees</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHTTG3eSu3mCfalCaw30IFZcMSqbY5pfxFGThkMztwgk1SvYYYxO7aUnaXWHs5c0bR6kfcHwpCTcl9DrZYerhV9q1GYj1HL6-dmkTV42pQdCzUQO9BKOD2vhbAn4h4_8s9PByxH_6hok/s1600/DSC_0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHTTG3eSu3mCfalCaw30IFZcMSqbY5pfxFGThkMztwgk1SvYYYxO7aUnaXWHs5c0bR6kfcHwpCTcl9DrZYerhV9q1GYj1HL6-dmkTV42pQdCzUQO9BKOD2vhbAn4h4_8s9PByxH_6hok/s320/DSC_0190.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">On Our Way to Inspect the <span style="font-size: small;">Ancient Site</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLsEWgj9A0X2gE2vpPFXqgF-NpdkT_Hc4Nfc3kJXed5kGKz-SGHMaYqRJKV_aTlDk4hMyKz5XWC3XAP6ZcwNRxgCCcjFokH_eXG9kb3ZmHVRBQjKLIPZ29gN31DFlo_Cj55D-_sH2r_U/s1600/DSC_0192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpLsEWgj9A0X2gE2vpPFXqgF-NpdkT_Hc4Nfc3kJXed5kGKz-SGHMaYqRJKV_aTlDk4hMyKz5XWC3XAP6ZcwNRxgCCcjFokH_eXG9kb3ZmHVRBQjKLIPZ29gN31DFlo_Cj55D-_sH2r_U/s320/DSC_0192.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A Forest of Stupas</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOc_bcbeaTL-L2SwD8U8fnQtfPwIxwjZskI1K03vaJwg6H58t6qJNQQ8QJouZxzYw72Z-0Vjz9EKFq9R3Lb5eaipV_iIGcbsaqvXDOOe6xD6z7seemQSpDg9YNlmAEcKd3JFBPvBkpIKA/s1600/DSC_0196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOc_bcbeaTL-L2SwD8U8fnQtfPwIxwjZskI1K03vaJwg6H58t6qJNQQ8QJouZxzYw72Z-0Vjz9EKFq9R3Lb5eaipV_iIGcbsaqvXDOOe6xD6z7seemQSpDg9YNlmAEcKd3JFBPvBkpIKA/s320/DSC_0196.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">PaO Men Visiting the Site</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54lxgvZtJRMDbbuY-jVbmcRj5gFAjQIpaQiXvHtKKSZunYpVKB1GB1r4aZoLbXhNHfg9IhCjK76xIf6wgP2uxfGAkxu-RMlR6Y9UtdlbhwDZifqyQrb_59NKdbOVoA4XE7QbUZdnOV5g/s1600/DSC_0202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54lxgvZtJRMDbbuY-jVbmcRj5gFAjQIpaQiXvHtKKSZunYpVKB1GB1r4aZoLbXhNHfg9IhCjK76xIf6wgP2uxfGAkxu-RMlR6Y9UtdlbhwDZifqyQrb_59NKdbOVoA4XE7QbUZdnOV5g/s320/DSC_0202.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Impressive Workmanship</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmScq7GzyG6fYLd7x01Xz7a_Nb5BdWbpgSknzb4OOPM_Dmpi-eRpAJwv_3CLl29yrmRsvSSVmwQQ2ZLCY72KLgFzBqfp0ajgTIOVCmEzx8oPBKkwKNSLRGSgpsPjo7sxb6L6TggUKTf8/s1600/DSC_0205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmScq7GzyG6fYLd7x01Xz7a_Nb5BdWbpgSknzb4OOPM_Dmpi-eRpAJwv_3CLl29yrmRsvSSVmwQQ2ZLCY72KLgFzBqfp0ajgTIOVCmEzx8oPBKkwKNSLRGSgpsPjo7sxb6L6TggUKTf8/s320/DSC_0205.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Offerings</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFpF-ozkWvbt36bp4FDlRs0Jga8Dcx2Y3i54h4Ld-Q_udhjimffI_1qt-4hG1guF6imqCx8ioVToFDkiGNwutl9NCQNScTUZ-Qin6pIsEV5-qcVyR7n1hl_qC3ovlJwP8XprjrM2YjGc/s1600/DSC_0207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFpF-ozkWvbt36bp4FDlRs0Jga8Dcx2Y3i54h4Ld-Q_udhjimffI_1qt-4hG1guF6imqCx8ioVToFDkiGNwutl9NCQNScTUZ-Qin6pIsEV5-qcVyR7n1hl_qC3ovlJwP8XprjrM2YjGc/s320/DSC_0207.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hti <span style="font-size: small;">or Umbrella Top to Stupas</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5wOlxKqHQOw1xgTUDOKZK2Z_TVeXX08-mG9D7Vzum_r2vYXygrInfUNR7e-e2UwlFp3v6_HhAP2g9L4KVYDGszhkAcqK1NElotP6ZMbpiRebwP8xWuI3XIMyTrQi0y224ELOTTS6aRbw/s1600/DSC_0213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5wOlxKqHQOw1xgTUDOKZK2Z_TVeXX08-mG9D7Vzum_r2vYXygrInfUNR7e-e2UwlFp3v6_HhAP2g9L4KVYDGszhkAcqK1NElotP6ZMbpiRebwP8xWuI3XIMyTrQi0y224ELOTTS6aRbw/s320/DSC_0213.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Elabo<span style="font-size: small;">rate Decorations on Stupa</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdq3yJ7YM3TeiOmswjkWS9fHsYMfA7lq4anMslfm4ziYgz2k20HPHSmcabhFj7TjIiAroSW3mls6wx7iOrgk_GDsbjox0DmhicCraCbFL0qscHxgYrRHSQR1kkonojvNfsFhnLRB2gZY/s1600/DSC_0216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdq3yJ7YM3TeiOmswjkWS9fHsYMfA7lq4anMslfm4ziYgz2k20HPHSmcabhFj7TjIiAroSW3mls6wx7iOrgk_GDsbjox0DmhicCraCbFL0qscHxgYrRHSQR1kkonojvNfsFhnLRB2gZY/s320/DSC_0216.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stucco Scupture</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtV9QbM2zYWzd2TVgnAoRqjcFS1TpTQR8evxq1MBPDXu42tkFz6wR07Bbv0LcRhU6fApRP21-WhyphenhyphenhZwn6YUkcJEHzyhhbgSJe_Z5RFxxIreMACDMfkP31ba2T9t5DJoUYbgUhRIWSh38/s1600/DSC_0217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtV9QbM2zYWzd2TVgnAoRqjcFS1TpTQR8evxq1MBPDXu42tkFz6wR07Bbv0LcRhU6fApRP21-WhyphenhyphenhZwn6YUkcJEHzyhhbgSJe_Z5RFxxIreMACDMfkP31ba2T9t5DJoUYbgUhRIWSh38/s320/DSC_0217.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Remnant Color on <span style="font-size: small;">Stucco <span style="font-size: small;">Sculpture</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6JITMisZqJ0bxAF4xuxHKpukg8k9OmRjMygF74U0b_F2YzfBbV4Mq7eBV4X-W9-nbz5RLeFmB_hfTSZ0Pg_B9i7U-wcQgdIdsO1I3m7WdtVK4tPEomZOK8AMIjclPujNh8ncqlTi1ztY/s1600/DSC_0218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6JITMisZqJ0bxAF4xuxHKpukg8k9OmRjMygF74U0b_F2YzfBbV4Mq7eBV4X-W9-nbz5RLeFmB_hfTSZ0Pg_B9i7U-wcQgdIdsO1I3m7WdtVK4tPEomZOK8AMIjclPujNh8ncqlTi1ztY/s320/DSC_0218.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">R<span style="font-size: small;">e</span>stored Heads</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg743V00LUByK6_fkoK45MhQeuY4w-jHVSLxLsucQarlI3f6l10GjvNZ-Ab9fG6aMM5z7Ehtu6Ye7dn-Y8dIGxhrfghk5zODFCzpBlGdYNPOLX67j83O32-VVNwaUZnbTogUBzSqalp920/s1600/DSC_0219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg743V00LUByK6_fkoK45MhQeuY4w-jHVSLxLsucQarlI3f6l10GjvNZ-Ab9fG6aMM5z7Ehtu6Ye7dn-Y8dIGxhrfghk5zODFCzpBlGdYNPOLX67j83O32-VVNwaUZnbTogUBzSqalp920/s320/DSC_0219.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Figures on Stupa</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-I_bHTVCKKQfbZPxSanJ_1q95cXdJEGoZcVxOlmTFCWlVjUK5h06eZQVPKnB93vpvmw2_XfSBz0iv4fPx4pxenMS-YOTEb0VBKfYhFJAcplxUXtPAbxg5ACvfy-Ub5SR8S9ErVXEZyHw/s1600/DSC_0221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-I_bHTVCKKQfbZPxSanJ_1q95cXdJEGoZcVxOlmTFCWlVjUK5h06eZQVPKnB93vpvmw2_XfSBz0iv4fPx4pxenMS-YOTEb0VBKfYhFJAcplxUXtPAbxg5ACvfy-Ub5SR8S9ErVXEZyHw/s320/DSC_0221.JPG" width="284" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">John, Linda, Hugh and Jack Learning About the Kakku Site</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uaNxxHfXobUctC9ExJR-_J3Y2fqH-ktHttV3tmttjZdkbx_SpS6ht1gSSeLiJK6wcaKnvwm7V5Bt4srVdabvXND7jRv6CrzXhsQJHmISP0U1LZkMztrVr4QcONnPqvIetxx1sLDRi3E/s1600/DSC_0232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uaNxxHfXobUctC9ExJR-_J3Y2fqH-ktHttV3tmttjZdkbx_SpS6ht1gSSeLiJK6wcaKnvwm7V5Bt4srVdabvXND7jRv6CrzXhsQJHmISP0U1LZkMztrVr4QcONnPqvIetxx1sLDRi3E/s320/DSC_0232.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Candles of Devotion</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxFWB39xzlystFcOTWb1jL85gATAS_NmzhsfjcdRtEam6XLbFQBtFi0cTmUgVzeGvo87RRqAqUV-3bYa2ixPzbWyq27rhMRlkCHYVlQOASNOd7TIX1tiDSObyDSuKJTAyTq0ECt_MSYc/s1600/DSC_0237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxFWB39xzlystFcOTWb1jL85gATAS_NmzhsfjcdRtEam6XLbFQBtFi0cTmUgVzeGvo87RRqAqUV-3bYa2ixPzbWyq27rhMRlkCHYVlQOASNOd7TIX1tiDSObyDSuKJTAyTq0ECt_MSYc/s320/DSC_0237.JPG" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A OK</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYuwDTavcCDZfd4NsTLR1x1A6Nq7vVdPC1_6fwaAcRcY5A2WrwQrmwu69CUo_KEK18QtIONZ5tyX3_OJHI88ZKelkLLn05cWtu7hqQcfsb9uJysSvzvRtEcrjxrYFc7iWrxpVFkriU14/s1600/DSC_0244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYuwDTavcCDZfd4NsTLR1x1A6Nq7vVdPC1_6fwaAcRcY5A2WrwQrmwu69CUo_KEK18QtIONZ5tyX3_OJHI88ZKelkLLn05cWtu7hqQcfsb9uJysSvzvRtEcrjxrYFc7iWrxpVFkriU14/s320/DSC_0244.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rare Representation of De<span style="font-size: small;">ad Buddha</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloycPkkjYYSBeyqaeygcbFmjY5gwjXKlYGlFMNWHUvSpjFi3EWAWRZMYRC6j_7TuBSoAw3k7pR5dtsQ0jVHoKhY30aKDI_nbwoZDtNH_mbKJx3m5fLCl0W_Y5X9TMkhctCtUFJuMvg8s/s1600/DSC_0249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloycPkkjYYSBeyqaeygcbFmjY5gwjXKlYGlFMNWHUvSpjFi3EWAWRZMYRC6j_7TuBSoAw3k7pR5dtsQ0jVHoKhY30aKDI_nbwoZDtNH_mbKJx3m5fLCl0W_Y5X9TMkhctCtUFJuMvg8s/s320/DSC_0249.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Quiet Reverence</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFa-VyWaIbhjf_WXdbcZQFx4F1H6jytiQLg5MAzuF_8nOgT-VW0NFK9t0VKUfRzagYiIWP1F2lRX809f_u0rSNkqduyvguIsqNAr3pxllOkLnnj7XT9VAZX9M4Ex_LUHK-VuK_9cCrPbI/s1600/DSC_0251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFa-VyWaIbhjf_WXdbcZQFx4F1H6jytiQLg5MAzuF_8nOgT-VW0NFK9t0VKUfRzagYiIWP1F2lRX809f_u0rSNkqduyvguIsqNAr3pxllOkLnnj7XT9VAZX9M4Ex_LUHK-VuK_9cCrPbI/s320/DSC_0251.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kakku Reflection</span></span><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On our way back to Inle we stopped at a Pa O village known as Naung Pit Village in order to visit a cheroot factory and to see a traditional style PaO home. Naung Pit in Pao means lake covered by sediment. We were graciously allowed into a home to view the village lifestyle. The two story house consisted of a lower floor which served as a storage area for agricultural products and equipment while the upper floor was a large open area with only one room walled off. The kitchen consisted of a small area for cooking over wood or charcoal. Upon leaving the home we heard the distinctive sounds of long drums and gongs which heralded a temple ceremony. So, we abandoned our plans to see the cheroot making in favor of dropping by the temple ceremony. We were greeted by long lines of men and women dancing around the temple as a prelude to their making their offerings. The proceedings were observed by numerous onlookers young and old alike. The atmosphere was festive and the long drums a treat to see being played with such enthusiasm.. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcC2COn37sDoGyYk4NY9W1Q5kPMg1NekTS_MLfMkJxSLq0MjjBgG8SxSA9dKUtWQ0vURbv7WdPiLBYFShjvluqnystogiHoW4SstuKk8t5T4ABmWH5ceB0HJsZYQiC4ZCR69fPbttcIvI/s1600/DSC_0254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcC2COn37sDoGyYk4NY9W1Q5kPMg1NekTS_MLfMkJxSLq0MjjBgG8SxSA9dKUtWQ0vURbv7WdPiLBYFShjvluqnystogiHoW4SstuKk8t5T4ABmWH5ceB0HJsZYQiC4ZCR69fPbttcIvI/s320/DSC_0254.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">PaO Girls at Naung Pit Village</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBfySNImaAgGFZd6EjuqsqmBdbdmrG2yOjg6fKcbBGHBW7hmxe633EXiHdQL6Z51Hi6utc6K8hqr0Wm7qEfB7SwPEa08Mv_GDnQyfkwWBAkthgoTxA2Xv1e_PQkFWahlvQg4KkjFY1QOU/s1600/DSC_0256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBfySNImaAgGFZd6EjuqsqmBdbdmrG2yOjg6fKcbBGHBW7hmxe633EXiHdQL6Z51Hi6utc6K8hqr0Wm7qEfB7SwPEa08Mv_GDnQyfkwWBAkthgoTxA2Xv1e_PQkFWahlvQg4KkjFY1QOU/s320/DSC_0256.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Typical House of S<span style="font-size: small;">plit Bamboo</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRjw5zwhSAeVpYE_HyjKJNdQ0k39xGm-sFnnp9lQqi3IK3KjbJNRux8irJ9yooHB44uL6lnNEuXm7E4AOxK0xZZuw9hzvYmzVV5N7tLldddyEWIKhrNNRrkdLg0tBrPpzYFyGKs6gp5A/s1600/DSC_0257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRjw5zwhSAeVpYE_HyjKJNdQ0k39xGm-sFnnp9lQqi3IK3KjbJNRux8irJ9yooHB44uL6lnNEuXm7E4AOxK0xZZuw9hzvYmzVV5N7tLldddyEWIKhrNNRrkdLg0tBrPpzYFyGKs6gp5A/s320/DSC_0257.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">PaO Kitchen</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTjZL0VdHX2kTClLt6DNA005Eqy94FXET0sVtyXer1puxbB09NTkm2t9AxWx8-zlhxTwDh2E0xiVa0Y6c6nC1r9vElWU5ofAoQbFI3kmFpB5uo8wVWiuBLL37Wwlt5zYsqgJtvUEnhHg/s1600/DSC_0260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTjZL0VdHX2kTClLt6DNA005Eqy94FXET0sVtyXer1puxbB09NTkm2t9AxWx8-zlhxTwDh2E0xiVa0Y6c6nC1r9vElWU5ofAoQbFI3kmFpB5uo8wVWiuBLL37Wwlt5zYsqgJtvUEnhHg/s320/DSC_0260.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our Hostess</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwjux0tetPsojgL6Fmd_j4Pq0sPA1fRMVtukoXrpcGf5_4DOLEWn5aYYPP1_zC-f_gngB47QZnetr0ryaKlOumNbHwAr0S_up69G6W1Kmw4ajXrv3n4sh1LOdukQ7eRzoIyLaZ3cQehXQ/s1600/DSC_0266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwjux0tetPsojgL6Fmd_j4Pq0sPA1fRMVtukoXrpcGf5_4DOLEWn5aYYPP1_zC-f_gngB47QZnetr0ryaKlOumNbHwAr0S_up69G6W1Kmw4ajXrv3n4sh1LOdukQ7eRzoIyLaZ3cQehXQ/s320/DSC_0266.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Circ<span style="font-size: small;">ling the Temple with Donations</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSPJ-06glDnDXMj8U3DtOPHdoWNwjli7EPsod8r-0FoUk-cazL8eXR5A3l3J-4dEFJOaJXhUdquRxRMRG5AYODHQjEvvzPyGwlWFh2y01chJWORBjltsRbELfWB-XT0rtZ10DPbZlTl8/s1600/DSC_0271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSPJ-06glDnDXMj8U3DtOPHdoWNwjli7EPsod8r-0FoUk-cazL8eXR5A3l3J-4dEFJOaJXhUdquRxRMRG5AYODHQjEvvzPyGwlWFh2y01chJWORBjltsRbELfWB-XT0rtZ10DPbZlTl8/s320/DSC_0271.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">PaO Women with Donations</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4wvymHXzssrpb1i6SH3dYUcpK-s8o8Eyovw2GhZ16IjuMOq_Y6rCGriWLeiF3wrsG7zKKD4ybkpSx14UoKcJLuqFIFN2Uk7E1x4t50nakpiq2wb99fb2nyQ5A_SVwInn-U1Atn3OHqw/s1600/DSC_0279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4wvymHXzssrpb1i6SH3dYUcpK-s8o8Eyovw2GhZ16IjuMOq_Y6rCGriWLeiF3wrsG7zKKD4ybkpSx14UoKcJLuqFIFN2Uk7E1x4t50nakpiq2wb99fb2nyQ5A_SVwInn-U1Atn3OHqw/s320/DSC_0279.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pao Turbans</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOoh4O-CAbGNF5mHsOSQMG-84EuhXdCTsXLIGSVYvYCKh32Tw9RXG3WlSVdS8Ui23YIeb0Ecp6y7A23yYNEm64Es-Lm7xh3NyckpvOVUlHyQtk0bg3Wk9ylTv2loq3tkssmaBJrwPr1w/s1600/DSC_0264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOoh4O-CAbGNF5mHsOSQMG-84EuhXdCTsXLIGSVYvYCKh32Tw9RXG3WlSVdS8Ui23YIeb0Ecp6y7A23yYNEm64Es-Lm7xh3NyckpvOVUlHyQtk0bg3Wk9ylTv2loq3tkssmaBJrwPr1w/s320/DSC_0264.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">PaO Long Drum</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2MK6huxofjYcJcZ76LlZzPa2ZRnwSFzGiN22dPQl6vKuDoKMcZ5S_f3ReYYIH0KMU7BrTBH97PpLi8o6oVibpI5fLXMFnkyGJc9sCQmkF88_7UPMWsbeh-LOTnwpSS4uICcYjKdusaU/s1600/DSC_0268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2MK6huxofjYcJcZ76LlZzPa2ZRnwSFzGiN22dPQl6vKuDoKMcZ5S_f3ReYYIH0KMU7BrTBH97PpLi8o6oVibpI5fLXMFnkyGJc9sCQmkF88_7UPMWsbeh-LOTnwpSS4uICcYjKdusaU/s320/DSC_0268.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Musicians</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbwjowoQJrl2lNlAWBGWg44Q6f-8zD43BnSZCAOhsDCWHk2jleMtCMcuWelA-8JU2ewhOg0qVZ_vTsTDvY0Xx37LvOAAEYB5juastzE-5cXRfGeQ8G0DmOmV_k_BQQX-KcQzDI6F9g9w/s1600/DSC_0281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbwjowoQJrl2lNlAWBGWg44Q6f-8zD43BnSZCAOhsDCWHk2jleMtCMcuWelA-8JU2ewhOg0qVZ_vTsTDvY0Xx37LvOAAEYB5juastzE-5cXRfGeQ8G0DmOmV_k_BQQX-KcQzDI6F9g9w/s320/DSC_0281.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Spectator<span style="font-size: small;">s</span></span></span><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We came back into Taunggyi and again inaugurated the opening of an excellent restaurant, the Taung Chune Food Center where the tasty food was matched by its great presentation. The owner has created a delicious repertoire of dishes. Our evening meal consisted of Shan style duck expertly cooked by Tin and her staff at Teak Wood.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAr7lRmBlXSVIxXOCqTEwIMQHodAeTXwd9088W4shQ552s3Qxz8cj0_81NGVGLPdSo86GPKdsSDV5nUSsL9svaSqyclVUeV0rtsUPGVWehJ6JLeiLj9HsNxVAc89Jnd6uaCV7aEDCLfEs/s1600/DSC_0291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAr7lRmBlXSVIxXOCqTEwIMQHodAeTXwd9088W4shQ552s3Qxz8cj0_81NGVGLPdSo86GPKdsSDV5nUSsL9svaSqyclVUeV0rtsUPGVWehJ6JLeiLj9HsNxVAc89Jnd6uaCV7aEDCLfEs/s320/DSC_0291.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Enjoying the Fare at Taung Chu<span style="font-size: small;">n</span>e <span style="font-size: small;">Food <span style="font-size: small;">Center, Taunggyi</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The following morning we left for Pindaya Cave and our overnight stay in the former British Hill Station of Kalaw. On the way we happened by an ox cart park where farmers had gathered to sell their cabbages and to transfer their carts to a large truck which would transport the vegetables to markets in Mandalay and Rangoon. We proceeded on to Pindaya and the caves of the same name. Here the limestone topography has permitted the formation of many caves over a period of several million years. The north-south ridge behind Pindaya is the site of three caves, only the southernmost cave can be entered. A Buddhist pilgrimage site, this cave which extends into the ridge about 490 meters contains over 8000 Buddha images. Based on inscriptions the oldest images appear to date to the early 18th century. Most of the images date to the late 18th and early 19th centuries though images are constantly being placed by donors both from Burma and many foreign countries. Some of the images are unique to Pindaya such as the images from the late 18th century Bhisakkaguru tradition in which the image is holding a seed in the upturned right palm. Good views were had over the surrounding countryside, Pindaya Lake and a complex of stupas at the foot of the ridge.We had an enjoyable lunch at the lakeside Green Tea restaurant after which we visited a Sa paper manufacturing operation where both sheet paper with impressed flowers as well as umbrellas were sold.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTNUxgBss9cgul10OhzY1sufCadRpyy_XWKbDutw4qj4OMfQZw0RZ9fghVWhHyfc6fMYN_MNzsD2mmy_z0hAljwyr1CzYUJRi3BGSyYlz9Gq78wPkLqUWLGamo2sls0_QpbqLcB1HHBc/s1600/DSC_0303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTNUxgBss9cgul10OhzY1sufCadRpyy_XWKbDutw4qj4OMfQZw0RZ9fghVWhHyfc6fMYN_MNzsD2mmy_z0hAljwyr1CzYUJRi3BGSyYlz9Gq78wPkLqUWLGamo2sls0_QpbqLcB1HHBc/s320/DSC_0303.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ca<span style="font-size: small;">bbages in Qu<span style="font-size: small;">eue</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiOzA1YoJIE-LTAc_oVMFzETtgwfWMiVpWYmOfVmzTm_cbd9jEOcrs3RmiLwaEEf1oQt49z7K-FTEhZIoEuC9RupIEWeEFcEV7VyHANHi5Lq9BJe6hWvkwb9cMbHh7OpSQ4xdUMwonpp8/s1600/DSC_0307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiOzA1YoJIE-LTAc_oVMFzETtgwfWMiVpWYmOfVmzTm_cbd9jEOcrs3RmiLwaEEf1oQt49z7K-FTEhZIoEuC9RupIEWeEFcEV7VyHANHi5Lq9BJe6hWvkwb9cMbHh7OpSQ4xdUMwonpp8/s320/DSC_0307.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Loading for Shipment to Mandala<span style="font-size: small;">y and Rangoon</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqI3f5JqCcY3C4mGEw37ngQYC4-qQfYkpRxOXIxMejaJJAzJHD54l7FtENW9zTjsN3HL7wT2jZ71q2NH4bCxhGJyKGVEyE0ObEC0forTtBQYk1VHJWCAjLTo6_nGSnaB7emaLY3AhxmU4/s1600/DSC_0309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqI3f5JqCcY3C4mGEw37ngQYC4-qQfYkpRxOXIxMejaJJAzJHD54l7FtENW9zTjsN3HL7wT2jZ71q2NH4bCxhGJyKGVEyE0ObEC0forTtBQYk1VHJWCAjLTo6_nGSnaB7emaLY3AhxmU4/s320/DSC_0309.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Local Transport</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBVgmij73MsrMSQUQFvsIoGXIVUNTYe63voieEtRupEAQ09tqpHdnjPHdqDtrwL7WbENycOdA9mLutJDCWZwzj4bxoravkAK8i9Ubj_ySIoon-1D_MjC2nQKcZDwyqyzekgONocV1vxg/s1600/DSC_0311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBVgmij73MsrMSQUQFvsIoGXIVUNTYe63voieEtRupEAQ09tqpHdnjPHdqDtrwL7WbENycOdA9mLutJDCWZwzj4bxoravkAK8i9Ubj_ySIoon-1D_MjC2nQKcZDwyqyzekgONocV1vxg/s320/DSC_0311.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Entry Structure to Pindaya Cave</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTnw0wuACdFoHBL5Wva01jSkNW3b_d4orTlFBGHJIQu9yTG8F1azW5kNYJExyDpto-XFcV4_fBuMmNLqIoYf-sBOttJPNKK8TAwXOzNgim2llve1myH_Fn7Uqs12B1QJuWNABq7OpE6k/s1600/DSC_0312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTnw0wuACdFoHBL5Wva01jSkNW3b_d4orTlFBGHJIQu9yTG8F1azW5kNYJExyDpto-XFcV4_fBuMmNLqIoYf-sBOttJPNKK8TAwXOzNgim2llve1myH_Fn7Uqs12B1QJuWNABq7OpE6k/s320/DSC_0312.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sermsri and Representation of Mythical Spider</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwugDQGtHkqxEpaaxEZaahIL4Qv_rLncH7X8XEp2LEi3EhRg3aNawmDWNWpU6fLW3h8ZVg8oBWxdcQF_xIJ6ige-OPaw1UDFLRvq_vibfEsf1gfDOkr4X-Nn_ixwVhATYKRQBj-UyrSZU/s1600/DSC_0314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwugDQGtHkqxEpaaxEZaahIL4Qv_rLncH7X8XEp2LEi3EhRg3aNawmDWNWpU6fLW3h8ZVg8oBWxdcQF_xIJ6ige-OPaw1UDFLRvq_vibfEsf1gfDOkr4X-Nn_ixwVhATYKRQBj-UyrSZU/s320/DSC_0314.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">View <span style="font-size: small;">L</span>ooking <span style="font-size: small;">T</span>ow<span style="font-size: small;">ard Pindaya Lake</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3QwxusILP8SgJWq5O4BrcMJrejFSpnBJYdtlEbnghT_QpV1PRQYz3VI-rqMX7vVwnzDS3zLiN35YKUggoR6q9zDI94tWK1efOtguiPj0hxundUHtugztWaHYUrLAawW4LmWwPKFmApho/s1600/DSC_0320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3QwxusILP8SgJWq5O4BrcMJrejFSpnBJYdtlEbnghT_QpV1PRQYz3VI-rqMX7vVwnzDS3zLiN35YKUggoR6q9zDI94tWK1efOtguiPj0hxundUHtugztWaHYUrLAawW4LmWwPKFmApho/s320/DSC_0320.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some of the Many Buddha I<span style="font-size: small;">mages Within the Cave</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wg91ITTTFxEatl7tjFVliBuf5DeUSfjeMgGxQj1KY5m2clqy85teJvU8VRSC0vWY63JDdznzwR12H3-t0M7rSaXCKDGGooHfOrqLDhFb_3X1bEc1Bco64O3ACQ5B1DI_XqbU_rFKJ7U/s1600/DSC_0323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wg91ITTTFxEatl7tjFVliBuf5DeUSfjeMgGxQj1KY5m2clqy85teJvU8VRSC0vWY63JDdznzwR12H3-t0M7rSaXCKDGGooHfOrqLDhFb_3X1bEc1Bco64O3ACQ5B1DI_XqbU_rFKJ7U/s320/DSC_0323.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Small Buddha Im<span style="font-size: small;">ages</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lAp1Gk3TJz1WcYbOXJezUB08aEKTL-yDjyfxEkbPldwXM4muGGbsNbZ-vl-ivS5a5tg889mssOKDXGC8Y3ihNGXa0S739vWn7Uxo5hivZM0iYrOkxlwvHYoURsh9yjAj-7UvmStEDME/s1600/DSC_0326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lAp1Gk3TJz1WcYbOXJezUB08aEKTL-yDjyfxEkbPldwXM4muGGbsNbZ-vl-ivS5a5tg889mssOKDXGC8Y3ihNGXa0S739vWn7Uxo5hivZM0iYrOkxlwvHYoURsh9yjAj-7UvmStEDME/s320/DSC_0326.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So Many Images</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8YV3Mln0-h0_XKT6NdRVZ9LgeZqcpSn3LrFaFGQb5Xcvj86esmGjhfXuji3a3J1_eMT4DqEgk7osHJCZpxizWDFLuoNi9UMPYmS_gd1uI1LmNcrxcvmPgjZsrX2m0zz4-4b3S0ntVn8/s1600/DSC_0328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8YV3Mln0-h0_XKT6NdRVZ9LgeZqcpSn3LrFaFGQb5Xcvj86esmGjhfXuji3a3J1_eMT4DqEgk7osHJCZpxizWDFLuoNi9UMPYmS_gd1uI1LmNcrxcvmPgjZsrX2m0zz4-4b3S0ntVn8/s320/DSC_0328.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Linda,Alan,Hugh, Jude and John Taking in the Cave and its Contents</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL1d9x8zqxK_dqeuXoXVkiPj1L0UUVavcB3-ZgcShfwdGjUPUfAJNyQOy2RiHWIHeALrCtwcLk8Gxd31AYvGaASPP8JACJWQrEtwfQNZgg9yKlNdLeJjGm7aijmCG_wbDdokekoH7r-rE/s1600/DSC_0336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL1d9x8zqxK_dqeuXoXVkiPj1L0UUVavcB3-ZgcShfwdGjUPUfAJNyQOy2RiHWIHeALrCtwcLk8Gxd31AYvGaASPP8JACJWQrEtwfQNZgg9yKlNdLeJjGm7aijmCG_wbDdokekoH7r-rE/s320/DSC_0336.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jo<span style="font-size: small;">hn, Linda and Anna in a Small Meditation Cave</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItb964QJ_FLy9JyHf3CyVDzA63CwG-62d6_Pjv42eL8zVVLNWDJIWvjy14e5AqjcXCPjIWjzocKHuJzRcRzttlyBhKk1q7uw8-3tpXxpL5MXyZRWU7P2ixO36g1MlUUWFBI98CVnD2f8/s1600/DSC_0338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItb964QJ_FLy9JyHf3CyVDzA63CwG-62d6_Pjv42eL8zVVLNWDJIWvjy14e5AqjcXCPjIWjzocKHuJzRcRzttlyBhKk1q7uw8-3tpXxpL5MXyZRWU7P2ixO36g1MlUUWFBI98CVnD2f8/s320/DSC_0338.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jack Squ<span style="font-size: small;">ee</span>zing Out of the Meditation <span style="font-size: small;">cave</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9Nujps_SwdlbrWeC8w1tfkcRz9xKVCPia4GbL1IKgdohDXyKq7Z8zkyOb431uDhoN3PVU1O07KMzVEuUSk24IWu0Uq1ztTIX2LowioieUzTqKaYShwW4dFTOuWXDKNQbRONyHnaLB1g/s1600/DSC_0346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9Nujps_SwdlbrWeC8w1tfkcRz9xKVCPia4GbL1IKgdohDXyKq7Z8zkyOb431uDhoN3PVU1O07KMzVEuUSk24IWu0Uq1ztTIX2LowioieUzTqKaYShwW4dFTOuWXDKNQbRONyHnaLB1g/s320/DSC_0346.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Making Paper</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AxGLlN9fBBO7nrKZ-ReJqE8jmIxqP2T-5Glp_6tgS9RDlATHWRMnFBPGj3NYKyKq-U9w3ynDvhxbTWx7Slw_qudjRoM5GFA2NcUewsuUWwKO14gp7KS2VmQhdz9tM9rOAAWim_FTmqk/s1600/DSC_0348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AxGLlN9fBBO7nrKZ-ReJqE8jmIxqP2T-5Glp_6tgS9RDlATHWRMnFBPGj3NYKyKq-U9w3ynDvhxbTWx7Slw_qudjRoM5GFA2NcUewsuUWwKO14gp7KS2VmQhdz9tM9rOAAWim_FTmqk/s320/DSC_0348.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Turning Umbrella Handles on Simple Lathe</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We next bused through beautiful rolling countryside to Kalaw and our lodgings for the night at the Pine Hill Resort. After a rest we headed for dinner at the Kalaw Branch of the Everest Nepali Restaurant for a reprise of the good food we had at the Nyaungshwe branch.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBx58ezdczJpS-SHIvKA2ArW4qIt5Ug-pDhRnL15NPJlXxRAYx77z6m8F-fTnm5yPH2NlF6bhtAExTdBbCEqA0g9SCFyZ_xSHbK-SU46pMmuxw1Ijczkp5W4b1SxODxDpUEUK9qtGlEg/s1600/DSC_0350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBx58ezdczJpS-SHIvKA2ArW4qIt5Ug-pDhRnL15NPJlXxRAYx77z6m8F-fTnm5yPH2NlF6bhtAExTdBbCEqA0g9SCFyZ_xSHbK-SU46pMmuxw1Ijczkp5W4b1SxODxDpUEUK9qtGlEg/s320/DSC_0350.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rolling Countryside <span style="font-size: small;">Between Pindaya and Kalaw</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GnqN7CgrprDbBKbNIVH3Rk35ZRw7d4AsBRTAFbnygZfm208zlQ_0NFmY4MxX532mFVpRiM9CS2jNCWXizYaoEIwfwBXlBQ5LSXhblvIJIolP5s_2DtKNe8DNYHclbCURTTPbtep6_YQ/s1600/DSC_0349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GnqN7CgrprDbBKbNIVH3Rk35ZRw7d4AsBRTAFbnygZfm208zlQ_0NFmY4MxX532mFVpRiM9CS2jNCWXizYaoEIwfwBXlBQ5LSXhblvIJIolP5s_2DtKNe8DNYHclbCURTTPbtep6_YQ/s320/DSC_0349.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Countryside on Way to Kalaw</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The following day we did a walking tour of the Kalaw Market. As it was time for the five day market the lanes were crowded with shoppers and sellers of all manner of produce and dry goods though not many persons were wearing ethnic clothing. An interesting shop we discovered along the way was run by the Rural Development Society which had a variety of tribal handicrafts for sale. After a stint of looking and shopping we headed for Hnee Pagoda home of a unique 500 year old gold-laquered Buddha image made from woven strips of bamboo. Here we were treated to tea prepared by some of the nuns and lay people in the pagoda. Afterwards some elected to rest at our lodgings while others opted for a 6 kilometer hike into a Palaung village. After a short downhill we walked along a fairly narrow valley sandwiched between surrounding mountains then began a fairly steady uphill until we arrived at the lower reaches of the village. We enjoyed the views and meeting Paluang women who were weaving by the back strap loom method. After enjoying the views and interacting with the children we hiked back to the trail head then met our transport for our return to Heho airport and thence on to Rangoon for our return trip to Bangkok the following day.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8ZNpjJZmu2YbTHf91zQx4DOumHErJyOsPp4KD2Fz2x_oZUi6aXK2hFZmXofr3c97amDdRcA-cK6R3Na9EnrhU4UhV_KEH5KS-cUyNY2C39f-U8MXAoUPC3KR7uXnje5QbZLynKy84FI/s1600/DSC_0354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8ZNpjJZmu2YbTHf91zQx4DOumHErJyOsPp4KD2Fz2x_oZUi6aXK2hFZmXofr3c97amDdRcA-cK6R3Na9EnrhU4UhV_KEH5KS-cUyNY2C39f-U8MXAoUPC3KR7uXnje5QbZLynKy84FI/s320/DSC_0354.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Color in Kalaw Market</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ01LfEGK7WwwKJw0DMArZRvK8sOZAnjh8v-u47vD2uqKGB2x5K8qF-tZ1Mk7q2NdNzrUH051xBW4XQ6ePUaRNLuReT7MVOmdA5jOhpc9Qrk1A4p5sTZFdlFusNiIp73JFUv0vl8DY8GY/s1600/DSC_0355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ01LfEGK7WwwKJw0DMArZRvK8sOZAnjh8v-u47vD2uqKGB2x5K8qF-tZ1Mk7q2NdNzrUH051xBW4XQ6ePUaRNLuReT7MVOmdA5jOhpc9Qrk1A4p5sTZFdlFusNiIp73JFUv0vl8DY8GY/s320/DSC_0355.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Balloons and Flowers</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVw-QYMpqlDhgdGn9hCWBn_7qJxZlaR4mwEat_8cldrL1TIrqtqaJNL5oRjfWD9QFAesHTVqc8TfLjobJRR_IXmssBFEFQt8FU_Qj52vyDb7KI5TcMJNFUyudz7fnW326AKI8rHcAKN5c/s1600/DSC_0356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVw-QYMpqlDhgdGn9hCWBn_7qJxZlaR4mwEat_8cldrL1TIrqtqaJNL5oRjfWD9QFAesHTVqc8TfLjobJRR_IXmssBFEFQt8FU_Qj52vyDb7KI5TcMJNFUyudz7fnW326AKI8rHcAKN5c/s320/DSC_0356.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Picking Up Flowers</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzp2U69qXWsbpT_sj1Nawr0TpRknJWUpW-IWxoaQcuFkS7sKswctx8QQ9E2X2AvfErVZ54GUj-1Kqei4Th-87e_wZs6dFTrIZM_m5sFNOAuaw4kB1hdEL01J6NmyZokFXnIGCt-PnQr8/s1600/DSC_0358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzp2U69qXWsbpT_sj1Nawr0TpRknJWUpW-IWxoaQcuFkS7sKswctx8QQ9E2X2AvfErVZ54GUj-1Kqei4Th-87e_wZs6dFTrIZM_m5sFNOAuaw4kB1hdEL01J6NmyZokFXnIGCt-PnQr8/s320/DSC_0358.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Collecting Donations</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEH_ShIZSnYwiOKbIQivkWZN_iKkiPn2hKr1LNMIPdhf32DDVEVmZ4uH8sf1lqgm60d1Fky6NhQ9Of7_mr1EiO9cOY4aSWp6S1_pFFNmJY-tjKo-MejK8lwLQ36jL-pk85lUuwspQUOD8/s1600/DSC_0359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEH_ShIZSnYwiOKbIQivkWZN_iKkiPn2hKr1LNMIPdhf32DDVEVmZ4uH8sf1lqgm60d1Fky6NhQ9Of7_mr1EiO9cOY4aSWp6S1_pFFNmJY-tjKo-MejK8lwLQ36jL-pk85lUuwspQUOD8/s320/DSC_0359.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bamboo Buddha Image at Hnee Pagoda</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Ok0OaeEJn2MxNHmOiOiF9YydBr1ZaNHbAoRyKHM5nzLxcPxpcQYp-C7S0rmxMs1a5D3RKPoN3Plph-ZJPT8qY91bR7jm25nqr04u-bdXonxIFP-VA3sn_pm9CQhLoDWMBQWgdG4tkmE/s1600/DSC_0361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Ok0OaeEJn2MxNHmOiOiF9YydBr1ZaNHbAoRyKHM5nzLxcPxpcQYp-C7S0rmxMs1a5D3RKPoN3Plph-ZJPT8qY91bR7jm25nqr04u-bdXonxIFP-VA3sn_pm9CQhLoDWMBQWgdG4tkmE/s320/DSC_0361.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hiking to Paluang Village</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IXjNfY9nbCp_D3sdv_PD8f6U2tm3FJQUraz1YGq_aljPvkhplaFpVtgh8JPB-9jO4dnjncHbh1eCofhg4ZQX9RjMJQstI__orFhxXmyRm8Z1T6H-1P5hBdLM8GvRcuNRi5x3160q2hg/s1600/DSC_0362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IXjNfY9nbCp_D3sdv_PD8f6U2tm3FJQUraz1YGq_aljPvkhplaFpVtgh8JPB-9jO4dnjncHbh1eCofhg4ZQX9RjMJQstI__orFhxXmyRm8Z1T6H-1P5hBdLM8GvRcuNRi5x3160q2hg/s320/DSC_0362.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Spinning</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXw6gG77nALT-tOTnpv_gSqgDq4Q4YUg-y7oEuBkPv692FW0OhhkPR1AQcNOgDahSBm44QjNPmjQEKvclPC8Ib_ZeRErE91o1AYHo8AIJav1_e_calDrmeefBqfrk4nWYMRZtS7d1F-gA/s1600/DSC_0363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXw6gG77nALT-tOTnpv_gSqgDq4Q4YUg-y7oEuBkPv692FW0OhhkPR1AQcNOgDahSBm44QjNPmjQEKvclPC8Ib_ZeRErE91o1AYHo8AIJav1_e_calDrmeefBqfrk4nWYMRZtS7d1F-gA/s320/DSC_0363.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Weaving on a Back Strap Loom</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOfGD6yTKFozLX89bohF63IDRKYWH2kjl646IExZYm2fZT7SU8vgATnmdJV6aYmczciMptSgB1HCWxOS5PCOQbM9iPfCUgtRoZ06a6miG6xp9304ME0u8KFhVCeI7m8hKDoJmxPqVqxc/s1600/DSC_0365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOfGD6yTKFozLX89bohF63IDRKYWH2kjl646IExZYm2fZT7SU8vgATnmdJV6aYmczciMptSgB1HCWxOS5PCOQbM9iPfCUgtRoZ06a6miG6xp9304ME0u8KFhVCeI7m8hKDoJmxPqVqxc/s320/DSC_0365.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Palaung Hearth</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_LHwFUjQXxJbnCaBpJfANQ7WwTal5Owou9h1dirb8zzJQ59DJPjw960e8cS24bpjuBJqV1TFMeKKWhACsG-9ZeAiOI8r0Qn8RuoJ5R3G8zIrhMz5RFOg-tfKUtq3YHRpL6vNKr1d0lo/s1600/DSC_0367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_LHwFUjQXxJbnCaBpJfANQ7WwTal5Owou9h1dirb8zzJQ59DJPjw960e8cS24bpjuBJqV1TFMeKKWhACsG-9ZeAiOI8r0Qn8RuoJ5R3G8zIrhMz5RFOg-tfKUtq3YHRpL6vNKr1d0lo/s320/DSC_0367.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Palaung Still Life</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVbRrwj4uk3WY2TOtWVNQI4NUiTcD578m958Tb6PMEHUXgNx9jKgzeCFrNmBlcITsaAe_dpChRy0ofqwFtceYewsB0WmCMCVHSrrxVZD77KVTtyWfV0cFUazD1AM13mms6JmVCccZF10/s1600/DSC_0368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVbRrwj4uk3WY2TOtWVNQI4NUiTcD578m958Tb6PMEHUXgNx9jKgzeCFrNmBlcITsaAe_dpChRy0ofqwFtceYewsB0WmCMCVHSrrxVZD77KVTtyWfV0cFUazD1AM13mms6JmVCccZF10/s320/DSC_0368.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Palaung Youth</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vZ0iBAGxy9KOtevgCbY1RhMMDHa5mhylczFxMrPtHvy904XaYc96iwTWGJeiVt_sTPmKqnTjMBI70S20Ky6_ku19YPO2YH8Cas9isBRqA7Mxll1PtWJseVoDlUOZSO6fX7I1-_Yz3HQ/s1600/DSC_0371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vZ0iBAGxy9KOtevgCbY1RhMMDHa5mhylczFxMrPtHvy904XaYc96iwTWGJeiVt_sTPmKqnTjMBI70S20Ky6_ku19YPO2YH8Cas9isBRqA7Mxll1PtWJseVoDlUOZSO6fX7I1-_Yz3HQ/s320/DSC_0371.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vi<span style="font-size: small;">ew from Palaun<span style="font-size: small;">g Village</span></span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxjlgp3qtZ5nGqvE3Cibyxyf3UHaAraaIH3tqB84arzvX1D4TXiYVpyPP5BjT6ql6vfPFmtrLAOxeScr7Qwf39nlhyphenhyphenfmQLt3cIsow-2vmHw9D-wMISLpUZT98xE_BeldZb0qEXGvFM_4/s1600/DSC_0372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxjlgp3qtZ5nGqvE3Cibyxyf3UHaAraaIH3tqB84arzvX1D4TXiYVpyPP5BjT6ql6vfPFmtrLAOxeScr7Qwf39nlhyphenhyphenfmQLt3cIsow-2vmHw9D-wMISLpUZT98xE_BeldZb0qEXGvFM_4/s320/DSC_0372.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jude Enjoying Encounter with Paluang Kids</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is no doubt that Burma is changing rapidly even in the six years between our most recent visits. There are many noticeable changes, not all for the good. However, the country still offers many fascinating sights to see and of course is home to people of irrepressible spirit and good will. It is the memories of all the special person to person contact that will keep bringing us back to this enchanting land. Some of these people are the subject of the next blog entry, BURMESE FACES.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unless otherwise credited, all photographs on Lanna Happenings are copyright by Steve Wilke, 2012 </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
Steve at Lanna Thai Villahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10643635601243206721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6749323742658731184.post-57506665375169947362012-08-25T03:06:00.000-07:002012-12-21T21:47:18.453-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawXyKP5Fh4q0NX7L4Kxos3h6MOLwWijt9SVRsL67H8xbbFcRt4h4HJZMHu9GW4RRzQk27e5CpuHZz4FRt50zUTsi6OA3S2OU0bmhmWE5YioiWZYeFyBdPRJJyrN4yx1tb6nkU0acE0t4/s1600/Bagan+Image+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Burma Bound Part 1 </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">From time to time we at Lanna Thai Villa will lead guests on</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">cultural immersion tours to neighboring countries including Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Bali and Nepal. During the period October 22 - November 6, 2012 we will be returning for our sixth visit to Myanmar since our first in 1983. This upcoming visit will not </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">only include what are becoming the standard highlights but also jeep and van trips to small rural craft and farming villages as well as river excursions to explore the lifeways of people inhabiting seasonal islands in the Irrawady River. Whenever possible we like to emphasize a people to people approach in off the beaten track </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">contexts. The ever present smiles despite the hardships remains one of the enduring memories of Myanmar.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjspjZSiVpaUvBj0oXtxq2jEEVV8feyH7BIRnr28AgQcMrqEwXD5beC5I3vgw_ukkJn_MNGBJt0T-7jZCVwa3chm7L4JrxCsmMYDHHaufpKAoc4-nMSA89i5EjfurcGhDQD9i8d9OPdZQ/s1600/DSC_0271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjspjZSiVpaUvBj0oXtxq2jEEVV8feyH7BIRnr28AgQcMrqEwXD5beC5I3vgw_ukkJn_MNGBJt0T-7jZCVwa3chm7L4JrxCsmMYDHHaufpKAoc4-nMSA89i5EjfurcGhDQD9i8d9OPdZQ/s320/DSC_0271.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cooking dinner on a sand island in the Irrawady</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeSWV7dwtNTOXV06qploEuYtJQQZiA2o71vJHfP8ECuCWgjHuYATGBsotGW_ack52Biy3TibmvLaNFqMkMelkgG9-r58TzqZbrbdhTAGw_EyzCl8-p77oqbzdrr8p5vm_WJ1_One0Wto/s1600/DSC_0279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeSWV7dwtNTOXV06qploEuYtJQQZiA2o71vJHfP8ECuCWgjHuYATGBsotGW_ack52Biy3TibmvLaNFqMkMelkgG9-r58TzqZbrbdhTAGw_EyzCl8-p77oqbzdrr8p5vm_WJ1_One0Wto/s320/DSC_0279.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Still smiling after a hard day</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin205_S01IE6z7OwB21paBURwDTn1oroYJlxy6dtXg6wANp9bNbdbuO8tKOGwhdCto1r4mYBiEDzPHX3DdhcwO_qbudkf5TydyF9nncU1TS_YyEMEff6UT7-wAmTnBzeZGvzewtPVy_9k/s1600/DSC_0300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin205_S01IE6z7OwB21paBURwDTn1oroYJlxy6dtXg6wANp9bNbdbuO8tKOGwhdCto1r4mYBiEDzPHX3DdhcwO_qbudkf5TydyF9nncU1TS_YyEMEff6UT7-wAmTnBzeZGvzewtPVy_9k/s320/DSC_0300.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Village matriarch, Taunted Village </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLF3BYML2MWa00C9vcKYAw5u6odbMyGdhHvO8JzlinDvyZC1nGx4rP3ltE0BCmhAiFEi0DJCwTaUJxYBQHPmrLsuOprxpuRSkLUSsDTKvzcblIHaQgln2OOlDXWfkkWxCWCkGIJ9pSr4/s1600/DSC_0347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLF3BYML2MWa00C9vcKYAw5u6odbMyGdhHvO8JzlinDvyZC1nGx4rP3ltE0BCmhAiFEi0DJCwTaUJxYBQHPmrLsuOprxpuRSkLUSsDTKvzcblIHaQgln2OOlDXWfkkWxCWCkGIJ9pSr4/s320/DSC_0347.JPG" width="215" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Youthful Grin</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This year we will follow a common circuit but with several diversions into less explored areas. Starting in the capitol Yangon our focus will be on markets and monuments as well as street life</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">in this city of over 4 million. Headlining our exploration will be the Shwedagon Pagoda which continues to be inextricably linked to </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Myanmar's history and modern development. However, we will also be visiting numerous other pagodas which are also impressive such as the nine story tall Buddha at Koe Htat Gyi and the reclining image at Chauk Htat Gyi. A crossing of the Yangon River will provide an opportunity to witness life on the water and along the shores. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggy8DWuugVZR0QZuAZ7JAxMfWTGkQenBG_JaTd4en6eLl-NSlOUEsLrpcYaQvOCrROkL_K1vE3cUspf8uZeRAzn6ruNhRyKBoFrUnjTbVyz1EDbOqugvXvr1natBNMOPPUTpK0cdKEJsA/s1600/Rangoon+street+scene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggy8DWuugVZR0QZuAZ7JAxMfWTGkQenBG_JaTd4en6eLl-NSlOUEsLrpcYaQvOCrROkL_K1vE3cUspf8uZeRAzn6ruNhRyKBoFrUnjTbVyz1EDbOqugvXvr1natBNMOPPUTpK0cdKEJsA/s320/Rangoon+street+scene.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yangon Street Scene</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSoGlMvkbQa4xOJQA0XQAOfkpHy5uq0kDusnzrAZwtgfjTkQdHEUZVMSGpRTRhkxXJ-_1wrr-T2WMqTyZfqXBqIVAEFBUd0VRXX8lJC6EA-HREgpl4L5zDZNaHphHKKIwdgS8mqfJvj3Q/s1600/DSC_0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSoGlMvkbQa4xOJQA0XQAOfkpHy5uq0kDusnzrAZwtgfjTkQdHEUZVMSGpRTRhkxXJ-_1wrr-T2WMqTyZfqXBqIVAEFBUd0VRXX8lJC6EA-HREgpl4L5zDZNaHphHKKIwdgS8mqfJvj3Q/s320/DSC_0144.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pavilion within Shwedagaon compound, Yangon</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7CUJPvdVuTej50hZ0IWPbOTjtVgRMBH5f3dF-AGscoyu7HW9fweQKDHDAgOK0hmzjJjGkl43AFzd2fVq9FcZlf9eqj8mNfql1mdM9fnUa_boFuHP47-_LVgvyA6uk9f4MZTXSj7uPxA/s1600/DSC_0184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7CUJPvdVuTej50hZ0IWPbOTjtVgRMBH5f3dF-AGscoyu7HW9fweQKDHDAgOK0hmzjJjGkl43AFzd2fVq9FcZlf9eqj8mNfql1mdM9fnUa_boFuHP47-_LVgvyA6uk9f4MZTXSj7uPxA/s320/DSC_0184.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shwedagon at night</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxO3fTVqi7D_BOv77uE3wM6lzbJqdEYldHSrkBfFOh9nIDRXa2eR9Y7gb671gib_wrGqYh8c50JzpRXSeZREXIAfUDTNEO3Y9XXrEHUnWaVCiM15lgfaycRUDrhGlnfGQ79ncENMhgV_c/s1600/DSC_0177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxO3fTVqi7D_BOv77uE3wM6lzbJqdEYldHSrkBfFOh9nIDRXa2eR9Y7gb671gib_wrGqYh8c50JzpRXSeZREXIAfUDTNEO3Y9XXrEHUnWaVCiM15lgfaycRUDrhGlnfGQ79ncENMhgV_c/s320/DSC_0177.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Flowers for the Buddha, Shwedagon</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHmzWWZjhXi6P0al6VkaLb695cb5Kx0kUV7hSevSKxjt-67yZKyCbRoOAqRxowf1i3XZlRtRkEaNFaku-fGqy5ZmkwO69W9C8jlqSHy_fCul9RhdEB9ODoUFRgfVDz1iy6ryiS3g6R4A/s1600/DSC_0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHmzWWZjhXi6P0al6VkaLb695cb5Kx0kUV7hSevSKxjt-67yZKyCbRoOAqRxowf1i3XZlRtRkEaNFaku-fGqy5ZmkwO69W9C8jlqSHy_fCul9RhdEB9ODoUFRgfVDz1iy6ryiS3g6R4A/s320/DSC_0060.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Boats along Yangon River shoreline, Yangon</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Flying north we will explore not only the famous site of Bagan with its thousands of monuments but also travel by jeep and van to visit</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">hard to reach rural villages which will provide an introduction to the lifeways of rural lowland Burmese. Boating on the Irrawady will</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">give us not only the opportunity to have a different perspective on the monuments of Bagan but will also provide an opportunity to explore the lifeways of people who seasonally occupy sand islands</span><span style="font-size: large;"> during low water stages of the river. Living in small temporary shelters people plant crops, fish and collect gravel from the river bottom. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-wubQyp35FwNXzRtznp5_fesFyIJ9MMKk3idJTw2DXc-bnkpYPAQqmpnb1uuSuBwJ-wtTazSXogZGH8Gy2ar9sdG6QCqTRrNotTYXXSK9Ad6PH3yEatiPx3oh-qaX-N9ruDYPoC5VIQ/s1600/water+truck+-+Bagan.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-wubQyp35FwNXzRtznp5_fesFyIJ9MMKk3idJTw2DXc-bnkpYPAQqmpnb1uuSuBwJ-wtTazSXogZGH8Gy2ar9sdG6QCqTRrNotTYXXSK9Ad6PH3yEatiPx3oh-qaX-N9ruDYPoC5VIQ/s320/water+truck+-+Bagan.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Water "Truck" in Irrawady River at Bagan</span></span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPlBOqMrD42JzpzwHxjPw_raO9LGbeb0czWhq_5mUTm2ceaiW9taBIzXFqJl_QXedUSOEZK2pBEhPN_QY_M1mpfHTlT3EvqL8n7IukJTBZ8yR5a-KULgkWO33j3Xu7bqa6xumhJfTtoY/s1600/Washing+on+sand+island,+Bagan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPlBOqMrD42JzpzwHxjPw_raO9LGbeb0czWhq_5mUTm2ceaiW9taBIzXFqJl_QXedUSOEZK2pBEhPN_QY_M1mpfHTlT3EvqL8n7IukJTBZ8yR5a-KULgkWO33j3Xu7bqa6xumhJfTtoY/s320/Washing+on+sand+island,+Bagan.jpg" width="217" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;">Doing the wash on sand island in Irrawady</span> <span style="font-size: small;">at Bagan</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWxhGUzfi8YBSjBhnz_B2Y20dTwl-xIU_tkBlw8oTBQveshF7egmUGeDgRj1-h67iSVLieOc4PGTJCBsE0k0goZh1lPq9VuDR8hSifdTV3QQ65jYLc7dmSGDeB4f_MpKebXXzByAYNng/s1600/DSC_0256.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWxhGUzfi8YBSjBhnz_B2Y20dTwl-xIU_tkBlw8oTBQveshF7egmUGeDgRj1-h67iSVLieOc4PGTJCBsE0k0goZh1lPq9VuDR8hSifdTV3QQ65jYLc7dmSGDeB4f_MpKebXXzByAYNng/s320/DSC_0256.JPG" width="213" /></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Praying at Ananda Temple, Bagan</span></span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTXDIB1PXEfhvvRyYU75Zg-3E4ls8itdudusiy4grgwZSBoM9XoU5f5vXxKUxGdeM9i3YhZB2YQPWbsyF2q-LvxRJ-AhEqS751D2ovhsMLW_fhSqepvy4UT7m3eWfnxQjNy2_WOkzLQA/s1600/DSC_0263.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTXDIB1PXEfhvvRyYU75Zg-3E4ls8itdudusiy4grgwZSBoM9XoU5f5vXxKUxGdeM9i3YhZB2YQPWbsyF2q-LvxRJ-AhEqS751D2ovhsMLW_fhSqepvy4UT7m3eWfnxQjNy2_WOkzLQA/s320/DSC_0263.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Youthful souvenir vendor at Bagan</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawXyKP5Fh4q0NX7L4Kxos3h6MOLwWijt9SVRsL67H8xbbFcRt4h4HJZMHu9GW4RRzQk27e5CpuHZz4FRt50zUTsi6OA3S2OU0bmhmWE5YioiWZYeFyBdPRJJyrN4yx1tb6nkU0acE0t4/s1600/Bagan+Image+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawXyKP5Fh4q0NX7L4Kxos3h6MOLwWijt9SVRsL67H8xbbFcRt4h4HJZMHu9GW4RRzQk27e5CpuHZz4FRt50zUTsi6OA3S2OU0bmhmWE5YioiWZYeFyBdPRJJyrN4yx1tb6nkU0acE0t4/s320/Bagan+Image+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Temples in Bagan</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVorsd9Bbo6l4P5CrHF26Di-IvE9ZCZTfFPZDKTxf6mP72vjshYazkrTpJbxUFlg56cc1BKzu9r_orNp0ENmW72usxwu_EF3oe79XR-hfIBuiHRrQ9ADo8RwwUNyc_o6yWfPCQQFs-lo/s1600/DSC_01441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVorsd9Bbo6l4P5CrHF26Di-IvE9ZCZTfFPZDKTxf6mP72vjshYazkrTpJbxUFlg56cc1BKzu9r_orNp0ENmW72usxwu_EF3oe79XR-hfIBuiHRrQ9ADo8RwwUNyc_o6yWfPCQQFs-lo/s320/DSC_01441.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the Shwezigon, Bagan</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Flying northeast to Mandalay we reach the commercial heart of northern Myanmar as well as its cultural and religious center of Buddhism. Here we enjoy the views from Mandalay Hill and explore rural areas taking in the Kyauk Se Elephant Festival. Our travel by boat to the giant partially constructed chedi at Mingun will provide an opportunity to view riverine commerce including people who live on bamboo rafts which float downstream to Yangon. Famous pagodas in Mandalay include the Shwenandaw Monastery noted for its intricate wood carving, the Maha Muni Pagoda which contains a Buddha image said to have been brought to life by having been embraced seven times by him and the Kyautawgyi Paya which features an 8m., 900 ton Buddha carved from a single block of marble.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUf6D226LnShYxM-f7kzCsvb6c1smxn-V_2hjzi3i7WQkCG3t7b6oYkIITNRZTrdKGk8fG-GWaqu01cXLT8Mmc5AwYt645FnXH6tfBXVCd5QX4iS2ayxemXq_l-0IEIwOCEeN2HGVNuA/s1600/DSC_0285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUf6D226LnShYxM-f7kzCsvb6c1smxn-V_2hjzi3i7WQkCG3t7b6oYkIITNRZTrdKGk8fG-GWaqu01cXLT8Mmc5AwYt645FnXH6tfBXVCd5QX4iS2ayxemXq_l-0IEIwOCEeN2HGVNuA/s320/DSC_0285.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Life on a bamboo raft, Irrawady River near Mandalay</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1vs-TPAXHB3dI5T6nqapIMO_p8MqGAFl_adK1IKwaAHh7WHwfSGeK59ooBunFYREi_7Xr3D_HetQkfqEnUNUVlh7RrU0BEuZl7McAJb33n1r-xs5Urvu1fFeRAyXbS5WaFNqYNL2RqM/s1600/DSC_0327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1vs-TPAXHB3dI5T6nqapIMO_p8MqGAFl_adK1IKwaAHh7WHwfSGeK59ooBunFYREi_7Xr3D_HetQkfqEnUNUVlh7RrU0BEuZl7McAJb33n1r-xs5Urvu1fFeRAyXbS5WaFNqYNL2RqM/s320/DSC_0327.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pounding gold bar into gold leaf in Mandalay</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDI9xZDXZRmoWqnv1YSi20rexPlJn_t0C7ApWbnoXqfhKiWd0LACc8SbE6iZebHbLsN5HA-joDACSQ3848OvFJmUqWKku7ug0LDetHH54Ysg-WILbOGAcMghN6IZjuD62zeuFNxo_Ck3E/s1600/DSC_0297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDI9xZDXZRmoWqnv1YSi20rexPlJn_t0C7ApWbnoXqfhKiWd0LACc8SbE6iZebHbLsN5HA-joDACSQ3848OvFJmUqWKku7ug0LDetHH54Ysg-WILbOGAcMghN6IZjuD62zeuFNxo_Ck3E/s320/DSC_0297.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Unfinished chedi at Mingun</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kgn1jh0cvV1XiCuKMfbC6IKziRMSKAoyNrNGWK9XPUHLCUjFTZ1tlPHqVXx-alvruP_ACDN6YqnAV0mSLh78tWSwf8hPV6SS-t-EUwS24jtScHdBBYBH_HpLry5waPZe9oQ8IxrD5MQ/s1600/DSC_0319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kgn1jh0cvV1XiCuKMfbC6IKziRMSKAoyNrNGWK9XPUHLCUjFTZ1tlPHqVXx-alvruP_ACDN6YqnAV0mSLh78tWSwf8hPV6SS-t-EUwS24jtScHdBBYBH_HpLry5waPZe9oQ8IxrD5MQ/s320/DSC_0319.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Interlude on top of Mandalay Hill</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">From Mandalay we fly southeast to the small landing strip and former wartime Japanese airfield at Heho. After a short drive we arrive at Nyaungshwe located at the north end of Inle Lake. Inle Lake is 22 km. long and 11km. wide and nestled between two parallel mountain ranges. It is home to the Intha people famed for their stilt houses and their lacustrine way of life centered on fishing, hydroponic gardening and weaving. Inle is also noted for the annual Paung Daw Oo festival wherein four sacred images are ferried over a two week period to various monasteries dotted around the lake. The images are moved on a large barge in the form of a bird or Karaweik which is drawn by over 1000 rowers dispersed among</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">many connected long shallow draft canoes. Along the procession route locals wait with offerings and flowers which will be presented at the stopover temples. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4rH1lBFtJdgek1q1ZE-VryodvooLrhimda-v1tU3RyMNNmCgJm18D_N2BsqeOrXbkQ5hdwMzVwMEcaH9vbqmCTGJGBy4SYalEk9VHFca83PIiBhsJIeFPB1rnzbXpLqugmRiK7-QgTc/s1600/Inle+Leg+Rower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4rH1lBFtJdgek1q1ZE-VryodvooLrhimda-v1tU3RyMNNmCgJm18D_N2BsqeOrXbkQ5hdwMzVwMEcaH9vbqmCTGJGBy4SYalEk9VHFca83PIiBhsJIeFPB1rnzbXpLqugmRiK7-QgTc/s320/Inle+Leg+Rower.jpg" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Inle Lake Leg Rower</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhop53m1WL-cwveFQAGIMt10q2MfuIojvUznN3ALYjYvwFpg-WRNe4PdCwnLvQqv8Jn4jABHkHi5FiNWAb5h8pk_x4KLCvkhh23UgHXsNWcEvFil6gp6D1U3IC9HO_agXkaNhPuVxt2Lx4/s1600/Inle+Hydroponic+Gardens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhop53m1WL-cwveFQAGIMt10q2MfuIojvUznN3ALYjYvwFpg-WRNe4PdCwnLvQqv8Jn4jABHkHi5FiNWAb5h8pk_x4KLCvkhh23UgHXsNWcEvFil6gp6D1U3IC9HO_agXkaNhPuVxt2Lx4/s320/Inle+Hydroponic+Gardens.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hydroponic gardens on Inle Lake</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0g-gmiqCZ6h6K_fdboxr3HSNgpMttZfhOfc-kXqXpQs22Up3LfYk2rs9S0biG6cOYGdRp6KEjOUAuGqrYvGvlnItz2NwnFRw4OBhGc_v_hF4KcTtdm1Bkedk4S94EVsYT5nOEbGMQmU0/s1600/Inle+FishermanSquare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0g-gmiqCZ6h6K_fdboxr3HSNgpMttZfhOfc-kXqXpQs22Up3LfYk2rs9S0biG6cOYGdRp6KEjOUAuGqrYvGvlnItz2NwnFRw4OBhGc_v_hF4KcTtdm1Bkedk4S94EVsYT5nOEbGMQmU0/s320/Inle+FishermanSquare.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Traditional fishing method on Inle Lake</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDKVxE62_gj6o-W0RUzo7473pgZslEfgC06zYkZuwH2lK8saZFGNiH0n9vOCG8qry_32uLFFBtl-9mNNrlAZloYrXe2x5-XpsnAZeQwyvv9eVi2DjkF2MFjCmvtXaQYEwcPCYDQXDEQ0/s1600/DSC_0362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDKVxE62_gj6o-W0RUzo7473pgZslEfgC06zYkZuwH2lK8saZFGNiH0n9vOCG8qry_32uLFFBtl-9mNNrlAZloYrXe2x5-XpsnAZeQwyvv9eVi2DjkF2MFjCmvtXaQYEwcPCYDQXDEQ0/s320/DSC_0362.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Priest at Hindu temple in Nyaungshwe</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdyNKoDn0Ytmw2Fwp3kZbeqCN0bXOmhTnvCP2IhTtMjv3xmV24GKRLUYf59AXX07IUEisdm3AmV7gtNk_7hz6I-bkE8claYnyO_UgC2RDvMvzHMgAR57obfqeQEDqrDfpEutFipfe6BCI/s1600/Leg+Rowers+Pulling+Barge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdyNKoDn0Ytmw2Fwp3kZbeqCN0bXOmhTnvCP2IhTtMjv3xmV24GKRLUYf59AXX07IUEisdm3AmV7gtNk_7hz6I-bkE8claYnyO_UgC2RDvMvzHMgAR57obfqeQEDqrDfpEutFipfe6BCI/s320/Leg+Rowers+Pulling+Barge.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Leg Rowers pulling Karaweik Barge</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFE9RhYuISUl1i8W8r6_qrkZJUdU0Wi2r3vdry93XVZSdJYtl9inBRKzK6auY0WQJ_q3c9RrGeRdzlMFaz9WqP4xS8DAonkjEVlf7S3sEEYQiEq81VTLK3T8KHfin7UPkcQ4TZYhZ9Aps/s1600/Intha+Lady+at+floating+market.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFE9RhYuISUl1i8W8r6_qrkZJUdU0Wi2r3vdry93XVZSdJYtl9inBRKzK6auY0WQJ_q3c9RrGeRdzlMFaz9WqP4xS8DAonkjEVlf7S3sEEYQiEq81VTLK3T8KHfin7UPkcQ4TZYhZ9Aps/s320/Intha+Lady+at+floating+market.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vendor at one of the Inle floating markets</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">From Nyaungshwe after a drive through rolling hills we reach Kekku. Located in the Hopong Valley and known to the resident PaO people as Kekku Myaw Daw Pagoda. The site contains over 2000 stupas probably constructed in the Pagan dynasty (1174 - 1211AD). Typically 3 to 4 meters tall the stupas made of brick and laterite are decorated with floral designs, figures of celestial beings etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Before returning to Yangon another excursion will take us to the famous Pindaya Caves and the former British hill station of Kalaw.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Pindaya Caves are a Buddhist pilgrimage site. Inside the cave are over 8000 images the earliest dating to the late 18th century. Not far away in Kalaw one can see remnants of the British presence in the form of Tudor style houses and Western church buildings. On market days the Kalaw market draws tribal people from the surrounding hills which makes for a colorful and exciting experience.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qKwgS1-HclcB__XYFFm58GCcDGaXfjYmmMrT1jziw4CLrC8WP4iBue2qqIbzWZPPg9Gvpu5V5RUU1QK89ZXvOycZ6bG2xhDwoHnJMUPzWHBn-sLeD7gaOJy5yEzYhbJ0HYrMAW2uTmY/s1600/Stupas+at+Pindaya+Cave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qKwgS1-HclcB__XYFFm58GCcDGaXfjYmmMrT1jziw4CLrC8WP4iBue2qqIbzWZPPg9Gvpu5V5RUU1QK89ZXvOycZ6bG2xhDwoHnJMUPzWHBn-sLeD7gaOJy5yEzYhbJ0HYrMAW2uTmY/s320/Stupas+at+Pindaya+Cave.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stupas at Pindaya Cave</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQTAOEtfPIdsfM6RyCMTosqZ_V94keecZvEhhyc-E-Q7yZeI2axR9RTM7sGFDs1Xvy02An4iNUfF07_zcLHOBdSd02t5Ib679hRlGHkT8no_J1-ZW4EKwDTaSOGrxH9RPWLZWB4Yik_U/s1600/Pindaya+Cave+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQTAOEtfPIdsfM6RyCMTosqZ_V94keecZvEhhyc-E-Q7yZeI2axR9RTM7sGFDs1Xvy02An4iNUfF07_zcLHOBdSd02t5Ib679hRlGHkT8no_J1-ZW4EKwDTaSOGrxH9RPWLZWB4Yik_U/s320/Pindaya+Cave+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Buddha images inside Pindaya Cave</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8UbwXyaJXIKtfW6C-1s8RnW7k06WOMhL7dv4DHAm0E8e-4N5OWsLerLuXaOm1STPktXPuExjk2mZTtzRrzfmGJ_imq893yN-7fOVrVSDXYd-iXkGt3MMOnF-Ibq6m8owuwVb18KtNfY/s1600/Kalaw+Mkt.+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8UbwXyaJXIKtfW6C-1s8RnW7k06WOMhL7dv4DHAm0E8e-4N5OWsLerLuXaOm1STPktXPuExjk2mZTtzRrzfmGJ_imq893yN-7fOVrVSDXYd-iXkGt3MMOnF-Ibq6m8owuwVb18KtNfY/s320/Kalaw+Mkt.+1.jpg" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kalaw morning market</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Steve at Lanna Thai Villahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10643635601243206721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6749323742658731184.post-73265171944014615962011-12-19T04:35:00.000-08:002011-12-19T04:37:51.840-08:00Chiang Rai - Black and White<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvpYR-4Si1dSa3d2MeAP553QMDA3STcAfLPTTh7kpc1Sx5o1sXLw-dUQsKWy03nI9rTyRKvJghbTQqaovQ2tMtdKdC4URKDACo2tbHADuvA2ADFKVe4wmQbM2QGCzjmq1NiGF_mlIiw8/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Chiang Rai <span style="font-size: small;">is home to many Thai National Artists. The artistic products of two of these artists have become some of the most popular tourist destinations</span></span> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">in the province. Artist Thawan Duchanee is the inspiration behind the series of installations often referred to as the "Black House" owing to the dominant black color of most of the buildings found on the extensive grounds. This plot of land of over 100 rai (40 acres) is located at Ban Dam, Nang-lae, Chiang Rai.</span> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The artist was born in Chiang Rai</span> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">on September 27, 1939 and was eduacted in both Thailand and the Netherlands where he received a PhD in Metaphysics and Aesthetics from the Royal Academy of Visual Arts.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Over the past 35 years the grounds of Thawan's land have witnessed the installation of numerous buildings of varying size and construction many of which evoke traditional Thai building forms plus carefully composed rock gardens, Balinese sculptures and water worn boulders from the Mekong river. All of the foregoing are placed in a peaceful forest and garden setting. Many of the buildings house valuable collections of traditional folk arts while others contain installations which showcase the artists vision using natural items such as hides,skins and skeletal parts.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The artist has not been without controversy owing to his fusion of Buddhist and natural images in his paintings and his use of animal skins and bones in his installations. Some have criticized him for being mysterious or even ghoulish while </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">he states that "they mean nothing,</span> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">They are for</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">study, to help me with anatomy, form and function." He has further stated that "Colors and shapes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">of animal skin, skull and bones as well as the myths related to them give me power. Moreover, looking at those animal corpses makes me think of life after death.....I can gain power by observing birds, reptiles and insects. In addition, I observe the details of lives to revive them once again on my painting."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Tawan's paintings evoke a sense of the organic combined with energy all rooted ina unique perspective of Thai Buddhism. The artist who says that he paints "out of pure emotion" is noted for rapid almost frenzied painting which can result in a finished canvas in a matter of seconds to minutes. His paintings are represented in collections all over the world and he is adept in many forms including: painting, sculpture, architecture, decorative art, music, literature and poetry. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">About his paintings Tawan has said "I think paintings are not things to be explained or interpreted. A painting faces you, so you just look at it. ..."I have depicted fate, dignity and sadness floating in the sea of my work." ...."What I basically try to express is the Buddhism philosophy in a contemporary style."..."As an artist I need inspiration. I need something psychological, sensual, difficult to understand and lonesome." ..."I try to express sublime loneliness and love in a visible way."...... "Paintings are a way of expressing feelings without any explanation." "I see the world in black and white."..."What I want is the heart-to-heart contact just like the waterfall touching the mountainside and cliff."Each visitor to the "Black House" compound will be touched in their own way influenced by what they bring to the experience. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">From the large wooden hall structure with its steeply pitched roof and richly carved doors to</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">the small concrete structures filled with furniture and displays of animal parts the visitor is sure to be engaged and challenged by the richness and uniqueness of Tawan Duchanee's art. A small</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">gift shop and gallery is located on site. There is no admission charge.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsf1jHP3Sfva2jYqlZ2twYuz0y8I-eSs4hddKv-Wgu-QV2BqgZkcZSBfyYosMr4iRf39De-r39MJ3b3O-DWH9y3eSYhYF3vl589_IR5EtcwyVDh2VKtDmsQk6ryg6tseTZ5wIGYS9MYuM/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsf1jHP3Sfva2jYqlZ2twYuz0y8I-eSs4hddKv-Wgu-QV2BqgZkcZSBfyYosMr4iRf39De-r39MJ3b3O-DWH9y3eSYhYF3vl589_IR5EtcwyVDh2VKtDmsQk6ryg6tseTZ5wIGYS9MYuM/s320/DSC_0014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE GREAT HALL</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWNiYyWlghjjaeR2Y7SXBOCDN2wW9fU_MR2NNWQ0NQghLp8cJb20m4_9ATWQcpB75UwIOLAb-xH6fsMN86BDxZLNHeQmVUAEYtgaYeYaugKeMQJdwp12H9WzmAOf8kHVZM6p5-F70Wl8/s1600/DSC_0142.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWNiYyWlghjjaeR2Y7SXBOCDN2wW9fU_MR2NNWQ0NQghLp8cJb20m4_9ATWQcpB75UwIOLAb-xH6fsMN86BDxZLNHeQmVUAEYtgaYeYaugKeMQJdwp12H9WzmAOf8kHVZM6p5-F70Wl8/s320/DSC_0142.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> ROOF LINES </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEide-vCfKAz-8qsmoB2zV2Fqav2oUmK-KOn45RpMVvvWoNIqAZ5m9PVSyn6NSbfKVQ0psu0X_FTu-HYEtmWHPOskT0Sj7xeJWvU2f7W-2nL4BLArktCVBhP-_NRY7vMlXUQJyY85blfPCc/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEide-vCfKAz-8qsmoB2zV2Fqav2oUmK-KOn45RpMVvvWoNIqAZ5m9PVSyn6NSbfKVQ0psu0X_FTu-HYEtmWHPOskT0Sj7xeJWvU2f7W-2nL4BLArktCVBhP-_NRY7vMlXUQJyY85blfPCc/s320/DSC_0020.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Black House - Tawan's Work Place</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh159K7qSQuxt2D7DBFcrUJc9xiYJDycMtocxmr7jfLkPZkorlQ4ZhN4Kicf4MXqJ21eKJbTU8vT-lZwVgGUadazNw0jZYu-C4CuALlMrTcC1hWaplO8n9EiGRNmCDU6PPPrAlrcUi4yeQ/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh159K7qSQuxt2D7DBFcrUJc9xiYJDycMtocxmr7jfLkPZkorlQ4ZhN4Kicf4MXqJ21eKJbTU8vT-lZwVgGUadazNw0jZYu-C4CuALlMrTcC1hWaplO8n9EiGRNmCDU6PPPrAlrcUi4yeQ/s320/DSC_0015.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Horns </span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXh4zbuJ31Yr048sr5tjTuJJJZuauHjCsEUxGVMnyS9a-yEwCgJ9HvPOT_3F9vVWRvyHxGHUvdSbUkSGjiUEe0DBbYDKwx9QsInRikf71ugfvAORA3mM5iWcj5xFPJCCnRjvnpi589SI/s1600/DSC_0109.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXh4zbuJ31Yr048sr5tjTuJJJZuauHjCsEUxGVMnyS9a-yEwCgJ9HvPOT_3F9vVWRvyHxGHUvdSbUkSGjiUEe0DBbYDKwx9QsInRikf71ugfvAORA3mM5iWcj5xFPJCCnRjvnpi589SI/s320/DSC_0109.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Rock Sculpture</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicD8ZwvC8miLxsxcjaYlHLHBnSzTHc3BgLl0g7Oz1WwNikRb2sb6nmJ8dTrAG1dI_o9I6PTC1kuaUqCA1mO7VOrqOBvofTiZU_VNLjQG952MVrUDx0mD-FmdVTtRszuYDmiMMUXhuL5DU/s1600/DSC_0133.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicD8ZwvC8miLxsxcjaYlHLHBnSzTHc3BgLl0g7Oz1WwNikRb2sb6nmJ8dTrAG1dI_o9I6PTC1kuaUqCA1mO7VOrqOBvofTiZU_VNLjQG952MVrUDx0mD-FmdVTtRszuYDmiMMUXhuL5DU/s320/DSC_0133.JPG" width="213" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Concrete Structure</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVy-xaVx_kYlDvLEn3Rydhuxr7Gos8134r_8irXzye-Hm91uWajweUIWpDce0shUVYKfq9Vex5q1LdKzB2-_ryIYPhRcqEen967y9hwKCaQyeR72Zyjz3vtbVoBzaMSECBJlHGHNld_8k/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVy-xaVx_kYlDvLEn3Rydhuxr7Gos8134r_8irXzye-Hm91uWajweUIWpDce0shUVYKfq9Vex5q1LdKzB2-_ryIYPhRcqEen967y9hwKCaQyeR72Zyjz3vtbVoBzaMSECBJlHGHNld_8k/s320/DSC_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Chairs of Horn with Shells and Hides</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVbxwRenSZtosyWRVOahjRK8yd8j282DcAJJGbPGEITueUTfDML8IUuHz1FXGcdTmgIDIMzeWWVSDLCvbFKTdMlN47XqQ6w_XnubKpJNyoap8QJK57ECO80MFCSBTqtpG02LzVU_zDig/s1600/DSC_0153.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVbxwRenSZtosyWRVOahjRK8yd8j282DcAJJGbPGEITueUTfDML8IUuHz1FXGcdTmgIDIMzeWWVSDLCvbFKTdMlN47XqQ6w_XnubKpJNyoap8QJK57ECO80MFCSBTqtpG02LzVU_zDig/s320/DSC_0153.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Skulls - Black and White Vision</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVE0wMt9fCOnkcRCd3wk-n9d94gJJYuWQBhxQwi5yEfIxwHPlI1WSNY_xTByCHrjq5J8lu4Vtj0iFJylILfNahxR-fmGmHVBFqdjIi5BWlV1xTR2f4Q1luqFaTu3UYmvfkDHbmTrbBBw/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVE0wMt9fCOnkcRCd3wk-n9d94gJJYuWQBhxQwi5yEfIxwHPlI1WSNY_xTByCHrjq5J8lu4Vtj0iFJylILfNahxR-fmGmHVBFqdjIi5BWlV1xTR2f4Q1luqFaTu3UYmvfkDHbmTrbBBw/s320/DSC_0018.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Another Roof Line</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitI9f99OnYMKjXp4yYVgtiF-8VzQ8vCvhbXyGGcamGxGUbo1Xdyv0cZMNRpWP8WeYAjTeUsIRHK7bEtdj7X8iIzVjwmb8EtCtDDwIWHE95veBRGxUMFLf7KDd8W_c25porWuTifGnmp9M/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitI9f99OnYMKjXp4yYVgtiF-8VzQ8vCvhbXyGGcamGxGUbo1Xdyv0cZMNRpWP8WeYAjTeUsIRHK7bEtdj7X8iIzVjwmb8EtCtDDwIWHE95veBRGxUMFLf7KDd8W_c25porWuTifGnmp9M/s320/DSC_0010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Black House Still Life</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Chiang Rai National Artist Chalermchai Kositpipat has been pursuing a life's work which outwardly at least is almost totally white. Wat Rong Khun or perhaps better known as the"White Temple" is located about 11km. from Chiang Rai and is now firmly established as a must see.Under construction since 1997 the temple complex consisting of nine buildings is expected to take a total of 90 years to complete. To insure its completion the artist has trained a staff of over 50 young architects, painters and designers to carry on the work after his passing. Born on February 15, 1951 Chalermchai like Tawan was recognized at a young age as possessing extraordinary talent and became very successful through the sales and commissions for his work. Accomplished in many media and sculpting visitors will be amazed at the intricacy and detail of his paintings, sculpture and architectural works. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Chalermchai has stated his purpose in building the temple - "It was my strong intention to build a temple in imitation of heaven. I wanted it to be heaven on earth." ...."I wanted it to be like a house of the Buddha with white color representing His purity and white glass (mirrors) representing His wisdom shining all over the earth and the universe." Chalermchai also wishes .."to make this temple a national and world heritage." ...He also wants "it to represent art and craft that flourished during the reign of His Majesty the King", for whom he wishes to dedicate the temple.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To these ends Chalermchai is dedicating his life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The architectural layout and structures are based on Buddhist mythology and symbolism beginning with the bridge to the main building or ubolsot (chapel). The bridge symbolizes the change from the cycle of rebirths to the land of Buddha (nirvanna). The small semicircle in front of the bridge represents the world while the larger semicircle with the large "demon king's fangs" symbolizes passion and desire which one needs to throw away into the mouth of the demon king before entering the ubolsot. Along the railing of the walkway are 16 monsters representing the 16 kinds of passion. Mid bridge represents Sumeru mountain the abode of gods with the pond below standing for Sithandon Ocean. The 16 magic lotuses surrounding the main building represent the 16 layer Brahma's land which lies above the 6 layer heaven. The biggest 4 lotuses situated beside the entrance to the main building represent the shelters of the 4 great followers of the Buddha. The semicircle before the stair represents transcendent wisdom and the three steps stand for impermanence, suffering and non-self. After this one reaches the four levels of the Realm of the Formless Brahmas,which are represented by four celestial lotuses and four door panels the uppermost of which is a triangular glass pane signifying emptiness. At this point one crosses into the Abode of Buddha. Inside the Ubolsot all paintings are in gold hues and show the escape from the defilement's of temptation. (Adapted from Creating Buddhist Art for the Land by Chalermchai Kositpipat).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The complex of temple buildings are set on manicured grounds. Also within the temple precinct are workshops producing architectural and decorative elements for the various buildings, a souvenir sales room and a gallery containing original works by the artist which are not for sale. However in both locations selected prints in varying size are available for purchase. There is no admission fee. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Both of these Chiang Rai natives have devoted their lives to perfecting their art and both have produced important monuments to their respective visions. Guests at Lanna Thai Villa are able to schedule private and personalized visits to these and other culturally important sites in Chiang Rai and adjacent provinces. The above are two of the more well known attractions in the province, however, many interesting and lesser known sites are events are regularly part of the opportunities afforded those who stay with us where culturally sensitive <span id="goog_131032024"></span><span id="goog_131032025"></span>people to people experiences are a priority.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjiGpNQclGuBQJja4DqQHIUPTXGrTVEu5qik687qDt_KYxPkXUk5vSxw8NfdhEXHLhfTqlQKmuNaF-m8UDJMyQrXIvMfQlqkTrmy9HJCvZMwGKZNALJU227cLMHrjFc1ae4ohgxQrXMo/s1600/DSC_0111.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjiGpNQclGuBQJja4DqQHIUPTXGrTVEu5qik687qDt_KYxPkXUk5vSxw8NfdhEXHLhfTqlQKmuNaF-m8UDJMyQrXIvMfQlqkTrmy9HJCvZMwGKZNALJU227cLMHrjFc1ae4ohgxQrXMo/s320/DSC_0111.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wat Rong Khun</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvpYR-4Si1dSa3d2MeAP553QMDA3STcAfLPTTh7kpc1Sx5o1sXLw-dUQsKWy03nI9rTyRKvJghbTQqaovQ2tMtdKdC4URKDACo2tbHADuvA2ADFKVe4wmQbM2QGCzjmq1NiGF_mlIiw8/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvpYR-4Si1dSa3d2MeAP553QMDA3STcAfLPTTh7kpc1Sx5o1sXLw-dUQsKWy03nI9rTyRKvJghbTQqaovQ2tMtdKdC4URKDACo2tbHADuvA2ADFKVe4wmQbM2QGCzjmq1NiGF_mlIiw8/s320/DSC_0009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Souls in Hell</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzQ26ymyPzF3dEEFjTrnBDixNyvITI2WTB0mq9AjFLtLIO4c1FnKVlHzUmCU4PLvO-vC-xs_kToQFRbk1Rc50EePGx_RP5IrvEjTok_lP0SB3e3fTDWTe4CSaxwhhFrNmpdWrhz2t5fQ/s1600/DSC_0232.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzQ26ymyPzF3dEEFjTrnBDixNyvITI2WTB0mq9AjFLtLIO4c1FnKVlHzUmCU4PLvO-vC-xs_kToQFRbk1Rc50EePGx_RP5IrvEjTok_lP0SB3e3fTDWTe4CSaxwhhFrNmpdWrhz2t5fQ/s320/DSC_0232.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Bridge From Cycle of Rebirth to the Abode of Buddha</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9rQcBY6kZ4V2kEXysij_78XRukuL02Jid5iJCyEnW0MFXUAIx5ZGp9vPPYX7JVJJooJRnT_msNacAOxv3kRwbwIJAzLXEsQKuMUKhYXthNMdoBYvAmJ1ivDsYVeg9-J8S9fCtD-OyF8/s1600/DSC_0121.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9rQcBY6kZ4V2kEXysij_78XRukuL02Jid5iJCyEnW0MFXUAIx5ZGp9vPPYX7JVJJooJRnT_msNacAOxv3kRwbwIJAzLXEsQKuMUKhYXthNMdoBYvAmJ1ivDsYVeg9-J8S9fCtD-OyF8/s1600/DSC_0121.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC32w6EKLkC86dv3-YXvdwS2MUGKYau6Y8DQMwJPjTENp4vbIsZzdspSaZZfylt0mB4_cutE6fuf29O215REFCRp5VJ4TGc-OlU7DJGceJvhuv5RjZdlN59XRIPsRaEzf9SLxMVkMbSfQ/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC32w6EKLkC86dv3-YXvdwS2MUGKYau6Y8DQMwJPjTENp4vbIsZzdspSaZZfylt0mB4_cutE6fuf29O215REFCRp5VJ4TGc-OlU7DJGceJvhuv5RjZdlN59XRIPsRaEzf9SLxMVkMbSfQ/s320/DSC_0023.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some Images are Fearful</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKhN9WOFQKkHhVSxAfH_9EbU4lQ5fM-tE1bJxTlyD6WX0Pm6DVvOiV_wD1BWVhqpAfQelFvgJzeCgb79V0EnH2MMwg9Grs8WcayQtbuKm2MQFil3-RgbCCnZmePiAWLuKVh4RvsIdFMw/s1600/DSC_0035.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKhN9WOFQKkHhVSxAfH_9EbU4lQ5fM-tE1bJxTlyD6WX0Pm6DVvOiV_wD1BWVhqpAfQelFvgJzeCgb79V0EnH2MMwg9Grs8WcayQtbuKm2MQFil3-RgbCCnZmePiAWLuKVh4RvsIdFMw/s320/DSC_0035.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some Images are Peaceful</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jZSZZDFPHrfDS1ODa5ZSJ2UULbmJCGPlKxS3TkVovYtpSwHEdLOFJEikoxl2_kGvMloGI-l2bChgDRrlapOb15wTpZpIWnsK8ettn9je4NyxkaPJf6TTX2o7euu0WcVg358wUkZIKNw/s1600/DSC_0223.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jZSZZDFPHrfDS1ODa5ZSJ2UULbmJCGPlKxS3TkVovYtpSwHEdLOFJEikoxl2_kGvMloGI-l2bChgDRrlapOb15wTpZpIWnsK8ettn9je4NyxkaPJf6TTX2o7euu0WcVg358wUkZIKNw/s320/DSC_0223.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Multitiered Roof With SymbolicChofa (finials)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvIp_s5dhQIFbWb1h8DRuiIOtMiEtKDgvzJ3OhWjJFNdVOu2SMwSziAmessHmTMC9B_U-3qkIS73sf0KQjCdDHxnuxZagvUUmu23BBq7YBwijGBFgplJaYtSW8U9aaUJK_sVr6OMZpaw/s1600/DSC_0084.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvIp_s5dhQIFbWb1h8DRuiIOtMiEtKDgvzJ3OhWjJFNdVOu2SMwSziAmessHmTMC9B_U-3qkIS73sf0KQjCdDHxnuxZagvUUmu23BBq7YBwijGBFgplJaYtSW8U9aaUJK_sVr6OMZpaw/s320/DSC_0084.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temple Grounds</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCEw1fCyYk5GheXp9LuFtPaIDFRdoqXZFTHL0I7yuhRugRfXp0RrcoIgLX-ENYydRkrYGLCjtstP5dj9UZbU2-KUawo-hKXxZsIyviuzhBM7QOX6LjFJ_ya9jvWnZbGMUElExGwBMMZU/s1600/DSC_0127.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCEw1fCyYk5GheXp9LuFtPaIDFRdoqXZFTHL0I7yuhRugRfXp0RrcoIgLX-ENYydRkrYGLCjtstP5dj9UZbU2-KUawo-hKXxZsIyviuzhBM7QOX6LjFJ_ya9jvWnZbGMUElExGwBMMZU/s320/DSC_0127.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of Chofa</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhiyvSZLLu8WfjDHx7rrpX0DDsRGHzdD-KPN7n5lKAKd5UwHlosHUU9AD5lIrIDfTnC5kCX_xu5XrI2WAeAcyPMsJ1giGS_VUSohl02Bx-JW2lTmP6aOLYqTzQKjZhx3k8ddUPafLjwG4/s1600/DSC_0053.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhiyvSZLLu8WfjDHx7rrpX0DDsRGHzdD-KPN7n5lKAKd5UwHlosHUU9AD5lIrIDfTnC5kCX_xu5XrI2WAeAcyPMsJ1giGS_VUSohl02Bx-JW2lTmP6aOLYqTzQKjZhx3k8ddUPafLjwG4/s320/DSC_0053.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">An Admonition</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1sDZ_D5QPZXLj941OmpuPHQNm8cYg8rgH0Lsg8aapCx0jimQLLhgYjIE-wXZEcj6lwhX7NMoxGg_vDcemKdkhflKNGXz3IfX9B1w8BU6P7E7s2ksiEQ4MFpa2tnenjc8_3iniH9PHWM/s1600/DSC_0194.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1sDZ_D5QPZXLj941OmpuPHQNm8cYg8rgH0Lsg8aapCx0jimQLLhgYjIE-wXZEcj6lwhX7NMoxGg_vDcemKdkhflKNGXz3IfX9B1w8BU6P7E7s2ksiEQ4MFpa2tnenjc8_3iniH9PHWM/s320/DSC_0194.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottle Fed Fish in Temple Pond</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC32w6EKLkC86dv3-YXvdwS2MUGKYau6Y8DQMwJPjTENp4vbIsZzdspSaZZfylt0mB4_cutE6fuf29O215REFCRp5VJ4TGc-OlU7DJGceJvhuv5RjZdlN59XRIPsRaEzf9SLxMVkMbSfQ/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Steve at Lanna Thai Villahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10643635601243206721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6749323742658731184.post-52426000191904389062011-11-01T01:37:00.000-07:002013-01-18T05:04:57.574-08:00Thai Style Wedding at Lanna Thai Villa<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuE18lHbwRrz53-SHlMbSxRBbZQeYXjVZAYVQiGrl9TYd8hJUECriQ8VPloyunLHkdXkm3uJNmovSh8KSyscEJ-QuTSIpl3TgEbusHkElCIikt_qyvOEQKpC05MhXy4WHaD3y5G9h35ys/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJOME_-ffQ-jDXlR097aKwzfUI1FJTCI5jNHLuDRSh9lDmuWPXiVMxi5HBCoZU6iFG9S96_pP_j1VVPa7mdoB0ep58vEuBVlqQHCuv9mKoPAJEnVNXe3aT8ux9nAAYZW_hJ7rguhNkTA/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It was a real pleasure</span> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">to provide a Thai style wedding for recent honeymooning guests Andrew and Michelle from Birmingham, England. It is always special to have guests who want to experience local customs and interact with local villagers. Prior to their arrival Michelle and Andrew indicated an interest in experiencing a local wedding ceremony. We therefore contacted the resident practitioner of ceremonies or Maw Sukwan to set an auspicious date and time. In the meantime Sermsri arranged for a baci tray to be made and gathered the requisite ceremonial items including two specially prepared chickens. The centerpiece of the northern Thai wedding is a soul calling (sukwan or baci) ceremony. It is believed that a person has 32 spirits (kwan) which can wander about and hence at auspicious times (such as weddings or traveling etc.) they are "called" and ceremonially bound back to the person so that the new endeavor is begun with ones full faculties. The spirits are enticed back to the person(s) via their linkage by strings to the Baci Tray which is attractive to spirits owing to its beautiful construction with flowers and banana leaves and its containing items spirits like such as flowers, incense, candles, whiskey, cigarettes, sweets, fruits, rice, and specially prepared chicken. By chanting, the Maw Kwan first calls the spirits back and then with appropriate words will extend wishes for good health, protection from accidents, a long and happy marriage etc. The spirits and wishes will be bound to the participants by strings from the baci tray tied around the wrists. Then in turn those witnessing the ceremony will extend verbally their own good wishes and at the same time bind those wishes via strings around the wrist. This is perhaps the most meaningful and moving part of the ceremony where each person in turn can directly verbalize their own sentiments to the newlyweds. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuE18lHbwRrz53-SHlMbSxRBbZQeYXjVZAYVQiGrl9TYd8hJUECriQ8VPloyunLHkdXkm3uJNmovSh8KSyscEJ-QuTSIpl3TgEbusHkElCIikt_qyvOEQKpC05MhXy4WHaD3y5G9h35ys/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpxBagGTM9CDsjkJ5GASTQ92EYV6DwwGf9nbM17cF_CDYZzJ6eqxSm5jaRZlsyy_0-f3iiiVC1W_-LU4Bd0Uvxp8c68y-NjjCQ6kGnOX2vidC0zJ7DbJY2VhPXSxTCPCwkW5BPuFvNMs/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpxBagGTM9CDsjkJ5GASTQ92EYV6DwwGf9nbM17cF_CDYZzJ6eqxSm5jaRZlsyy_0-f3iiiVC1W_-LU4Bd0Uvxp8c68y-NjjCQ6kGnOX2vidC0zJ7DbJY2VhPXSxTCPCwkW5BPuFvNMs/s320/DSC_0007.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">MICHELLE HAVING HAIR DONE THAI STYLE</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6calzc3e1wJEc9jJ6NxZHmR-bgnPWRD9PKlm7Bb8ZzUohsGlg29X70-txQdHwSRjd2abS0z3c2z8R6ZCbM-rezB84rTbMyDAUXVMWdr_OroE7BF9uO-O-mjRIAKjxZ2goJdv5z-_Mlgw/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6calzc3e1wJEc9jJ6NxZHmR-bgnPWRD9PKlm7Bb8ZzUohsGlg29X70-txQdHwSRjd2abS0z3c2z8R6ZCbM-rezB84rTbMyDAUXVMWdr_OroE7BF9uO-O-mjRIAKjxZ2goJdv5z-_Mlgw/s320/DSC_0018.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">BACI TRAY AND CEREMONIAL ITEMS</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuE18lHbwRrz53-SHlMbSxRBbZQeYXjVZAYVQiGrl9TYd8hJUECriQ8VPloyunLHkdXkm3uJNmovSh8KSyscEJ-QuTSIpl3TgEbusHkElCIikt_qyvOEQKpC05MhXy4WHaD3y5G9h35ys/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuE18lHbwRrz53-SHlMbSxRBbZQeYXjVZAYVQiGrl9TYd8hJUECriQ8VPloyunLHkdXkm3uJNmovSh8KSyscEJ-QuTSIpl3TgEbusHkElCIikt_qyvOEQKpC05MhXy4WHaD3y5G9h35ys/s320/DSC_0011.JPG" width="213" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">THE HAPPY COUPLE IN TRADITIONAL DRESS</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9gSrc80B6DLxXCQaPu9Kg5aQnRb4MwtVgelDa2k5wCdWMPZ1Q5r7gpXZQEgnczH4iMVFCB4QSdXpvxAemUt43y68YG0G8-17p1ElJr6pdw_Dd68XUZ_fiJmURQyBPFtvLyCREfKdd4w/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9gSrc80B6DLxXCQaPu9Kg5aQnRb4MwtVgelDa2k5wCdWMPZ1Q5r7gpXZQEgnczH4iMVFCB4QSdXpvxAemUt43y68YG0G8-17p1ElJr6pdw_Dd68XUZ_fiJmURQyBPFtvLyCREfKdd4w/s320/DSC_0026.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">THE MAW SUKWAN CALLS THE SPIRITS</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOt6iSmXq3qu3dUVc4KM1yTlMbJzrkwnM1iauIY-diP8-JTqf9cZLZbM1MkOUg2g4QWKcgCSARpq5n6b9gm9UkwMBHK90FiT43YANdjWJmMULjJe9axqbyCxf05411f6lO7sOGE6wvMc/s1600/DSC_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOt6iSmXq3qu3dUVc4KM1yTlMbJzrkwnM1iauIY-diP8-JTqf9cZLZbM1MkOUg2g4QWKcgCSARpq5n6b9gm9UkwMBHK90FiT43YANdjWJmMULjJe9axqbyCxf05411f6lO7sOGE6wvMc/s320/DSC_0037.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">TYING THE SPIRITS IN</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIztruPJiEDa5-Khxd3pDo3bVE17N9vzUgd_d4UPYE9DRI8hk97P321FbXOP2Ee2PsPM4z07DTk14sUvPRrzP-LBJEZo0YdxBIWgmwI-TKLYQ5seJh62IEHU3-tvK0YD-lDig68R4NVw/s1600/DSC_0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIztruPJiEDa5-Khxd3pDo3bVE17N9vzUgd_d4UPYE9DRI8hk97P321FbXOP2Ee2PsPM4z07DTk14sUvPRrzP-LBJEZo0YdxBIWgmwI-TKLYQ5seJh62IEHU3-tvK0YD-lDig68R4NVw/s320/DSC_0039.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">VILLAGERS JOIN IN THE BLESSING</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiu_ei11Ltts_8J2YUH6blLchITUX3aHYQBhVxVoqJCks2DBadVgQe2o_2WsV4VmsLEieaNQy23lhdJK6o283LU7vxZoK5-khE9wF9EErGXaAEOSZDR8K7X3BFBS7dK5fevL8dI-tDDbs/s1600/DSC_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiu_ei11Ltts_8J2YUH6blLchITUX3aHYQBhVxVoqJCks2DBadVgQe2o_2WsV4VmsLEieaNQy23lhdJK6o283LU7vxZoK5-khE9wF9EErGXaAEOSZDR8K7X3BFBS7dK5fevL8dI-tDDbs/s320/DSC_0042.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">SMILES ALL AROUND</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3776IiJdvBJ-IaWuPuioJ62ZUnluu0jqV-pwlfIo9pj5qHOM8zaf8Utzm5jntheeSW-rusD7weyZVar4fMI9uglKbFBsXbiaPdHrcFue6pF9bqO9RJK1q44quQot80edH3_wze6LlGY/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3776IiJdvBJ-IaWuPuioJ62ZUnluu0jqV-pwlfIo9pj5qHOM8zaf8Utzm5jntheeSW-rusD7weyZVar4fMI9uglKbFBsXbiaPdHrcFue6pF9bqO9RJK1q44quQot80edH3_wze6LlGY/s320/DSC_0046.JPG" width="264" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">THE HAPPY COUPLE AT POST CEREMONY PARTY</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpxBagGTM9CDsjkJ5GASTQ92EYV6DwwGf9nbM17cF_CDYZzJ6eqxSm5jaRZlsyy_0-f3iiiVC1W_-LU4Bd0Uvxp8c68y-NjjCQ6kGnOX2vidC0zJ7DbJY2VhPXSxTCPCwkW5BPuFvNMs/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG"></a></div>
Steve at Lanna Thai Villahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10643635601243206721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6749323742658731184.post-51685940738914123942011-09-10T03:33:00.000-07:002011-09-10T03:33:49.063-07:00Lanna Landscapes in the Vicinty of Lanna Thai Villa<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lanna Thai Villa is situated in Thoeng District of Chiang Rai Province. Geo morphologically the Province is characterized by its Basin and Range topography. The Villa is situated near the foothills of the Thoeng Range a linear ridge system which trends Northeasterly until meeting the Mekong River. This range is composed of volcanic rocks dating some 210 to 286 million years ago. Another parallel Northeast trending range, the Pha Mon Range, forms the Thai - Laos border and is composed of sedimentary rocks including sandstones, shale, siltstone and conglomerates around 280 million years old. It is on this ridge line that the famous view points of Phu Chi Fah and Pha Tang are located. Lying between the two ridge systems is an undulating valley primarily underlain by sedimentary rocks dating to around 210 million years ago and overlain along the river courses in the valley bottom with flood plain and alluvial deposits ranging from modern times to the past 100,000 years. Flat low lying areas which are the focus of intensive rice cultivation are formed from Quaternary or ice age sediments dating from the past 100,000 years or so. Basin sediments vary in size but widespread areas of fine grained clay and silt which are poorly drained permit successful wet rice agriculture. Elevations range from a typical 370 m (1,213ft.) above sea level in the fertile plains to more than 1,000m (3,200ft.) above sea level in the mountainous zones. The Phu Chi Fah mountain view point is at 1,628m (5,341 ft) ASL while Doi Ian which looms behind Lanna Thai Villa has an elevation of. 1,178m (3,865 ft.) ASL. Though much of the original vegetation has been cleared for agricultural practices the construction of wooden homes and the use of wood for fuel in tobacco processing many areas of older growth dense jungle remain, especially along the Laos border from Ban Huak to Ban Lao Ou.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_QksygBNeiGB3gHwoQmxer3UXc6kwwLAXKkLpdYuxoscL8LMfRPrxJ4bfsd5T8x-1ndhzpmQZjT20gnxAbFLmFpj6Nt0sjmM1PAFUz_k-AICLtocrDQUSIavb4JLJ-hEDDUaSJVRMPU/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Whether day tripping by bike or vehicle Lanna Thai Villa's location permits ready access to the natural beauty of the local area. Paved highways and back country roads with little traffic make exploring easy. Many scenic bike routes have been mapped out which focus on local farm access roads which wander through valleys providing closeup views of adjacent hills and mountains and ever changing agricultural activities.A well maintained trail leads to the little visited summit of Phu Chom Dao, 1,532 m. (5,025 ft.) with expansive views of Laos and Phayao Province of Thailand. The trail passes through both second growth and pristine jungle and requires about 1 1/2 hours from car to summit. Local guides can also be arranged to hike off trail to other summit view points. Phu Chi Fah and Pa Tang viewpoints are easy 25 min. hikes from nearby car parks. These cliff top viewpoints offer views of Laos and the Mekong valley.</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The pictures which follow were all taken on local bike trails or within a 1 1/2 hour car drive from Lanna Thai Villa. </div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkv485pdRVH0S5VEJUiUD8dnOz8RoqPKYgZEoXEAHbzvZduSafDmvHjp55ldefZGzd8MRaU5BkuHQi1eYdtjXDBJCFWNOLhvzskoBr6imLU_tEkggGGrC7eK0qao0NvUOgw_iIRbKqxNo/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkv485pdRVH0S5VEJUiUD8dnOz8RoqPKYgZEoXEAHbzvZduSafDmvHjp55ldefZGzd8MRaU5BkuHQi1eYdtjXDBJCFWNOLhvzskoBr6imLU_tEkggGGrC7eK0qao0NvUOgw_iIRbKqxNo/s320/DSC_0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lanna Thai Villa Starting Point </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwRkKny5LuAJ8-fq5rjksI-o9PrJ3-RyOEZchLj64vF7P3BYOfh8Qar30MM_fjusenO4_esnEGZuJSRSCOdhWQZNFQH-yXwiWf18sNZSvrlpGrCJMnqBhiPxi3pTkXmQ3BntxBc5CR9I/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwRkKny5LuAJ8-fq5rjksI-o9PrJ3-RyOEZchLj64vF7P3BYOfh8Qar30MM_fjusenO4_esnEGZuJSRSCOdhWQZNFQH-yXwiWf18sNZSvrlpGrCJMnqBhiPxi3pTkXmQ3BntxBc5CR9I/s320/DSC_0007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> View Across the Highway from Lanna Thai Villa</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzG_pIckbnEqn_eBCyKqBrF37y30s1XJctKl-xp6regq9MTXnhrPrgJZt1ydnCUnNaxf9wTSPKoHyg8quQMtf8GKrG6odGfyt1S9NDeqRWdKW3LX6rVfEHVWFtlpJK4e47QHCutmBQk8/s1600/DSC_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzG_pIckbnEqn_eBCyKqBrF37y30s1XJctKl-xp6regq9MTXnhrPrgJZt1ydnCUnNaxf9wTSPKoHyg8quQMtf8GKrG6odGfyt1S9NDeqRWdKW3LX6rVfEHVWFtlpJK4e47QHCutmBQk8/s320/DSC_0031.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Basin and Range Topography</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Y2QI1gsLhKJPDTPZ4SADaQUfhe2vzoh18i-rDKA-5afSj8nGIqgRHNE-uR1iZSDzn84blMDhYciWW2PACSoOuGQbBSTjenunFE68JMljvID6g2Yd2VLveVQk03jq-sMvRlEhivz3cOo/s1600/DSC_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Y2QI1gsLhKJPDTPZ4SADaQUfhe2vzoh18i-rDKA-5afSj8nGIqgRHNE-uR1iZSDzn84blMDhYciWW2PACSoOuGQbBSTjenunFE68JMljvID6g2Yd2VLveVQk03jq-sMvRlEhivz3cOo/s320/DSC_0051.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Looking East to Ban Pagee and Ban Ngao</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1OJRscM4pzdGLzXVljj1a36BE_aLTPwvDtIn7Q3TgclOntsrDHNR1I9waJXc1oUi7KLnYE0DgDFVQH0TlxqO3fLLd2xLuWpRsVp0y0rp6esgcfkWDDmizF-tiIyXEiJDge1d8kb-QGLs/s1600/DSC_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1OJRscM4pzdGLzXVljj1a36BE_aLTPwvDtIn7Q3TgclOntsrDHNR1I9waJXc1oUi7KLnYE0DgDFVQH0TlxqO3fLLd2xLuWpRsVp0y0rp6esgcfkWDDmizF-tiIyXEiJDge1d8kb-QGLs/s320/DSC_0050.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Farm Access Road - Ideal for Biking</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oblnncHLmSLkmdYV52gSDIE4y48d-zDsBhtzZkrOHr4OL23qX1lKFbVA8eGGUVnNZ3cmr7-KMxxOGVHYSXaAGsbtERfMbC0_imX_otaWECcrJf4CXwL6RCUZz5_gGcoFUwkSgRtE8OM/s1600/DSC_0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oblnncHLmSLkmdYV52gSDIE4y48d-zDsBhtzZkrOHr4OL23qX1lKFbVA8eGGUVnNZ3cmr7-KMxxOGVHYSXaAGsbtERfMbC0_imX_otaWECcrJf4CXwL6RCUZz5_gGcoFUwkSgRtE8OM/s320/DSC_0069.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Good Views from Quiet Road</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXe6JHjcdXjEx8kCTZ97mGtaPN3H7x7X7RzvLU-_KoWLwtl4WMDlnwvEnMaMs3KHE954hDddv_z_B3QTIGQiIfNRz8yktT3Aiv8vNuq0TMhzcBXh5j9OJ43wsqExD_nOJRcnIUvV_XKWw/s1600/DSC_0107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXe6JHjcdXjEx8kCTZ97mGtaPN3H7x7X7RzvLU-_KoWLwtl4WMDlnwvEnMaMs3KHE954hDddv_z_B3QTIGQiIfNRz8yktT3Aiv8vNuq0TMhzcBXh5j9OJ43wsqExD_nOJRcnIUvV_XKWw/s320/DSC_0107.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Doi Ian</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcJwjqr0nRdsD3lYPt-Pt_E8ftHkzVuPf-AgRER7F9rQJXiUe1lU8BL9LAAC-RnD4EHdC_HSGO4mxRm42vq0qMVrXp-if9PALTA7clz_Mtg6fSIt1e__8kjXoFbq31lEgWBrTub4sYF8/s1600/DSC06167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcJwjqr0nRdsD3lYPt-Pt_E8ftHkzVuPf-AgRER7F9rQJXiUe1lU8BL9LAAC-RnD4EHdC_HSGO4mxRm42vq0qMVrXp-if9PALTA7clz_Mtg6fSIt1e__8kjXoFbq31lEgWBrTub4sYF8/s320/DSC06167.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Flame Tree Along Country Road</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJ7m2JBZu3cQcMBcgLz1twjdD4R2Nj9bmHcSxijiSEp_VRc-kKlnIaZl8Sgtrzhb9D7psUu-4X5xzA2e5AMec9z0H_8QSE-7WZhQ6LnJdepkudBBo6DbVTsj-p7ue4Zy3QDyA5LupO0U/s1600/DSC_0100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJ7m2JBZu3cQcMBcgLz1twjdD4R2Nj9bmHcSxijiSEp_VRc-kKlnIaZl8Sgtrzhb9D7psUu-4X5xzA2e5AMec9z0H_8QSE-7WZhQ6LnJdepkudBBo6DbVTsj-p7ue4Zy3QDyA5LupO0U/s320/DSC_0100.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Country Scene</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL38BE9fB2PL74QIQJsFsi9RJXeOYAIPLVFBbJ6tFinwxg7n69QymJH93MikTqCdgdQZ7sxI57ux8xQHedDGLO518dvb9kLiCs3g9VLN3zTO3J8rLYZDqtekUyTVKFVSFh1PkOyokDO8M/s1600/DSC_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL38BE9fB2PL74QIQJsFsi9RJXeOYAIPLVFBbJ6tFinwxg7n69QymJH93MikTqCdgdQZ7sxI57ux8xQHedDGLO518dvb9kLiCs3g9VLN3zTO3J8rLYZDqtekUyTVKFVSFh1PkOyokDO8M/s320/DSC_0066.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Country Scene</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAR-V5RgcZk7VgTSFqPpwgs6RsGUXAnWZLV0A9qBNkvbTJEKuVNsaDTVbNbHn9XJHUxHoTODU9AyOi-BINvr9gv9fdvAoaAS3sc-56MSiosjAkvJy7pFw06Jl4GHqUKF5AT_KOvpAuqa4/s1600/DSC06207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAR-V5RgcZk7VgTSFqPpwgs6RsGUXAnWZLV0A9qBNkvbTJEKuVNsaDTVbNbHn9XJHUxHoTODU9AyOi-BINvr9gv9fdvAoaAS3sc-56MSiosjAkvJy7pFw06Jl4GHqUKF5AT_KOvpAuqa4/s320/DSC06207.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">On Road to Phu Chi Fah</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXSQgBu-aY-eY-w3Nb6luODdQBPgeGyhuCmbVeh_gJOQpuC0I6eVjEsi2XHO3ftp0vqiu5JZM8r30C8Ot0nSDZts79crM9q3ytec7IyIcKW_Ygo7LLtRPHVxVQXR6lCc6A_JI8LAAEAk/s1600/DSC_00341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXSQgBu-aY-eY-w3Nb6luODdQBPgeGyhuCmbVeh_gJOQpuC0I6eVjEsi2XHO3ftp0vqiu5JZM8r30C8Ot0nSDZts79crM9q3ytec7IyIcKW_Ygo7LLtRPHVxVQXR6lCc6A_JI8LAAEAk/s320/DSC_00341.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Doi Pha Mon Range Marking Thai/Laos Border</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqM-duiSeB_GjKWc-N-1qSbw0c8GNSumNEXxcN-h-JMZu-dFJ_XBAm3u3GqE5XUblOutQB3ZL3ZJdULSq3DTpTypbIxBImGW-umXXAOFO-d9fBHoDIaSuBNCdry_qHBPTt-YDSB1WXAs/s1600/DSC_0062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqM-duiSeB_GjKWc-N-1qSbw0c8GNSumNEXxcN-h-JMZu-dFJ_XBAm3u3GqE5XUblOutQB3ZL3ZJdULSq3DTpTypbIxBImGW-umXXAOFO-d9fBHoDIaSuBNCdry_qHBPTt-YDSB1WXAs/s320/DSC_0062.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Phu Chi Fah</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnTygultn7g-jX5pt4Pntbu52Ta7ao1aBh2xf0KDmLxuXFD4kKuylDJLkmCC6BIxg548YTgijrli9uyNyxB_yBwQwsmZtqgzZPH1uvpkjSq70AZBeeyamoY_IICiwrouv2bldisKjJaY/s1600/DSC_0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnTygultn7g-jX5pt4Pntbu52Ta7ao1aBh2xf0KDmLxuXFD4kKuylDJLkmCC6BIxg548YTgijrli9uyNyxB_yBwQwsmZtqgzZPH1uvpkjSq70AZBeeyamoY_IICiwrouv2bldisKjJaY/s320/DSC_0060.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">View from Phu Chi Fah with Mekong River in Background</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuTi9XtS2_Tmj_UD9MenBYPbaU69Yuj2Zmb4Ze_knOw3dP3cegKCpahVxpjrb1oOD8VGPO0Ok7_-58uMZ_09xn1AJeoYfpNfIYVdkmy10MqIilYe7nwYdWFnidOmpaXDhAOwqj-3iYME/s1600/DSC_0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuTi9XtS2_Tmj_UD9MenBYPbaU69Yuj2Zmb4Ze_knOw3dP3cegKCpahVxpjrb1oOD8VGPO0Ok7_-58uMZ_09xn1AJeoYfpNfIYVdkmy10MqIilYe7nwYdWFnidOmpaXDhAOwqj-3iYME/s320/DSC_0084.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Color in the Mountains</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81njt08h9DvxDWIcSNe98yHv-8pmwuiXB6ZJ4uFVNqNgJ25IIOuRl_fxZ3L8ftgjLBgNJriniWUNmIkFu6lPNH1d0-5WyP89daoNdcsKQhZ1Js6D2J5jwjCf4RQr-yDUQDIRPzjFC5XY/s1600/DSC_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81njt08h9DvxDWIcSNe98yHv-8pmwuiXB6ZJ4uFVNqNgJ25IIOuRl_fxZ3L8ftgjLBgNJriniWUNmIkFu6lPNH1d0-5WyP89daoNdcsKQhZ1Js6D2J5jwjCf4RQr-yDUQDIRPzjFC5XY/s320/DSC_0071.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">View from Pha Tang View Point</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhg_fafCRNmbcscARU6ekAgG0tgZHkLpaVx1lMzD-9fM5iJRIZXLV0zMKRheqnboxLeJW7XW3HVi0TbxV5cvHCN-LP5nlqdEtLUjDVjYh0ubWCTqmWgO5JzQII568MwrrK13p0rBt9D7c/s1600/DSC_0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhg_fafCRNmbcscARU6ekAgG0tgZHkLpaVx1lMzD-9fM5iJRIZXLV0zMKRheqnboxLeJW7XW3HVi0TbxV5cvHCN-LP5nlqdEtLUjDVjYh0ubWCTqmWgO5JzQII568MwrrK13p0rBt9D7c/s320/DSC_0115.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Mountains Near Pha Tang</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-ZVYGTp-a33tS-r3ix97KYg_xf6xQRZjJWK07il1Vr4auMZohgk8hrwDYimcOUbIraOypqzdKkmMgCvlxjU0_e44NmhVU8ErZYSTsyeAZR7ZXwZbVfskCGFTe7nRrrl_NuIf0vDJloY/s1600/DSC_0295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-ZVYGTp-a33tS-r3ix97KYg_xf6xQRZjJWK07il1Vr4auMZohgk8hrwDYimcOUbIraOypqzdKkmMgCvlxjU0_e44NmhVU8ErZYSTsyeAZR7ZXwZbVfskCGFTe7nRrrl_NuIf0vDJloY/s320/DSC_0295.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mekong River and Laos from Pha Tang</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYsocYIVYIj3SBRSIfZLywtkFuqDzxr_9l2b4-cjPLguTK6t4zL2RqKQEGuND_IZSHNSH6fakw9z6Ay7rmHTczupEJBHZtEcrFYQfE2I6CvjYD7ZCydryUD_h_gARdj27g8Q5vbHzVVk/s1600/DSC_0223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYsocYIVYIj3SBRSIfZLywtkFuqDzxr_9l2b4-cjPLguTK6t4zL2RqKQEGuND_IZSHNSH6fakw9z6Ay7rmHTczupEJBHZtEcrFYQfE2I6CvjYD7ZCydryUD_h_gARdj27g8Q5vbHzVVk/s320/DSC_0223.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Clouds and Mountains at Pha Tang</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYBulw6GmHZp8cI4wAIS9ceLaI7BxN0EhkzRDAPkKnQEYZscTEdInfgAAylJoO1v7lC7mqxN7-KAbpbWTVNS5MIpki6OJifKBBJU-6_I7Ubo7be7suBmwtDnhIaBzgpd_NTe4eVcJuf4/s1600/DSC_0224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYBulw6GmHZp8cI4wAIS9ceLaI7BxN0EhkzRDAPkKnQEYZscTEdInfgAAylJoO1v7lC7mqxN7-KAbpbWTVNS5MIpki6OJifKBBJU-6_I7Ubo7be7suBmwtDnhIaBzgpd_NTe4eVcJuf4/s320/DSC_0224.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Mekong River</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5J7HMSkJ65KLNgsRsoccrRvxKgOB3QlIPY60yrodoIGajP49IKX-f7Z2JQZNo30Erh4XQfwW9JpNbm66Q07rOjIQVw3KW0ZzbEklmgbtq20EpD3sTQCG_xVjDcTUSmYoc-PpYnN7AfI/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5J7HMSkJ65KLNgsRsoccrRvxKgOB3QlIPY60yrodoIGajP49IKX-f7Z2JQZNo30Erh4XQfwW9JpNbm66Q07rOjIQVw3KW0ZzbEklmgbtq20EpD3sTQCG_xVjDcTUSmYoc-PpYnN7AfI/s320/DSC_0034.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Doi Phu Chom Dao in Right Background</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLKvx4A8ylc7Wkg3ARuQn3iGqkWF6QRy_NS86d41_UvJq2fnELUs7Ir4eX2HNXSO8wIswuyiTPoRsDgApyQEVbfCLBszru_mrckBftgyboGl5nIqs_PMKlfKwGaqKKEND4SKyY76RRNY/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLKvx4A8ylc7Wkg3ARuQn3iGqkWF6QRy_NS86d41_UvJq2fnELUs7Ir4eX2HNXSO8wIswuyiTPoRsDgApyQEVbfCLBszru_mrckBftgyboGl5nIqs_PMKlfKwGaqKKEND4SKyY76RRNY/s320/DSC_0033.JPG" width="212" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beginning of Trail to Summit of Phu Chom Dao</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_QksygBNeiGB3gHwoQmxer3UXc6kwwLAXKkLpdYuxoscL8LMfRPrxJ4bfsd5T8x-1ndhzpmQZjT20gnxAbFLmFpj6Nt0sjmM1PAFUz_k-AICLtocrDQUSIavb4JLJ-hEDDUaSJVRMPU/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_QksygBNeiGB3gHwoQmxer3UXc6kwwLAXKkLpdYuxoscL8LMfRPrxJ4bfsd5T8x-1ndhzpmQZjT20gnxAbFLmFpj6Nt0sjmM1PAFUz_k-AICLtocrDQUSIavb4JLJ-hEDDUaSJVRMPU/s320/DSC_0006.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wild Bananas Along Trail</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznGfL2cBqH3bqCg4xpd8qiJd1T0MRfJwiSPwW99PXo_67ELvbLdKUbzgJgsW-E-Dhmc3z-rMiyuH8PBLstolK5qqg_uaQZqwctW9Eal9Y5L41xqCM_4iALPTg1qJF_mgVD7eCwzk2_Kw/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznGfL2cBqH3bqCg4xpd8qiJd1T0MRfJwiSPwW99PXo_67ELvbLdKUbzgJgsW-E-Dhmc3z-rMiyuH8PBLstolK5qqg_uaQZqwctW9Eal9Y5L41xqCM_4iALPTg1qJF_mgVD7eCwzk2_Kw/s320/DSC_0017.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">View Looking Northwest From Rocky Promontory</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuz3l__jMhIvBDfK5HHVNyC6-PymUypfWj5gBO-Xo0XnJoLDsGgXpHD4bYuJKPioLtQ17lALJ8VvTdkk3cJXVYRbW3Uvq1Tb60pUD59Ky6w7CfpKKP4n0RCI3ZwIQd-vvyJgH8D2CUzE/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuz3l__jMhIvBDfK5HHVNyC6-PymUypfWj5gBO-Xo0XnJoLDsGgXpHD4bYuJKPioLtQ17lALJ8VvTdkk3cJXVYRbW3Uvq1Tb60pUD59Ky6w7CfpKKP4n0RCI3ZwIQd-vvyJgH8D2CUzE/s320/DSC_0030.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Interesting Tree Along Route</span></span><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcQ64I1Cys4Cui33jJSHQyQ68OCapz3lycmf8M83VyfrSZFHCDEXb7jviHlfeEzwagSfV4l8S4Th-ttC-uRHZ-KccZAgarpaNTpmW-e7bOOhW8c8PxEaEknvbhdH9EATyXwka0ECLCVk/s1600/DSC_0028.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcQ64I1Cys4Cui33jJSHQyQ68OCapz3lycmf8M83VyfrSZFHCDEXb7jviHlfeEzwagSfV4l8S4Th-ttC-uRHZ-KccZAgarpaNTpmW-e7bOOhW8c8PxEaEknvbhdH9EATyXwka0ECLCVk/s320/DSC_0028.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Canopy of Wild Banana</span></span><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwu0RY8yrw8Z3cD7kx_CwCXhAtEg7BpPhCq1P2YltzJMkTiT88ZrC_rihvRhV5aZjG9U4wVa66xsda-MXPDTmYKf1rxyr3qzDrtbMXqBtV8B9DEXdbHL1lB-ISOqJc90UZS1ysmZj4cjs/s1600/DSC_0040.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwu0RY8yrw8Z3cD7kx_CwCXhAtEg7BpPhCq1P2YltzJMkTiT88ZrC_rihvRhV5aZjG9U4wVa66xsda-MXPDTmYKf1rxyr3qzDrtbMXqBtV8B9DEXdbHL1lB-ISOqJc90UZS1ysmZj4cjs/s320/DSC_0040.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sentinels of the Forest<br />
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEuy0ETUv44ApnevFx6ib02Dki_PPGvtjFL4PbZRyFgrUiGRbmOcl9-xJ6zdRcT2-jy4GPoQIePiVbgRlqcgxIOnqv4DiUYL_oJscpme2lrgUEdfAJgWWQYQ0_5GoPhqPyATEnz-Iy8I/s1600/DSC_0042.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEuy0ETUv44ApnevFx6ib02Dki_PPGvtjFL4PbZRyFgrUiGRbmOcl9-xJ6zdRcT2-jy4GPoQIePiVbgRlqcgxIOnqv4DiUYL_oJscpme2lrgUEdfAJgWWQYQ0_5GoPhqPyATEnz-Iy8I/s320/DSC_0042.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Patterns in the Jungle<br />
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8creGlxORh6ctXHhkkqvzlqHOj3X4975z3BLDgo_S29lUxAB5JX6KCLfNI3_cliMHBm7FDHORKYEN0V6mFORAzgiuoouIG5wesMYRB04l6vVldJQvwYDEV3uAe0WGi7ASNUnT_jbNTpA/s1600/DSC_0051.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8creGlxORh6ctXHhkkqvzlqHOj3X4975z3BLDgo_S29lUxAB5JX6KCLfNI3_cliMHBm7FDHORKYEN0V6mFORAzgiuoouIG5wesMYRB04l6vVldJQvwYDEV3uAe0WGi7ASNUnT_jbNTpA/s320/DSC_0051.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Looking East Into Laos<br />
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWDk4Hke7tX3jLGjffaRaCijaRt0ZZeXSoFKU4ursB0euCpWoLNLX5LArpuklLhCmEQjhh0FNXdMlVHVYFatAsRtbuxIkmggO8lMpLHrm89gz_yFf2n01OiQD-XL3-vaUNPZnT_dQRqU/s1600/DSC_0052.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWDk4Hke7tX3jLGjffaRaCijaRt0ZZeXSoFKU4ursB0euCpWoLNLX5LArpuklLhCmEQjhh0FNXdMlVHVYFatAsRtbuxIkmggO8lMpLHrm89gz_yFf2n01OiQD-XL3-vaUNPZnT_dQRqU/s320/DSC_0052.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Laotian Ridge Lines<br />
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZxK3by8voKe4ohf8F9hREccyokVMJipNnsdyX806YRDHZnScjtxFM6Auv40fDTlFEu7T6vXAomFLis-c8s7UDrwUsmz1xsmnztpq0n6eeTo7gKgp9T3CNtuE8BDrRX_0htK6SE-TjJo/s1600/DSC_0059.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZxK3by8voKe4ohf8F9hREccyokVMJipNnsdyX806YRDHZnScjtxFM6Auv40fDTlFEu7T6vXAomFLis-c8s7UDrwUsmz1xsmnztpq0n6eeTo7gKgp9T3CNtuE8BDrRX_0htK6SE-TjJo/s320/DSC_0059.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hmong Village in Laos<br />
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08y_i0JXPVW4SFMgUiVl1eWFleH1V39qk-3ZaJNg81lhyCeXgyQA5R3mEbNwT_cfNxIAjny98h54Jj8vkUAaWo9k4i9tDux2HQTwJZvZrWAZoOK9tn-IhBkQBvJYatm_Fw1QvxVFdk_E/s1600/DSC_0062.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08y_i0JXPVW4SFMgUiVl1eWFleH1V39qk-3ZaJNg81lhyCeXgyQA5R3mEbNwT_cfNxIAjny98h54Jj8vkUAaWo9k4i9tDux2HQTwJZvZrWAZoOK9tn-IhBkQBvJYatm_Fw1QvxVFdk_E/s320/DSC_0062.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Picnic With a View</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PaPvuud302jGyFJ1L608vOfz_ortLYYGWi2T4WZavPEoPTN2Ble6ZNUBKYXYG7UZzr_dzent75YADVXxGgwArPpVjtdVDh2bMiXJU89BhcU1Z0ZikBml84GPGdyBQVXoHxxpKfsZTNw/s1600/DSC_0082.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PaPvuud302jGyFJ1L608vOfz_ortLYYGWi2T4WZavPEoPTN2Ble6ZNUBKYXYG7UZzr_dzent75YADVXxGgwArPpVjtdVDh2bMiXJU89BhcU1Z0ZikBml84GPGdyBQVXoHxxpKfsZTNw/s320/DSC_0082.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Enjoying the Panorama<br />
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Steve at Lanna Thai Villahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10643635601243206721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6749323742658731184.post-51444680647597427752011-06-03T04:20:00.000-07:002011-06-03T04:20:46.418-07:00Balinese Moments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSyMkUHCNpqrTI0BcXJ1dyr7-2erYc_7JWp1N_gC4M1m1bTyqM7-_GbJNQmvxKQ6pfHGLuVqyp_9t-HA8hYfqW2dIfKeJSVyzRtYdo_NHWWUWHDwJFt0vOWW39cz8sC4maA7ZvCAR70Og/s1600/DSC_0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSyMkUHCNpqrTI0BcXJ1dyr7-2erYc_7JWp1N_gC4M1m1bTyqM7-_GbJNQmvxKQ6pfHGLuVqyp_9t-HA8hYfqW2dIfKeJSVyzRtYdo_NHWWUWHDwJFt0vOWW39cz8sC4maA7ZvCAR70Og/s1600/DSC_0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLfc7kqJ74qmAZpYtq9pnJoJ-hhSTtTcIKrgYsaGgiUdO-GosfRh3Gg57HbQI0fI6wDRv6FZUTgm39CzAlFLOtYKVNv6ZFXmvThteQFJipwg-_8K5nuExk6_9PfHa49qcA6x-Cj9sFXw/s1600/DSC_0460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Though our primary area of operation is Northern Thailand from time to time guests request our assistance in facilitating or guiding them to more distant destinations. In November 2010 we had the pleasure of escorting Ed and Anne Praczukowski of Seattle on an extended visit of Bali and Lombok and ending with a road trip from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, Thailand. This blog post focuses on our cultural experiences while on Bali. One would think that after so many years of mass tourism that Bali would be spoiled and offer little in the way of traditional lifestyles for the would be observer and participant. However, with some planning and a willingness to look beyond the well traveled destinations like Kuta and Ubud one can still gain access to traditional cultural activities in non touristic settings. Of course there are many worthwhile museums in Ubud and Denpasar and for those interested, shopping opportunities abound in all the population and tourist centers.<br />
<br />
Probably one of the first things that strikes the visitor to Bali is the artistic soul of the island which finds expression in the visual and decorative arts, architecture, crafts and the music and dance which permeate Balinese life. Besides the richly creative culture of the island Bali also offers the visitor an array of beautiful<br />
landscapes from coastlines whose cliffs buffer giant incoming waves from the long fetch of the Indian Ocean to brooding volcanoes and intervening emerald green terraces which support the islands rice plantations.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbPml4AoChsgxig3KiacUbgvhxr77D0Ua6dsWrdz9TG04Z4WR-xm3aQgwuCf1jqOsBbUgfEt-a8V-k4G3segIcU-5qbqPGApLUzTToAiO3BIAMMXNUQa_09EJYkI0XHhqHJ02HdULUYY/s1600/DSC_0142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbPml4AoChsgxig3KiacUbgvhxr77D0Ua6dsWrdz9TG04Z4WR-xm3aQgwuCf1jqOsBbUgfEt-a8V-k4G3segIcU-5qbqPGApLUzTToAiO3BIAMMXNUQa_09EJYkI0XHhqHJ02HdULUYY/s320/DSC_0142.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Floral decorations</span>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKx2BXs1xOTmXoBOcjpnwqB-twaKNhmy36u-edE2sUh0k94RT851bjRvrRnnCsWXNN3acOPh55uPauk8eHOTev1I8qzveQtOUb6sjar-RST2dYrZIZGipziU_pSSDyWDsTKNK4C1sv2R0/s1600/DSC_0147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKx2BXs1xOTmXoBOcjpnwqB-twaKNhmy36u-edE2sUh0k94RT851bjRvrRnnCsWXNN3acOPh55uPauk8eHOTev1I8qzveQtOUb6sjar-RST2dYrZIZGipziU_pSSDyWDsTKNK4C1sv2R0/s320/DSC_0147.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Decoration at entrance to building.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Vld7JG9QrRyZjxPBL22zgZGjIiTC7Dazf8VmVg5FXydKGwalRDIN70bZWjspTfo2D3PpqUvXS5SSJWQaOepymmCXoht9WCSAGc6igMlRhK4FmqFIReQzJ8EUmYdMkaiwJNbFHr7d0ro/s1600/DSC_0751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Vld7JG9QrRyZjxPBL22zgZGjIiTC7Dazf8VmVg5FXydKGwalRDIN70bZWjspTfo2D3PpqUvXS5SSJWQaOepymmCXoht9WCSAGc6igMlRhK4FmqFIReQzJ8EUmYdMkaiwJNbFHr7d0ro/s320/DSC_0751.JPG" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Typical floral offerings renewed daily.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLfc7kqJ74qmAZpYtq9pnJoJ-hhSTtTcIKrgYsaGgiUdO-GosfRh3Gg57HbQI0fI6wDRv6FZUTgm39CzAlFLOtYKVNv6ZFXmvThteQFJipwg-_8K5nuExk6_9PfHa49qcA6x-Cj9sFXw/s1600/DSC_0460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLfc7kqJ74qmAZpYtq9pnJoJ-hhSTtTcIKrgYsaGgiUdO-GosfRh3Gg57HbQI0fI6wDRv6FZUTgm39CzAlFLOtYKVNv6ZFXmvThteQFJipwg-_8K5nuExk6_9PfHa49qcA6x-Cj9sFXw/s320/DSC_0460.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rural Vista</span> <span style="font-size: small;">near Culik, East Bali.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIxQJm49e-z_zLmv_acYcZZy80g77d5fsWDEsTUohircPVCQUq585gbEhHIkL5zWGh483wO-I3gIdvFYGjTo135SKRoYNHnAFi686OlLLmLnqiWv-puDksEk5E0SAe9ZLReWCKNjmhPU/s1600/DSC_0486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIxQJm49e-z_zLmv_acYcZZy80g77d5fsWDEsTUohircPVCQUq585gbEhHIkL5zWGh483wO-I3gIdvFYGjTo135SKRoYNHnAFi686OlLLmLnqiWv-puDksEk5E0SAe9ZLReWCKNjmhPU/s320/DSC_0486.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mount Agung (3,142m.) with Bali Sea to right</span>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWNauBNImw-V7M8WZrLcaYnbJlrcaF5fkQixr7Ci7MTk8taBNzBTx80Q-wPN5J7hnHS4faNn9GJ-_Zdkm4E2SGQ9QfMoeE6gdwFPkTPRgGWgyn0PYXwnFaLDjQCZH8QyMpG9zudXxtFE/s1600/DSC_0657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWNauBNImw-V7M8WZrLcaYnbJlrcaF5fkQixr7Ci7MTk8taBNzBTx80Q-wPN5J7hnHS4faNn9GJ-_Zdkm4E2SGQ9QfMoeE6gdwFPkTPRgGWgyn0PYXwnFaLDjQCZH8QyMpG9zudXxtFE/s320/DSC_0657.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Indian Ocean beating against the cliffs of South Bali.</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The success of any trip emphasizing off the beaten track experiences can be influenced by the not always predictable timing of cultural practices. It is indeed fortuitous when ones schedule coincides with that of a local happening. By example, a short time after landing we learned from our long time friend and guide Dewa Putu Gede that in the afternoon there would be a procession leading to the cremation of the King of Peliatan IX, Ida Dewa Agung Peliatan. This was to be a spectacular event typifying the energy and artistry expended by the royal courts of Peliatan and Ubud when carrying out important cremation ceremonies. <br />
<br />
Venturing from the airport we arrived at an intersection near the cremation site with time to spare and soon found that we were enmeshed in a crowd of thousands braving the heat to view the proceedings. All nearby<br />
roof tops, balconies and other overlook points were occupied.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4Er7HImPVY6HNGWaq4i1_0BNmuU_3hgWTa6BspRvsqS0B0QEcAbIYW9CAGObjFOyDFgBfln4pGsTR0e9Curh4-QnW4c35C-DhWcU8w3d_Qg8FfQXcmcuQPCBp2dAYS4VppJRdagAZ84/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4Er7HImPVY6HNGWaq4i1_0BNmuU_3hgWTa6BspRvsqS0B0QEcAbIYW9CAGObjFOyDFgBfln4pGsTR0e9Curh4-QnW4c35C-DhWcU8w3d_Qg8FfQXcmcuQPCBp2dAYS4VppJRdagAZ84/s320/DSC_0003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Motorcycle park and crowds headed to procession.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx3moa2-21nTOPogyLqmWptLRr1BvjHmvi-z8nGFh-aWg5FmYxFV0CjnmMW9Juo711p941Hdt7bp3HYJL4xomD3XK8obFD3vecvm5SDwZcv22uCpVPIRV9mHLw0YsIfc5uJQPZkDxtlWk/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx3moa2-21nTOPogyLqmWptLRr1BvjHmvi-z8nGFh-aWg5FmYxFV0CjnmMW9Juo711p941Hdt7bp3HYJL4xomD3XK8obFD3vecvm5SDwZcv22uCpVPIRV9mHLw0YsIfc5uJQPZkDxtlWk/s320/DSC_0013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Every square inch of viewing space taken.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6Ggn5KpxgjWJC8ZBYCMybrYisvpZDp3zYu1eOXzSQmNP6cuZpX0dUUe8LcMqHeunDYGLZIFaJV6NssBuMgxN-8BAOR8m6OdaURDbz7c32m_L2ZdjBZeWbGustfgFPrZ27Tw_rVZVYgc/s1600/DSC_0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6Ggn5KpxgjWJC8ZBYCMybrYisvpZDp3zYu1eOXzSQmNP6cuZpX0dUUe8LcMqHeunDYGLZIFaJV6NssBuMgxN-8BAOR8m6OdaURDbz7c32m_L2ZdjBZeWbGustfgFPrZ27Tw_rVZVYgc/s320/DSC_0065.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Packed observers and participants.</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSyMkUHCNpqrTI0BcXJ1dyr7-2erYc_7JWp1N_gC4M1m1bTyqM7-_GbJNQmvxKQ6pfHGLuVqyp_9t-HA8hYfqW2dIfKeJSVyzRtYdo_NHWWUWHDwJFt0vOWW39cz8sC4maA7ZvCAR70Og/s1600/DSC_0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSyMkUHCNpqrTI0BcXJ1dyr7-2erYc_7JWp1N_gC4M1m1bTyqM7-_GbJNQmvxKQ6pfHGLuVqyp_9t-HA8hYfqW2dIfKeJSVyzRtYdo_NHWWUWHDwJFt0vOWW39cz8sC4maA7ZvCAR70Og/s320/DSC_0061.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the many teams who carried the ceremonial structures.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhnteMGIa2Fz8Vj6az1h0hjy_y1WQ1aLaQg460sW5KFVPt1u1a4FGq63uMq19Uwd4l8l7vao_-Bt2pNHE4MqCy-TJ-7BRIctSfmucrp09Yg0Ahl3znSPIZJ2TNDnAeeYYcUNJn6LC07s/s1600/DSC_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhnteMGIa2Fz8Vj6az1h0hjy_y1WQ1aLaQg460sW5KFVPt1u1a4FGq63uMq19Uwd4l8l7vao_-Bt2pNHE4MqCy-TJ-7BRIctSfmucrp09Yg0Ahl3znSPIZJ2TNDnAeeYYcUNJn6LC07s/s320/DSC_0057.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Large bamboo frames to support structures. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHbXw3IxifJvEpuswlJLuenpoeIn9Vqy67rQkB6gi6E1xKzhfkr1vfFrFUqob5pZbZQ-0Bb-jd0Yuto4DdAgk1gfPsTtvcTirU0-ss3Xifj22C-kxd4_gIwvn-iRL_9NABY_gNJQytVw/s1600/DSC_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHbXw3IxifJvEpuswlJLuenpoeIn9Vqy67rQkB6gi6E1xKzhfkr1vfFrFUqob5pZbZQ-0Bb-jd0Yuto4DdAgk1gfPsTtvcTirU0-ss3Xifj22C-kxd4_gIwvn-iRL_9NABY_gNJQytVw/s320/DSC_0036.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Getting the best viewing spot possible.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
A large number of artists and craftsmen were required to construct and decorate the various funerary structures including an 11 tier 25.5 meter tall cremation tower or bade which was made of bamboo, wood and paper. It was reported that thousands of villagers working in relays were required to carry the many ton structure the 1.5 kilometers from the Peliatan Palace to the cremation site. Accompanying the bade was a large wooden sarcophagus shaped like a bull and painted white with gold horns. Also in the procession was a naga banda or dragon which was donated by the Ubud royal family and was used to transfer the kings body<br />
to the bade.Prior to the procession a Hindu High Priest fired a sacred arrow into the naga banda to symbolically destroy the earthly desires which tormented the late king thus freeing his soul from temptations of the earthly material world. At the cremation site the king's remains were transferred from the bade to the sarcophagus for the actual cremation.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfchwOWVdYsGq9Yl8NMseeM-5avixuewggvTpMZE4CECEBJad9tXQSy5GEXXxdI-85yDx15jZVYdMtJs2rrqSYyU52wxYV1Yl5dY3qv47Opk_O70UpY0jS84jr143CPgK8sDLHBIYEUs/s1600/DSC_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfchwOWVdYsGq9Yl8NMseeM-5avixuewggvTpMZE4CECEBJad9tXQSy5GEXXxdI-85yDx15jZVYdMtJs2rrqSYyU52wxYV1Yl5dY3qv47Opk_O70UpY0jS84jr143CPgK8sDLHBIYEUs/s320/DSC_0025.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Two representations of old age.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRyfXWLljkW-6Q6mAciU8VcR3PFESKzbjnACdmjZ1RPpMKzaqFOYLtlRAzClk8UzQCLoEG9waH5hg1SYocLvR067QeFINRHnFpnQ8avdYoM0-N504v7W2SNlf71amzzqrmfwYza81cmM/s1600/DSC_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRyfXWLljkW-6Q6mAciU8VcR3PFESKzbjnACdmjZ1RPpMKzaqFOYLtlRAzClk8UzQCLoEG9waH5hg1SYocLvR067QeFINRHnFpnQ8avdYoM0-N504v7W2SNlf71amzzqrmfwYza81cmM/s320/DSC_0048.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Kings sarcophagus in the form of a bull.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJmUf3sxPpIBv2YZujQh1ZJT2a0UW8qJi9QUZkc60c17y5DvsmVSnAS5zMrt2FqkD6aZbz2rrIN1VdkOwbkCE7uWoi1C1gcJ655gpVAU_tysj2DQQwtvX44MhJ6lsxkmpw9_pDf0_J14/s1600/DSC_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJmUf3sxPpIBv2YZujQh1ZJT2a0UW8qJi9QUZkc60c17y5DvsmVSnAS5zMrt2FqkD6aZbz2rrIN1VdkOwbkCE7uWoi1C1gcJ655gpVAU_tysj2DQQwtvX44MhJ6lsxkmpw9_pDf0_J14/s320/DSC_0054.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Detail of the sarcophagus.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTzK9LoSudAeyOZK8qw1EaOKUuf1VEJKW5XWANaLkdj0_8E-ZETVFZrUfZOnTDksCUOuNjeiHSx9jJ6atZ6MjMtPoUn5-yiI3LdLIkk3RCulznTlBRs9AUYP0-K_3cLmlcVi7EppZXvHY/s1600/DSC_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTzK9LoSudAeyOZK8qw1EaOKUuf1VEJKW5XWANaLkdj0_8E-ZETVFZrUfZOnTDksCUOuNjeiHSx9jJ6atZ6MjMtPoUn5-yiI3LdLIkk3RCulznTlBRs9AUYP0-K_3cLmlcVi7EppZXvHY/s320/DSC_0058.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Attendants riding on the sarcophagus.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjfnXwIBlFtw0BZFpGrH7JiuD26svPbWKCQk3Usq1_xrnIErlKBg-V0fribSg5Hb-peh8OngC-Y4wG9gpXaekZLjShvyALrkgkoqbAG3j-9RCvinYebcmPITZ1EGQHimrwIY2Wy4uYQQ/s1600/DSC_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjfnXwIBlFtw0BZFpGrH7JiuD26svPbWKCQk3Usq1_xrnIErlKBg-V0fribSg5Hb-peh8OngC-Y4wG9gpXaekZLjShvyALrkgkoqbAG3j-9RCvinYebcmPITZ1EGQHimrwIY2Wy4uYQQ/s320/DSC_0076.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The naga banda or dragon shaped bridge.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQqo2GRER6Wt1pqLYfvwpJP-8PvrkTvjY4iCwrMKGAgQOdqtgxrQznBKEe_0PGB3hxuL2xTUpaOeqaW6YCtzfhhS0UB9NHjmBHlYpCu5ozEr7zf3lEHavMxh7aSMGJN6xtbRD_JFmqm0/s1600/DSC_0074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQqo2GRER6Wt1pqLYfvwpJP-8PvrkTvjY4iCwrMKGAgQOdqtgxrQznBKEe_0PGB3hxuL2xTUpaOeqaW6YCtzfhhS0UB9NHjmBHlYpCu5ozEr7zf3lEHavMxh7aSMGJN6xtbRD_JFmqm0/s320/DSC_0074.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Head of the naga banda.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMl4m4Y3c1WT9EdlD2Gw2sjTcuyQ_eUXNWwZRZM36ZKXeakrCyoklsfXiiNteq4fJ2mlRctgqJyWfvV1gvQJ2BYjaf6pk6x6o2M-kKqoThnLau3h876LMq0mdfN2WZws5YWr5rjWzQuU/s1600/DSC_0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMl4m4Y3c1WT9EdlD2Gw2sjTcuyQ_eUXNWwZRZM36ZKXeakrCyoklsfXiiNteq4fJ2mlRctgqJyWfvV1gvQJ2BYjaf6pk6x6o2M-kKqoThnLau3h876LMq0mdfN2WZws5YWr5rjWzQuU/s320/DSC_0069.JPG" width="212" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The naga banda folowed by the bade.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdOCIjO_bHniduXei3j1b-X_0dQ2FR2oWWLGarudOxaBg9KZQyONXWYohbyBk4i8DxdXBCrjmiFsOgbAUSVFfmsH19uURZ3Gt6sBNqHX2BqR2rwPm2iM_xQyKOB-GB9srbHyiIXtIGdP8/s1600/DSC_0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdOCIjO_bHniduXei3j1b-X_0dQ2FR2oWWLGarudOxaBg9KZQyONXWYohbyBk4i8DxdXBCrjmiFsOgbAUSVFfmsH19uURZ3Gt6sBNqHX2BqR2rwPm2iM_xQyKOB-GB9srbHyiIXtIGdP8/s320/DSC_0084.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The 11 tiered bade.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqNaF4zup6E1nJf7MgZ1yuOxT90yR6hGYKBHC9Ni2CGkeJnaAIvJFdL-WARlNsgk_Rnr6E9cVbeJMyT6r0oUv3ZZ7zLcGNnbXlTX_3DMFZAeO-gDz5lGDjdsbUzc6zOqPJOjAqujLYDU/s1600/DSC_0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqNaF4zup6E1nJf7MgZ1yuOxT90yR6hGYKBHC9Ni2CGkeJnaAIvJFdL-WARlNsgk_Rnr6E9cVbeJMyT6r0oUv3ZZ7zLcGNnbXlTX_3DMFZAeO-gDz5lGDjdsbUzc6zOqPJOjAqujLYDU/s320/DSC_0082.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The kings remains guarded by an attendant.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPPBIKrngv7EbHYkfoO-YFTp3SeYCzAus4pSNCwREeP7ibpq464238WfkqrjOaz0ILC4GtnpZIII-iNI7aHeiOf782PHPIfieyIJ6vHQMDYtlpZaaccz9WlT-qvRJlvPto2DGRc5xZg4/s1600/DSC_0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPPBIKrngv7EbHYkfoO-YFTp3SeYCzAus4pSNCwREeP7ibpq464238WfkqrjOaz0ILC4GtnpZIII-iNI7aHeiOf782PHPIfieyIJ6vHQMDYtlpZaaccz9WlT-qvRJlvPto2DGRc5xZg4/s320/DSC_0080.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Detail of the front of the bade.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJlMjCuVowFa_4V4bqHKfCFGtI9jJvcZbrHXBukdqWk0to6AUKT9ddlKgms1dhEXBiU1wWkMv76FKMRPL1xKYKiEDDrBpF9ylHqAxwE7B-HrESO9JKbO1JwW9IRondM9ek-XcHiXvJvo/s1600/DSC_0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJlMjCuVowFa_4V4bqHKfCFGtI9jJvcZbrHXBukdqWk0to6AUKT9ddlKgms1dhEXBiU1wWkMv76FKMRPL1xKYKiEDDrBpF9ylHqAxwE7B-HrESO9JKbO1JwW9IRondM9ek-XcHiXvJvo/s320/DSC_0081.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bade details.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18ohyi-etA2H1jIoWKrNlsDKTNtH6TRbxEB_-9DEn0QNeoS8z71VExzB7sgmT4LQSPaSSxR9bhL6dXZybbamm1ZO_D7CquBKI7NnfCiXLpDF65hfZrFPBZrvMUG4Ksb0ut-UAJ9GaPxY/s1600/DSC_0094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18ohyi-etA2H1jIoWKrNlsDKTNtH6TRbxEB_-9DEn0QNeoS8z71VExzB7sgmT4LQSPaSSxR9bhL6dXZybbamm1ZO_D7CquBKI7NnfCiXLpDF65hfZrFPBZrvMUG4Ksb0ut-UAJ9GaPxY/s320/DSC_0094.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The back of the bade with intricate decoration.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
In addition to the funerary structures the procession included musicians and lines of women carrying offerings and ritual items. Of course traffic ground to a halt in the vicinity of the procession and power was turned off to facilitate the passage of the bade.As the bade moved along the procession route it would be shifted in direction in order to disorient the spirit and prevent it from returning home to disturb the living. At times like these as a bystander one wondered whether the hundreds of people carrying the bade would be able to safely redirect the momentum represented by its forward movement without crushing those sandwiched along the route. Fortunately the bade passed without incident.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXX8nJb554N1LYeQvB9fpLOm6AY1aodTHt0uOb2JmLEQFNFOaA9U8roJKZvmdXbDbqgX8B6fDfK1WejxcBchib10t7spBkvDN6HmXnU7KDSNFFT_Xyc_v_cqRUMDB966n2gmcDtyi6v5k/s1600/DSC_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXX8nJb554N1LYeQvB9fpLOm6AY1aodTHt0uOb2JmLEQFNFOaA9U8roJKZvmdXbDbqgX8B6fDfK1WejxcBchib10t7spBkvDN6HmXnU7KDSNFFT_Xyc_v_cqRUMDB966n2gmcDtyi6v5k/s320/DSC_0042.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the groups of musicians accompanying the procession.</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
As a counterpoise to the crowds and clamor associated with the spectacle of a royal cremation we were in following days treated to another cultural event that being an Odalan ceremony for a small local temple. Most of the year Balinese temples are empty with the Odalan being the major temple event of the year. Odalan or temple anniversary ceremonies are conducted every 210 days (or one year according to the Balinese calendar). These ceremonies are quite common as there are thousands of temples in Bali. Each<br />
village has at least three temples, the temple of death (pura dalem), temple of origin (pura puseh) and the temple for the god's council (pura desa). In addition there are individual family temples in the house compound as well as the great temples such as Besakih, Uluwatu etc.plus many other kinds of temples. The Odalan celebrates the anniversary of the initial completion of the temple and the first invitation of the gods to attend.<br />
Odalan festivals vary in size and duration from short family celebrations to events covering many days.The presence of an Odalan in a village is often announced by the presence along village roads of tall decorated bamboo poles called penjor. As noted by I Wayan Dibia the Odalan is not only a "Balinese religious ceremony. It is also a social event and an important theatrical occasion."<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvo3qvf_fhG8x_zsrnIBWT5RpFIHY_vJzgN760TeT1cYK3elwIataocmPmHAhiZ-9eX4yr0orXt0Nvob2Z9bO-ZLc_l95WJ_mBya98nIEjmP6xKwsaCHr6Go5ejaU03W8mtJBtTd7ExcQ/s1600/DSC_0741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvo3qvf_fhG8x_zsrnIBWT5RpFIHY_vJzgN760TeT1cYK3elwIataocmPmHAhiZ-9eX4yr0orXt0Nvob2Z9bO-ZLc_l95WJ_mBya98nIEjmP6xKwsaCHr6Go5ejaU03W8mtJBtTd7ExcQ/s320/DSC_0741.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The outer door to a typical Balinese temple.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
From a religious perspective the entire village works to fulfill the religious requirements required for the success of the festival. This effort requires cooperation of all concerned regardless of station to clean and repair the temple, make offerings, build temporary altars, decorate the temple and routes leading to the temple. The foregoing daytime activities will be followed by nighttime prayers and performances which can go on until late in the evening. Everything used in the ceremonies must be purified by a priest. Odalans may not be held if something bad or impure such as a death has occurred in the village. The group activities required to meet the ceremony requirements presents the opportunity for social interaction between people of different castes, social statuses and skills.It is also a time for interaction between old and young when older villagers can teach skills required for the Odalan and transmit important cultural and religious information. Older people can meet friends while young people may also meet friends and maybe find romance. During the Odalan the temple becomes the theatrical center of the village. The music, dance, dramas and shadow-play performances will be enjoyed by both the villagers and people from more distant places.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIvXcrHh0ZKDqE6knoYwPnoQ2vKbk4qwcBVeslcFh8_yh3iK2_B-x0hxl74O5TIhl5wmOhlLalcRfSeNovzSuc1iiujmsikzsE6O92ZsOOLvU3Yk5DH-YFgwpcnymveTBnz78a1rJp9M/s1600/DSC_0201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIvXcrHh0ZKDqE6knoYwPnoQ2vKbk4qwcBVeslcFh8_yh3iK2_B-x0hxl74O5TIhl5wmOhlLalcRfSeNovzSuc1iiujmsikzsE6O92ZsOOLvU3Yk5DH-YFgwpcnymveTBnz78a1rJp9M/s320/DSC_0201.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Decorated shrines in middle temple area.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2Y3PLdb2kZFSKYwi3Fu1NPfSoTHn3SaJV8kKv-hKkJAI6u3Mf0lrGUXgPAfvqLI3LQS_I3vsHH5MwJe9tp7K4IbpkNJwWWikQs91McXrChhLXl1nzSGVwHDYIvMspW8gI66Q2mNZ5XM/s1600/DSC_0202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQt5UU16FUVxZcgfZ8XncMipBwnD5OMJ052_WEvsjxgr8MP8KrQ6qLicdmjqQG_U3vIB8TcrlmOKD9ClYH56pPMznZXYS1CPQsB9n04tl7TweIOQyTfDbswrOi0dCwJVNJB6BWStXClk/s1600/DSC_0346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzvZDLiQ30Q71WhQeqg8xKWqIqe4sml9DsmpOvTNobjlmXCqlwAFW9TFwQNSnX1VGMAJGUD5_RjpvsgOss8CcuMckqkzHyPGmZ48ph0vVgnRreCK-i1iRJglrMUEsGuIIvlAF3ii9CJg/s1600/DSC_0347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzvZDLiQ30Q71WhQeqg8xKWqIqe4sml9DsmpOvTNobjlmXCqlwAFW9TFwQNSnX1VGMAJGUD5_RjpvsgOss8CcuMckqkzHyPGmZ48ph0vVgnRreCK-i1iRJglrMUEsGuIIvlAF3ii9CJg/s320/DSC_0347.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shrine decorations often use black and white cloths representing good and evil.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_jtWzjNrm6adyb6Bo0_KW5xH_KoTtLi02aJMbpaU6uH8mOh6VXstMS1CL-zXl0wMtNRMe-JpTzpj4G37h9ZdT1I9nNLOJsaHpGIanFm735Nq2bfB2GwNrVfTplU7KKCb7VFiX2oEKBw/s1600/DSC_0389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_jtWzjNrm6adyb6Bo0_KW5xH_KoTtLi02aJMbpaU6uH8mOh6VXstMS1CL-zXl0wMtNRMe-JpTzpj4G37h9ZdT1I9nNLOJsaHpGIanFm735Nq2bfB2GwNrVfTplU7KKCb7VFiX2oEKBw/s320/DSC_0389.JPG" width="212" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A variety of offerings need to be made and properly handled.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFF38QdnlBFowXKcdMSI8b4HlDquJR3J_ErSUeQbaULNGEjFL0pIRE0-T5hK7uju6sSNSqK5t9ooDPyxSZ5lAtD91ZGLoWUnPMAXIWIA9fWRz9yTjguTybJAW5wge2P1PVo_9YMoutCM/s1600/DSC_0373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFF38QdnlBFowXKcdMSI8b4HlDquJR3J_ErSUeQbaULNGEjFL0pIRE0-T5hK7uju6sSNSqK5t9ooDPyxSZ5lAtD91ZGLoWUnPMAXIWIA9fWRz9yTjguTybJAW5wge2P1PVo_9YMoutCM/s320/DSC_0373.JPG" width="212" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Artistic even in the smallest detail.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
If one truly wants to experience Balinese arts and culture and observe religious practices then it is best to forego the more convenient, packaged and abbreviated performances set up solely for tourists. Balinese performing arts are not static and are continuously developing and over the years have been secularized vis a vis the tourist shows on offer. Though these shows will be performed to a high standard they are missing the<br />
context and atmosphere of a village Odalan. None of the normal activity, smells, sounds and excitement will be there. It should be noted that in the temple context even if there were no audience the performers would continue as the performance, a form of worship is first and foremost in honor of and entertainment for the gods and ancestral spirits. Balinese temples are without roofs in order to facilitate the arrival of the gods who occupy special shrines reserved for them and who are welcomed and made happy with sights, sounds, smells, flags, banners, umbrellas, decorated buildings and shrines, sacred chants, offerings and food.<br />
Once the essence of the food offerings have satisfied the holy guests the remains can be taken home and eaten.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyW8bjZan5LtucUFa1PiWC1hHczQwoCVfHR6aT_PmsSdZEkAzcoQV5Pr3hZrFaJ0D9jSU17Ofx5nfbMX9Qj23qrHeUNVsB9_LDjVlVhNAMHtxK7oh3GMpx6Jj8HurPOzwxvybQPVBs90/s1600/DSC_0216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyW8bjZan5LtucUFa1PiWC1hHczQwoCVfHR6aT_PmsSdZEkAzcoQV5Pr3hZrFaJ0D9jSU17Ofx5nfbMX9Qj23qrHeUNVsB9_LDjVlVhNAMHtxK7oh3GMpx6Jj8HurPOzwxvybQPVBs90/s320/DSC_0216.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Offerings and decorations in the inner sanctum.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzWIpxXO9RBb53KZCCnfmIWz3oPXivPgry4quYGct0VFNmiPX1XG2tx3z2MK80YnDDHpO9gb5Os4WCXi9d8ToaLs8S4cpl8DlwD_MCOiHQX1oThjW5DlEF5uU3vQUnRCa3iZDkTAW6WY/s1600/DSC_0217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzWIpxXO9RBb53KZCCnfmIWz3oPXivPgry4quYGct0VFNmiPX1XG2tx3z2MK80YnDDHpO9gb5Os4WCXi9d8ToaLs8S4cpl8DlwD_MCOiHQX1oThjW5DlEF5uU3vQUnRCa3iZDkTAW6WY/s320/DSC_0217.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Inner sanctum of the temple.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKoiA1uxBLC4sddspi0LPTiOBovVzB1-IS-6NV3c9EcI0QtYVuFB3p5VFhsKPkBVheuhnJhqIkfUE22KMSneCdDpKGj17RHzpn17bcqCARE_0cOlPqzupLcVZppQB-TpXffxyStsgJHjU/s1600/DSC_0218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div> <br />
Our good fortune was to arrive at our friend Mr. Alit's home just as he and his colleagues were preparing to leave for a Topeng dance performance for an Odalan at a nearby village temple. Alit, a famous carver and dancer invited us to tag along and observe the festivities.Topeng or masked dances are a regular feature of Odalan festivals.The main requirement for us was to be appropriately dressed which included long pants and a sash worn round the waist.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXDde3XDd4FNgfasI5eWNEmW3zAh5VM_b81-oMkr5Fb4xDKLVQmfBPlkNfcGxuTc0rWrrsRdtpY7Uh6F1rg0W6U2lNoYpq6QCSHzxz2Re8V7BlDYTarAnAq3Xom8wjKyx8XI78pKr-d8/s1600/DSC_0180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXDde3XDd4FNgfasI5eWNEmW3zAh5VM_b81-oMkr5Fb4xDKLVQmfBPlkNfcGxuTc0rWrrsRdtpY7Uh6F1rg0W6U2lNoYpq6QCSHzxz2Re8V7BlDYTarAnAq3Xom8wjKyx8XI78pKr-d8/s320/DSC_0180.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Master mask carver and dancer Mr. Alit</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPtYB_xlJ3pYQVDjE04AwJEj-U6_PDvWtDM_2Msa12tfO3O0iswpdrWOVA1dr4aGSvqRaNzth4y4P_1C3O8-VljQEHFL0gyBGoHUNRZI0ADtJw6yzxAuY2Aq90Fr7rEZ_eQEckTYPr7E/s1600/DSC_0184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPtYB_xlJ3pYQVDjE04AwJEj-U6_PDvWtDM_2Msa12tfO3O0iswpdrWOVA1dr4aGSvqRaNzth4y4P_1C3O8-VljQEHFL0gyBGoHUNRZI0ADtJw6yzxAuY2Aq90Fr7rEZ_eQEckTYPr7E/s320/DSC_0184.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Colleague who will have speaking parts to perform.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34m32Oqrj8gAyvN2vOAv0emt6zuP6hJZ9LhIEKZLu6AUROctEKUC0ZWEM1r-2Gsng-aj0QADQ4KEFQyhtUZL0qjS4bAhlRBYYwaaScin-Q-ZcDyRZN8vBflmgv45nH4YO-TSmPnPcQnQ/s1600/DSC_0185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34m32Oqrj8gAyvN2vOAv0emt6zuP6hJZ9LhIEKZLu6AUROctEKUC0ZWEM1r-2Gsng-aj0QADQ4KEFQyhtUZL0qjS4bAhlRBYYwaaScin-Q-ZcDyRZN8vBflmgv45nH4YO-TSmPnPcQnQ/s320/DSC_0185.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Colleague who will take clown part in performance.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3N-SYa03BQWktcyZBBmh5b-n2pxEZeDBpF9f2e7XqSWMd20N2CkqUTRlgA_EZMerU6WOpWa-muu2FceK3N3-co1p7Yg8MT1zdqUDYB-MpRmyyNaDSUqYSnTzAcEkcD4P-iRbuON5Wv4/s1600/DSC_0187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3N-SYa03BQWktcyZBBmh5b-n2pxEZeDBpF9f2e7XqSWMd20N2CkqUTRlgA_EZMerU6WOpWa-muu2FceK3N3-co1p7Yg8MT1zdqUDYB-MpRmyyNaDSUqYSnTzAcEkcD4P-iRbuON5Wv4/s320/DSC_0187.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Friend Dewa assisting Anne with proper attire for entrance into the temple.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRhT7g5YIElXU3fuf1jCNlUvUId6Ud3VBBBN-EwZ92DSITM1UEM9leaUvwHHLuRo4XxmgD5EA2Y4SFBwXJUVrFkgmBomKuxmQhV_YJmSANgYz_3D6hrtlfmstzQSgKRh1-yZlKa9Ny68/s1600/DSC_0189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRhT7g5YIElXU3fuf1jCNlUvUId6Ud3VBBBN-EwZ92DSITM1UEM9leaUvwHHLuRo4XxmgD5EA2Y4SFBwXJUVrFkgmBomKuxmQhV_YJmSANgYz_3D6hrtlfmstzQSgKRh1-yZlKa9Ny68/s320/DSC_0189.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The modern way of going to your performance.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
Accompanied by a gamelan (gong-chime) orchestra either a dancer or group of dancers will by changing masks portray a variety of characters well known to the Balinese audience. Dancers are believed to be interpreters of the gods and the various masks to have supernatural power whereby the dancers take on the spirit of the individual represented by the mask. The sacredness of the masks is gained through a careful choice of wood and when and how and from where it is cut, through the carving and painting process, the offerings made and the purification processes observed.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfxVj_zaHiBDA-imWGW2alXFWIAl3qIBrbT8_-qicMj9OxyE4jvu3Yy0wfj9M4_7TX1XNaeF3rg3FfjGCX7-7N81bmWD_EOplBhoFOqKuP_MMnkNN7RB4lVZTr_PSaOUPsxYTXXwAXGU/s1600/DSC_0215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfxVj_zaHiBDA-imWGW2alXFWIAl3qIBrbT8_-qicMj9OxyE4jvu3Yy0wfj9M4_7TX1XNaeF3rg3FfjGCX7-7N81bmWD_EOplBhoFOqKuP_MMnkNN7RB4lVZTr_PSaOUPsxYTXXwAXGU/s320/DSC_0215.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Member of the gamelan orchestra.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
Topeng masks generally made of Pule wood may be either full face masks called Bungkulan which restrict the performer to dance, gesture and pantomine. One half or three quarter face masks known as Sibakan permit the performer to sing or speak thus providing a narration and comment on the proceedings. Full masks are generally reserved for high status characters such as gods, kings and prime minister. The Sibakan masks are thus used by storytellers, clowns and the like.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7U5JDQ3iaGpnVaWevu8mCYZbg3UNmCHMVdrQi31HQajf3Wucr7EGS5qmCCcVpGaKvhVNsEak3iG3XEJuDtLGUP8fOLGS7l4iOnTUagqUXLeyxS__hW6pZmvQJUUvqUfXvmVo9MZ1daA8/s1600/DSC_0323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7U5JDQ3iaGpnVaWevu8mCYZbg3UNmCHMVdrQi31HQajf3Wucr7EGS5qmCCcVpGaKvhVNsEak3iG3XEJuDtLGUP8fOLGS7l4iOnTUagqUXLeyxS__hW6pZmvQJUUvqUfXvmVo9MZ1daA8/s320/DSC_0323.JPG" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A full face or Bungkalan mask.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3V1HrwsDQXbkfBnDotv5ldjx7rzzJBfmVve0p2qrHTBa-K1rRf8VSUVUE4ELv4Bs6wiY5za1WAmMqZgHbyN9I-dIjnz9xSVixbFefT-yVHBuTcr0XHg2FFNSEEJw3fpZgkBezYrIJLcs/s1600/DSC_0392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3V1HrwsDQXbkfBnDotv5ldjx7rzzJBfmVve0p2qrHTBa-K1rRf8VSUVUE4ELv4Bs6wiY5za1WAmMqZgHbyN9I-dIjnz9xSVixbFefT-yVHBuTcr0XHg2FFNSEEJw3fpZgkBezYrIJLcs/s320/DSC_0392.JPG" width="257" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A partial or Sibakan mask.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
The Topeng dancers maintain a particular erect posture designed to provide focus on the mask and its projection. Topeng dances are closely synchronized with the gamelan orchestra. Longer gong cycles are generally associated with high status characters while shorter gong cycles are used with funny less regal characters. Breaks in the gong cycles called angsals are signaled by cues from the dancer whether by gesture, voice or storyline and then are transmitted to the other musicians by the quick reaction of the drummer. Clearly Topeng dancers must be well versed in history, religion and current events as the dancers not only reveal the traditional meaning of the ceremony but also provide commentary on politics, morality etc.<br />
<br />
Upon arrival a gamelan orchestra was playing in the area outside but adjacent to the temple and here dancers were resting waiting for their turn to perform. Entering a middle courtyard we immediately were thrust into the activity and environment of the Odalan. A second gamelan orchestra was playing on a platform amidst various decorated shrines. Another doorway provided entrance into the inner sanctum or Jeroan filled with offerings and a shadow puppet play. Here too were a variety of decorated shrines and high priests praying and accepting arriving offerings.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xAlSRDxNMQR2RRl0WBtez_tOtOCnSaThSJrtY8iZZDcNi9lRrPayrR1PtG0erYBeYPsNeghwH2f-LxjgJGQAthQqFmYB-F2BlvY4TLPqStdpHhPF3kFdT7TmEHjWz66T_6E0dfm2oUg/s1600/DSC_0193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xAlSRDxNMQR2RRl0WBtez_tOtOCnSaThSJrtY8iZZDcNi9lRrPayrR1PtG0erYBeYPsNeghwH2f-LxjgJGQAthQqFmYB-F2BlvY4TLPqStdpHhPF3kFdT7TmEHjWz66T_6E0dfm2oUg/s320/DSC_0193.JPG" width="212" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Waiting to perform.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
<br />
In the middle courtyard a group of young girls in traditional dress performed a welcome dance or Rejang.The dancers were resplendent in gold and white with high headresses decorated with colorful flowers. The welcome dance was followed by a warrior dance or Baris Gede. Wearing distinctive triangular helmets the male performers represent the personal guards of the visiting spirits. At times carrying spears the dancers performed various military maneuvers while occasionally shouting in unison.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpyPAat0f5Nh8Bv76ogi1NXhW4DD5xIrzS_NLdTy_G3z2BM57Clm2QY8JU0xswKVmM5ERmHP6aFF37Xzm7rvc_QScF0gGQrm6tpOP7Kv5nRGHoR-_DIo5EQujXmYBAgqj3JhoxzpQpYU/s1600/DSC_0208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJF02ICEULqELYnMQrN5go7dIZQpeJ0qV91XQVDgqh2tuUodYPYsbtOqdEficXbKyxQJGpUIvf6wtpt-z9sGyngNXvQZoXYt6ncuujDahuW1T8mcWdp0k0mEP5JEuxOOLfYCaym69mNw/s1600/DSC_0222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJF02ICEULqELYnMQrN5go7dIZQpeJ0qV91XQVDgqh2tuUodYPYsbtOqdEficXbKyxQJGpUIvf6wtpt-z9sGyngNXvQZoXYt6ncuujDahuW1T8mcWdp0k0mEP5JEuxOOLfYCaym69mNw/s320/DSC_0222.JPG" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Graceful entrance dance.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwia8ZsvUd3Bo_4C9km1LXYOv71lPBCQsqiKWtKBqVvNX5HOFSV8nOsQaivbzDuFIqARGVk97ZJ5eJglzKcOsq3MhXRBDqCKjRX3mrvov6O2HLn589isixRcZ0ECwzr9ThCr1eAJjzqY/s1600/DSC_0227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwia8ZsvUd3Bo_4C9km1LXYOv71lPBCQsqiKWtKBqVvNX5HOFSV8nOsQaivbzDuFIqARGVk97ZJ5eJglzKcOsq3MhXRBDqCKjRX3mrvov6O2HLn589isixRcZ0ECwzr9ThCr1eAJjzqY/s320/DSC_0227.JPG" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Concentration.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbEX8F71aQoHtayehx_W7Q9XYPiur7W6mxJdJc0hyphenhyphenm2SZbSwTGk2gShkwnugO5ck6fWgeHFBk2CACxh5qJg3Q2xJFMDfAAk72jtcRAS-5qISUjyRMjXxo9vjyZqSkAL-ISuArw6QX3Yk/s1600/DSC_0269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbEX8F71aQoHtayehx_W7Q9XYPiur7W6mxJdJc0hyphenhyphenm2SZbSwTGk2gShkwnugO5ck6fWgeHFBk2CACxh5qJg3Q2xJFMDfAAk72jtcRAS-5qISUjyRMjXxo9vjyZqSkAL-ISuArw6QX3Yk/s320/DSC_0269.JPG" width="264" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Enjoying the performance</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmGfvHaIrhwP9T07qcxNIjflh_eCHjkEoxa7705PaSC5fB5PdCqPaa9yFwCjMQmd5fWivxLb-NPZ4a96aWumAkxnmUOt5gD-pdO9CUZ-2us7Z0tfJLYnbo8Ao8Zr8k3F_oqz9xIt1boo/s1600/DSC_0245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmGfvHaIrhwP9T07qcxNIjflh_eCHjkEoxa7705PaSC5fB5PdCqPaa9yFwCjMQmd5fWivxLb-NPZ4a96aWumAkxnmUOt5gD-pdO9CUZ-2us7Z0tfJLYnbo8Ao8Zr8k3F_oqz9xIt1boo/s320/DSC_0245.JPG" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Baris Gede or warrior dance.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMy8HUOjLWypuavbuc8cfJFly7VpfYLtW9cmlyTv9rrRiABvBbtDcGM9O6-GYRM7MbumsIp8MrzjAx-gixEmmGj25BzcjcRSRRh3WOF6DLRU0vzp8w6mGGCj96IGvKNIEyo3C1OiHsFgo/s1600/DSC_0248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMy8HUOjLWypuavbuc8cfJFly7VpfYLtW9cmlyTv9rrRiABvBbtDcGM9O6-GYRM7MbumsIp8MrzjAx-gixEmmGj25BzcjcRSRRh3WOF6DLRU0vzp8w6mGGCj96IGvKNIEyo3C1OiHsFgo/s320/DSC_0248.JPG" width="192" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The triangular helmet typical of Baris Gede dancers.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieoeBl1eJQ6cQjGvPg7kwVj_TQIM9zOkqbTBXTUvdRvx1AbSmoe8gmQz7TRCgywLuUmgyYcpsGmo8V_x9HE65QPk_6xn8nPJnwyKTuFcY9pPqj5i8OkP92YWQtgXMh1E7Zna_O-iBTF0M/s1600/DSC_0306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieoeBl1eJQ6cQjGvPg7kwVj_TQIM9zOkqbTBXTUvdRvx1AbSmoe8gmQz7TRCgywLuUmgyYcpsGmo8V_x9HE65QPk_6xn8nPJnwyKTuFcY9pPqj5i8OkP92YWQtgXMh1E7Zna_O-iBTF0M/s320/DSC_0306.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Typically dressed villagers watching the dancers.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPm1xp5WDKniWZ2Gm3q9-HSFgdxlDd-Xiosbz37afKXmyGhyb0Dz8Q0Poji4TANA3U3EJnusLQJhdgHr8J4d4nkDecXBY0bIuDnsB3W8Z5cPGfP1M18kL6hcAQnvJPdj9oyENJhIRtZU/s1600/DSC_0314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPm1xp5WDKniWZ2Gm3q9-HSFgdxlDd-Xiosbz37afKXmyGhyb0Dz8Q0Poji4TANA3U3EJnusLQJhdgHr8J4d4nkDecXBY0bIuDnsB3W8Z5cPGfP1M18kL6hcAQnvJPdj9oyENJhIRtZU/s320/DSC_0314.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A sip of special water after the performance.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
Following these initial dances it was time for the Topeng dances. Prior to the performance Mr. Alit performed a short ceremony which included the lighting of joss sticks as an act of devotion and respect. During the performance Alit and his colleagues changed masks for a number of individual performances as well as paired performances permitting dialogue between the two dancers. We were treated to characters varying from high ranking figures to low ranking figures with partial masks who added dialogue to the performance. The last dance was the Sidhakaarya, a figure which always concludes a topeng performance. This mask features a white face, open mouth and huge teeth which stick out from oversized lips. This character is given the opportunity to get the last word in and will often make jokes about the community and its members.The<br />
Sidhakarya characters mask is considered the most revered of the Topeng masks. Made from living wood it is kept in a special place and container seperate from other Topeng masks. It is considered spiritually dangerous and must not be handled by others out of context.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5JN2Dp5krLjFFSREyzt8VApKMHLEfYO2AweM-ERrVWV9FvMBSgr8sijUMWE48NI6TIXkN772LRE96S-SCflFFRIqpPuhDWQgNUBlH5xMgX9JGzZewSOQIW8dSe6slc8MOCsR7wgiCWY/s1600/DSC_0203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5JN2Dp5krLjFFSREyzt8VApKMHLEfYO2AweM-ERrVWV9FvMBSgr8sijUMWE48NI6TIXkN772LRE96S-SCflFFRIqpPuhDWQgNUBlH5xMgX9JGzZewSOQIW8dSe6slc8MOCsR7wgiCWY/s320/DSC_0203.JPG" width="212" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pre performance ceremony.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8iyURLnKqse-gmcQVXOFu2t9rOpLG_1aHuPPKN4CPSr8BGDfeayRsCnLe8p8QK4Gx-lCk4yRofKhyphenhyphen2Dftu3Yc7htWmhPcGwrgOvG3IwIxdJFDy171T2Dju0-GgYwqDwfvhVqk29rBHzE/s1600/DSC_0293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8iyURLnKqse-gmcQVXOFu2t9rOpLG_1aHuPPKN4CPSr8BGDfeayRsCnLe8p8QK4Gx-lCk4yRofKhyphenhyphen2Dftu3Yc7htWmhPcGwrgOvG3IwIxdJFDy171T2Dju0-GgYwqDwfvhVqk29rBHzE/s320/DSC_0293.JPG" width="239" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Alit displaying typical stance and gesture.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_88o3g7ypu6Xbd9u7SC5gHJ-K4LurMpYzY_A42vwjYJP9tGhth84gqR217c-V1aUV4m3Kj6E5NjKKNcpwdYmQiEC1sAh8aNcc51Butjg8TYOnaPIJTnh6nxWEWiU0xUaIY0igCLnq8I/s1600/DSC_0353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_88o3g7ypu6Xbd9u7SC5gHJ-K4LurMpYzY_A42vwjYJP9tGhth84gqR217c-V1aUV4m3Kj6E5NjKKNcpwdYmQiEC1sAh8aNcc51Butjg8TYOnaPIJTnh6nxWEWiU0xUaIY0igCLnq8I/s320/DSC_0353.JPG" width="259" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A character with dialogue.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbLL5HV5CifzbV-b2YiIkmx8LEC-QcQJDWTsat3-t8WWJ4ozwUkukYKY2D0LYupn9-PvGa3Ary5px4L8q2WkH_r2DM6Toh2Z2ua70buyCP2hDZ0lvo7icS_BMHFfDozOurmxXtXfgS0I/s1600/DSC_0404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbLL5HV5CifzbV-b2YiIkmx8LEC-QcQJDWTsat3-t8WWJ4ozwUkukYKY2D0LYupn9-PvGa3Ary5px4L8q2WkH_r2DM6Toh2Z2ua70buyCP2hDZ0lvo7icS_BMHFfDozOurmxXtXfgS0I/s320/DSC_0404.JPG" width="254" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Each mask has its own personality and energy.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgi76VUQp64umsSBMILTjbLgLj79rX7QCAUqEWjSR6PEMUN12puA9Dog71DWQYOooUnh6BL7DnrKQ4uFdrFufwQhehw7U-KXeP2R3bbWDnB2CzUM4ifHs_1yeqqbxEWQaWNJDOV8mBIs/s1600/DSC_0358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgi76VUQp64umsSBMILTjbLgLj79rX7QCAUqEWjSR6PEMUN12puA9Dog71DWQYOooUnh6BL7DnrKQ4uFdrFufwQhehw7U-KXeP2R3bbWDnB2CzUM4ifHs_1yeqqbxEWQaWNJDOV8mBIs/s320/DSC_0358.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Taking a break between changes.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFje1wwE2nVF5gELkJsbFWhT0UrNno9sn0SH9yYVB1PuGwEhyphenhyphengpvaXEd7WrLXr-3V9u_ApBwhSfwaszP8swAIsDj00-Hm7jdI49Oknfcv65-Lp0Rt9rGkL2_v_2_W6-a74nEIlmpIcqQ/s1600/DSC_0362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFje1wwE2nVF5gELkJsbFWhT0UrNno9sn0SH9yYVB1PuGwEhyphenhyphengpvaXEd7WrLXr-3V9u_ApBwhSfwaszP8swAIsDj00-Hm7jdI49Oknfcv65-Lp0Rt9rGkL2_v_2_W6-a74nEIlmpIcqQ/s320/DSC_0362.JPG" width="192" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Enjoying.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKOdw-gaDBuZ3A89MavMW8gc5DlHl6v507RaqksgGdp8FC0_NcpcFXqGZ-rcLq1Z9rTt2EDzcrLj2ImK3UxylDgS6nzbRHpCLLNXeIsOOfRvMNVEwLWTdC75nT2qlVimPaSuQnu3WTO4/s1600/DSC_0394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKOdw-gaDBuZ3A89MavMW8gc5DlHl6v507RaqksgGdp8FC0_NcpcFXqGZ-rcLq1Z9rTt2EDzcrLj2ImK3UxylDgS6nzbRHpCLLNXeIsOOfRvMNVEwLWTdC75nT2qlVimPaSuQnu3WTO4/s320/DSC_0394.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dialogue.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dhozDan85AeTp3Zyid8ezWyb2U3FiXcSJw7AQtBpIH2dmRBT2xhQvjd-6oUoMqFL5pwSaJs40jze52YRmFSJ4lpZFay4NKejfpCTL2YLIlbr5XoQ7_qPHprwalvJjrzLcacRX6fbKLI/s1600/DSC_0424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dhozDan85AeTp3Zyid8ezWyb2U3FiXcSJw7AQtBpIH2dmRBT2xhQvjd-6oUoMqFL5pwSaJs40jze52YRmFSJ4lpZFay4NKejfpCTL2YLIlbr5XoQ7_qPHprwalvJjrzLcacRX6fbKLI/s320/DSC_0424.JPG" width="288" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The last to perform, the Sidhakarya character.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgbGgqFhyef2w11-K74JVagaAYam5MGtJbmlSl1gisJXKsWd2bltVJ9AB6uyprpkGW_Xzj9gStrNI1DOAfNMxkXCrV11cnHNIULsyX0D3STlbZMyzLD0Hj_yyOSaLiJBFv6l5lZuhH3s/s1600/DSC_0349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgbGgqFhyef2w11-K74JVagaAYam5MGtJbmlSl1gisJXKsWd2bltVJ9AB6uyprpkGW_Xzj9gStrNI1DOAfNMxkXCrV11cnHNIULsyX0D3STlbZMyzLD0Hj_yyOSaLiJBFv6l5lZuhH3s/s320/DSC_0349.JPG" width="268" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ed crossing generations and cultures.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgQjTXaiVSCSyCWijrt_Uyb88WgibfLbe-3s4TManuML2pcW6Gwm90waDRIx_8AaTOe51W9Ot_Ca9oBCaWJwEhQ4JhYBwbH2r5w4pbW5Vfzgiw_vfWa2LcjVIpMBPLvjtwhwud8IBYQs/s1600/DSC_0637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>We left this experience with a beginning appreciation for the numerous layers of meaning and purpose behind the Odalan and its attendant ceremonies and activities. The natural beauty of Bali will be the subject of another post. This post will end with a selection of sunset pictures taken towards Mount Agung from the island of Lombok. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_iJdlwJK7kdJVI9pf5FDyooXoBA6hrNvGwZTPijpmIxgR3IXebMvyDUBXIKp5ZySAKk76KAzljisC5ZpZHeXCUvtdfrEwRNf7LoFALvaBeSbfuTIxRYErpA_bkx7q9ceeVSd1YrGF_E0/s1600/DSC_0608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_iJdlwJK7kdJVI9pf5FDyooXoBA6hrNvGwZTPijpmIxgR3IXebMvyDUBXIKp5ZySAKk76KAzljisC5ZpZHeXCUvtdfrEwRNf7LoFALvaBeSbfuTIxRYErpA_bkx7q9ceeVSd1YrGF_E0/s320/DSC_0608.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-kjFaNivDNzamDHKUahe0RpgJbOUEHzg9igc2kaSybusJ0qO9Llt3pG7jP5VyfSLlIjX2kbsXIi31S5FgszW5azDk7s2V7jVgcVv9S0GYpd36-2q12509k82xa5kehhOXmTSSZbpKQL0/s1600/DSC_0621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-kjFaNivDNzamDHKUahe0RpgJbOUEHzg9igc2kaSybusJ0qO9Llt3pG7jP5VyfSLlIjX2kbsXIi31S5FgszW5azDk7s2V7jVgcVv9S0GYpd36-2q12509k82xa5kehhOXmTSSZbpKQL0/s320/DSC_0621.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5WpkhZ28PPKxttXG6icQ5LEmGRuhflOjyn328vN6ZfbnS82GKLhA5DKTZI9bJTQhXM7MEb5ctZPCUIL-cI2MpHkhihAuXXixVa8l2iehH0KpwlMK7HTeNqlkJV06mXFWeKPOe0xf3Uc/s1600/DSC_0627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5WpkhZ28PPKxttXG6icQ5LEmGRuhflOjyn328vN6ZfbnS82GKLhA5DKTZI9bJTQhXM7MEb5ctZPCUIL-cI2MpHkhihAuXXixVa8l2iehH0KpwlMK7HTeNqlkJV06mXFWeKPOe0xf3Uc/s320/DSC_0627.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bhzVvdT5fb3o3aFIFBFZVYge83a79mysp8L3hA5E70dIh3WSnqBnJaF6Uq2LZuRIsB0RLU57m3Zvt1FbqrcnDXx72yuc9RlRQCRmyXawlAwzkOSRMxADgjNlXO-R8ijTOi1kvc1JWac/s1600/DSC_0628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqt40M-_lgrmOYX7AZ6TKLvYU77YPmJphQ74yV5kf3eBqinW49OlGQkzV-bqH9stc7jGn5aCfvdtSGwbMvkoI6y7tpIPcu-b64x4JgORW92S1B1gvjPjez5vO7CWuv1u0RONzhUtI_Hk/s1600/DSC_0632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqt40M-_lgrmOYX7AZ6TKLvYU77YPmJphQ74yV5kf3eBqinW49OlGQkzV-bqH9stc7jGn5aCfvdtSGwbMvkoI6y7tpIPcu-b64x4JgORW92S1B1gvjPjez5vO7CWuv1u0RONzhUtI_Hk/s320/DSC_0632.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHGgrxU3HcFVlOefACg1zUNAKqKdZSXcTcsC3nY26duwaVf5A-deVq7n4fgLdItzBSMqptCH_rkSgOG1ufvtrlzO8TF0m6Jru1EL-_fHvgnb7Gy8JiLjcJUXU79tP9HhQiD2jdr-c6Cs/s1600/DSC_0635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHGgrxU3HcFVlOefACg1zUNAKqKdZSXcTcsC3nY26duwaVf5A-deVq7n4fgLdItzBSMqptCH_rkSgOG1ufvtrlzO8TF0m6Jru1EL-_fHvgnb7Gy8JiLjcJUXU79tP9HhQiD2jdr-c6Cs/s320/DSC_0635.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgQjTXaiVSCSyCWijrt_Uyb88WgibfLbe-3s4TManuML2pcW6Gwm90waDRIx_8AaTOe51W9Ot_Ca9oBCaWJwEhQ4JhYBwbH2r5w4pbW5Vfzgiw_vfWa2LcjVIpMBPLvjtwhwud8IBYQs/s1600/DSC_0637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div> Steve at Lanna Thai Villahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10643635601243206721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6749323742658731184.post-12220604939093401292011-02-25T01:36:00.000-08:002011-02-25T01:36:54.677-08:00Up up and awayIn tropical SE Asia May signals the approaching rains which are eagerly awaited by rice farmers and those wishing a break from the dry heat of March and April. To help encourage the coming of the rains villagers in rural Thailand and Laos stage festivals that have evolved from pre-Buddhist fertility rites. Known as Prapheni Bun Bang Fai in Thai or Bun Bang Fai in Lao or for English speakers a Rocket Festival. Usually stretching over two or three days these festivals are replete with music, dance, parades with floats and of course the firing of home made rockets. <br />
<br />
Harking back to its fertility rite origins the festival parade ornaments and floats often are adorned with phallic symbols and imagery. The raucous activity also includes cross-dressing by both sexes and different ages all oiled by ample quantities of alcohol which results in lots of bawdy humor.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y0YygWHY914/TWdoZsoWyTI/AAAAAAAABjk/0GBFbk_uPQo/s1600/DSC_0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y0YygWHY914/TWdoZsoWyTI/AAAAAAAABjk/0GBFbk_uPQo/s320/DSC_0055.JPG" width="251" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YGtTif7dEQk/TWdpcXL9eNI/AAAAAAAABjw/b8xjyt7dO68/s1600/DSC_0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YGtTif7dEQk/TWdpcXL9eNI/AAAAAAAABjw/b8xjyt7dO68/s320/DSC_0089.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_DR26eT4-mk/TWdp7XCyoMI/AAAAAAAABj0/mLzGopOGN_4/s1600/DSC_0106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wnGWJu2upW8/TWdnpcKUX-I/AAAAAAAABjc/hw6VfO50ZOI/s1600/DSC_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wnGWJu2upW8/TWdnpcKUX-I/AAAAAAAABjc/hw6VfO50ZOI/s320/DSC_0042.JPG" width="210" /></a></div><br />
The large wonderfully decorated floats known as Bangfai Ko will be judged and awarded prizes. Accompanying dancers and musicians may also compete for prizes. Often wealthy sponsors will provide support both as a way of enhancing community prestige and as a method of attracting and redistributing wealth. Each float will usually be carrying a young couple known as Nang Ai Kham, queen of the pageant and her male champion Phadaeng the story behind which involves a legend well known to most Thais.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CsjDnlStAIU/TWdrzZrCvoI/AAAAAAAABkQ/aFodBP1svYQ/s1600/DSC_0116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CsjDnlStAIU/TWdrzZrCvoI/AAAAAAAABkQ/aFodBP1svYQ/s320/DSC_0116.JPG" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical Bangfai Ko</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f09Mx1qHLQk/TWdoJnaOlyI/AAAAAAAABjg/v6cUeVimcZo/s1600/DSC_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f09Mx1qHLQk/TWdoJnaOlyI/AAAAAAAABjg/v6cUeVimcZo/s320/DSC_0048.JPG" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nang Ai Kham entrant in parade</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6AyIqXymf3s/TWdpD0xP59I/AAAAAAAABjs/caW0Pu7sTSc/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6AyIqXymf3s/TWdpD0xP59I/AAAAAAAABjs/caW0Pu7sTSc/s320/DSC_0023.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each village has a dance group</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ipfiQCGaFX0/TWdrFHs0oeI/AAAAAAAABkM/gpPfArNz140/s1600/DSC_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ipfiQCGaFX0/TWdrFHs0oeI/AAAAAAAABkM/gpPfArNz140/s320/DSC_0044.JPG" width="195" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a well dressed Khene player wears!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ha-k70g6IU/TWdt5rABthI/AAAAAAAABkw/PApTMJOY9cs/s1600/DSC_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4MBvEfgH7E8/TWdmsueBeZI/AAAAAAAABjU/2UqJhoCHkRA/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FalvVJK1Z3w/TWdnQbGFDyI/AAAAAAAABjY/cDnwsDEd7fw/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FalvVJK1Z3w/TWdnQbGFDyI/AAAAAAAABjY/cDnwsDEd7fw/s320/DSC_0013.JPG" width="291" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4MBvEfgH7E8/TWdmsueBeZI/AAAAAAAABjU/2UqJhoCHkRA/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4MBvEfgH7E8/TWdmsueBeZI/AAAAAAAABjU/2UqJhoCHkRA/s320/DSC_0008.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GZc-_e538wA/TWd1HLIZZ_I/AAAAAAAABlg/7NYQeE3JAa0/s1600/DSC_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GZc-_e538wA/TWd1HLIZZ_I/AAAAAAAABlg/7NYQeE3JAa0/s320/DSC_0053.JPG" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From young to old everyone enjoys watching or participating</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RPajwZ4s1i0/TWdtyTxLuEI/AAAAAAAABks/O_J4LRqVl8k/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Interest and activity peaks on the final day of the festival with the firing of home made rockets which can vary<br />
in size from relatively small ones (Bang Fai Noi) to the largest which pack 120 kg. of home brewed black powder Bang Fai Lan). These latter rockets are 9 meters long and both expensive and dangerous.The rockets themselves are made of bamboo bongs with more modern versions being enclosed in pvc pipes. Needless to say black powder and nozzle designs etc. can be a closely guarded secret in the competitive world of rural rocketry.The larger rockets can reach altitudes measured in kilometers and travel downrange up to several dozen kilometers. Rockets compete in each size class and are judged according to apparent height, distance and the beauty of their smoke trail.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ha-k70g6IU/TWdt5rABthI/AAAAAAAABkw/PApTMJOY9cs/s1600/DSC_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="279" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ha-k70g6IU/TWdt5rABthI/AAAAAAAABkw/PApTMJOY9cs/s320/DSC_0031.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RPajwZ4s1i0/TWdtyTxLuEI/AAAAAAAABks/O_J4LRqVl8k/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RPajwZ4s1i0/TWdtyTxLuEI/AAAAAAAABks/O_J4LRqVl8k/s320/DSC_0033.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rockets vary from small to those requiring winches to prepare for launching</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bFLVK9ZbWog/TWduyL1xTDI/AAAAAAAABlA/eRIrzu85FEU/s1600/DSC03710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bFLVK9ZbWog/TWduyL1xTDI/AAAAAAAABlA/eRIrzu85FEU/s320/DSC03710.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passing on the knowledge</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--IdLXSgpke8/TWds2sISBAI/AAAAAAAABkc/wSyv2PW4H34/s1600/DSC_0212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--IdLXSgpke8/TWds2sISBAI/AAAAAAAABkc/wSyv2PW4H34/s320/DSC_0212.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raising a large rocket for firing</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bcDuIMkiTbM/TWdtHgQr3SI/AAAAAAAABkg/TOMdphBl8r0/s1600/DSC_0228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bcDuIMkiTbM/TWdtHgQr3SI/AAAAAAAABkg/TOMdphBl8r0/s320/DSC_0228.JPG" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ignition</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LyCT9aT2Bhs/TWdov0QunaI/AAAAAAAABjo/YBsccEUkvvE/s1600/DSC_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QeelMfWtaUg/TWduemmT1sI/AAAAAAAABk8/k4vJMJ9N1b0/s1600/DSC_0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QeelMfWtaUg/TWduemmT1sI/AAAAAAAABk8/k4vJMJ9N1b0/s320/DSC_0086.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up up and away</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ABv3jQocCm0/TWduKKqd0bI/AAAAAAAABk0/iRQOPzPvl0g/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ABv3jQocCm0/TWduKKqd0bI/AAAAAAAABk0/iRQOPzPvl0g/s320/DSC_0067.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OaoWIbLCAzQ/TWdvhUgH5-I/AAAAAAAABlI/cMxxBzIySiA/s1600/DSC03697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OaoWIbLCAzQ/TWdvhUgH5-I/AAAAAAAABlI/cMxxBzIySiA/s320/DSC03697.JPG" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are spectacular failures</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yzkb9egM6cc/TWdwDCl93iI/AAAAAAAABlM/1Y9okFw-JdM/s1600/DSC03680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yzkb9egM6cc/TWdwDCl93iI/AAAAAAAABlM/1Y9okFw-JdM/s320/DSC03680.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Villagers firing duds are often consigned to a mud wallow</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
The largest and perhaps best known rocket festival is the annual three day event held in Yasothon in Northeastern Thailand (Esarn). However, rocket festivals of varying size are held all over Esarn and also in Northern Thailand. Lanna Thai Villa is located in Thoeng District, Chiang Rai Province and in the 1950's<br />
several villages of Esarn migrants were established in the District and hence each Spring various of the villages combine to stage rocket festivals impressive for their size and overall good fun. We at the Villa look forward to guiding guests who come in May to observe and participate in this most fun and interesting cultural event.<br />
Pictures appended to this post were all taken at festivals located no more than 10 km. from Lanna Thai Villa.Steve at Lanna Thai Villahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10643635601243206721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6749323742658731184.post-88401543673881500982011-02-24T03:20:00.000-08:002011-02-24T03:25:59.356-08:00Water water everywhere - upcoming New Years festivities<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9mILD4qlmUI/TWYUnBw0eJI/AAAAAAAABiY/6GySGMTbRNU/s1600/DSC_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Mid April in Southesat Asia and Yunann Province of China marks traditional Buddhist New Years festivities.<br />
Known as Songkran in Thailand, Bun Pi Mai in Laos, Chol Chnam Thmey in Cambodia, Thingyan in Burma and for the Dai (Lue) people of Xipsongpanna The Water Splashing Festival. All of these events involve merit making, paying respect to elders and the use of water either via gentle spashing or industrial strength dousing. Some of the more exuberant places to watch and participate include: Chiang Mai in Thailand, Luang Prabang in Laos, Phnom Penh in Cambodia, Rangoon in Burma and Jinghong in Xipsongpanna. Many of these venues become overwhelmed with visitors and to the consternation of many the emphasis seems to have evolved away from more genteel activities to one of general revelry and heavy duty water heaving. In any case participants save for those who may be unprepared seem to have an overwhelmingly good time especially given the hot weather typical of the season.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-11UIsm7GFF8/TWYUGlLNFGI/AAAAAAAABiU/UCv6aMSL9Ok/s1600/DSC_0182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-11UIsm7GFF8/TWYUGlLNFGI/AAAAAAAABiU/UCv6aMSL9Ok/s320/DSC_0182.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paying respects to ones elders</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9mILD4qlmUI/TWYUnBw0eJI/AAAAAAAABiY/6GySGMTbRNU/s1600/DSC_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9mILD4qlmUI/TWYUnBw0eJI/AAAAAAAABiY/6GySGMTbRNU/s320/DSC_0066.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Returning sand "taken" from the temple</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
In fact a rather enjoyable time can be had in the smaller towns and villages where both traditional and more raucous activities take place. As is well known this is a time for families to gather and hence places like Bangkok empty out as people return to their home villages to make merit and visit family members and friends they perhaps have not seen since the previous New Year.Here in Ban Ngao the site of Lanna Thai Villa even though deep in rural Chiang Rai a wide variety of activities take place over the 3 main days of Songkran. and the additional days which seem to get tacked on to either end. Sand chedis are constructed in village temples,<br />
Buddha images are washed with scented water and village elders honored with scented water poured over their hands accompanied by wishes for good health, a long life and prosperity. Often the village sponsors fun events such as boat races, pole boxing, greased pole climbs etc. These of course are augmented by trips to nearby district centers to enter circuits of vehicles from which pitched water battles take place. Even these centers will have parades of Buddha images drawn from local temples which in turn are washed by those standing along the parade route. All in all a fun time to visit Northern Thailand.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pMoXrJ26HrI/TWYWBtvG6rI/AAAAAAAABig/eB7MDwtiN6Y/s1600/DSC_0165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pMoXrJ26HrI/TWYWBtvG6rI/AAAAAAAABig/eB7MDwtiN6Y/s320/DSC_0165.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Water everywhere</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gLAJDeZIg28/TWYW9Os9JbI/AAAAAAAABis/w4CddG3EkeA/s1600/DSC_0195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gLAJDeZIg28/TWYW9Os9JbI/AAAAAAAABis/w4CddG3EkeA/s320/DSC_0195.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buddha images are washed</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zJRYXMWM4a8/TWYW35LoI8I/AAAAAAAABio/2ZJsl9399Jk/s1600/DSC_0191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zJRYXMWM4a8/TWYW35LoI8I/AAAAAAAABio/2ZJsl9399Jk/s320/DSC_0191.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beauty queens on parade (and wet)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-if3ZJnzNrXY/TWYXlZyL3RI/AAAAAAAABi4/v4PWT0sbYQA/s1600/DSC_0249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-if3ZJnzNrXY/TWYXlZyL3RI/AAAAAAAABi4/v4PWT0sbYQA/s320/DSC_0249.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Percussion and music everywhere</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1MGPUOIG9hM/TWYWn873DUI/AAAAAAAABik/NTMcxyP5OT4/s1600/DSC_0117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1MGPUOIG9hM/TWYWn873DUI/AAAAAAAABik/NTMcxyP5OT4/s320/DSC_0117.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Impossible to stay dry</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9z4S1ID26XM/TWYXqcW9PfI/AAAAAAAABi8/7KzKAKNamOE/s1600/DSC_0253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9z4S1ID26XM/TWYXqcW9PfI/AAAAAAAABi8/7KzKAKNamOE/s320/DSC_0253.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smiles all around</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qzw_NnBb5gk/TWYTBhFW73I/AAAAAAAABhw/S3oRjojyJUA/s1600/DSC_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qzw_NnBb5gk/TWYTBhFW73I/AAAAAAAABhw/S3oRjojyJUA/s320/DSC_0028.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Village boat races</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z77lDpVoIA0/TWYT3aHalDI/AAAAAAAABiQ/x6gkmdSl_hw/s1600/DSC_0246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z77lDpVoIA0/TWYT3aHalDI/AAAAAAAABiQ/x6gkmdSl_hw/s320/DSC_0246.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friendly pole boxing match</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Steve at Lanna Thai Villahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10643635601243206721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6749323742658731184.post-51475976000536111442011-02-21T00:16:00.000-08:002011-02-23T04:18:08.178-08:00Road Trip to Xipsongpanna, China - The Last Bus Out.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZJ58xbT4eQ/TWO16DkkfuI/AAAAAAAABVk/LbRatYLAVp8/s1600/DSC_0170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZJ58xbT4eQ/TWO16DkkfuI/AAAAAAAABVk/LbRatYLAVp8/s320/DSC_0170.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Culture contact - what its all about</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2OFzIchEQmM/TWIiJ8dIhFI/AAAAAAAABRY/YhFf-2lz9sI/s1600/DSC_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>From February 2nd to the 9th we went on a road trip co-guiding three ethnic Thai Lue to visit rural areas of Xipsongpanna in China as well as tribal villages along Route 3 in Northwestern Laos. The highlight of our adventure was staying 6 nights in Bohae, Xipsongpanna the Southern most prefecture of Yunnan Province. Here we were able to closely observe and participate in daily village life and learn of the ongoing changes as China modernizes.<br />
<br />
We crossed the Thai Laotian border at Chiang Khong and headed out for an approximate 5 hour van ride to the Chinese border at Boten. The road was paved and much improved since last transiting the route in the mid 1990's which required our 4 wheel drive and the occasional help of local villagers to get us out of various predicaments. Route 3 is a part of the Chinese plan to have a direct link to Bangkok and its port facilities.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2OFzIchEQmM/TWIiJ8dIhFI/AAAAAAAABRY/YhFf-2lz9sI/s1600/DSC_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2OFzIchEQmM/TWIiJ8dIhFI/AAAAAAAABRY/YhFf-2lz9sI/s320/DSC_0029.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lao side of border at Boten</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Along this road are situated various villages most of which have been relocated from more remote areas in a government program not without controversy. Villages include those inhabited by Khmu, Lamet, Lanten and other groups. The area around the towns of Viengphukha and Luang Namtha witnessed heavy fighting during the Vietnam War era. We plan to further explore this area and attend Khmu wedding ceremonies of friends in the last week of March. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I29HMIYl8A8/TWO_AjswHrI/AAAAAAAABX4/Shk16jNUFxg/s1600/DSC_0266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I29HMIYl8A8/TWO_AjswHrI/AAAAAAAABX4/Shk16jNUFxg/s320/DSC_0266.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All dressed up, Yuan kids near Luang Namtha, Laos</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-llruV75TpFY/TWO_d9GgjLI/AAAAAAAABYE/c62Fz3gCcV4/s1600/DSC_0277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-llruV75TpFY/TWO_d9GgjLI/AAAAAAAABYE/c62Fz3gCcV4/s320/DSC_0277.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yuan weaving</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DTLiWbS17Tw/TWO_sQiB0VI/AAAAAAAABYI/1FbwHeuQwbU/s1600/DSC_0288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DTLiWbS17Tw/TWO_sQiB0VI/AAAAAAAABYI/1FbwHeuQwbU/s320/DSC_0288.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yuan elder</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We were impressed at the border with the modernity, efficiency and politeness of the Chinese immigration and customs formalities. Modern scanning equipment obviated the need for lengthy form filling and the English speaking officials were polite and helpful. As we crossed the border late we were fortunate to catch the last bus heading for Mengla which was willing to stop at Bohae. The dual lane well signed road had only been recently completed and wound its way through mountainous terrain which was mostly covered with rubber plantations. Unfortunately it wasnt door to door bus service and we were dropped by the roadside to fend for ourselves. So in the end we entered the village in small tractor powered farm vehicles.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vLanHAJhO6c/TWIijiJsi9I/AAAAAAAABRc/vFCi5ihKA7M/s1600/DSC_0240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vLanHAJhO6c/TWIijiJsi9I/AAAAAAAABRc/vFCi5ihKA7M/s320/DSC_0240.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese border crossing at Mohan</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rwNQWYc1ykk/TWIivYPhUZI/AAAAAAAABRg/makmW4GraVg/s1600/DSC_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rwNQWYc1ykk/TWIivYPhUZI/AAAAAAAABRg/makmW4GraVg/s320/DSC_0032.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our entry into the village</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8G2w_-Un0to/TWOrqH4xuJI/AAAAAAAABSg/dZvicruu9pw/s1600/DSC_0506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8G2w_-Un0to/TWOrqH4xuJI/AAAAAAAABSg/dZvicruu9pw/s320/DSC_0506.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Village of Bohae, Xipsongpanna, Yunnan, China</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Our hosts in the village were friends and relatives of Lue friends who had moved to Laos and who eventually with the collapse of the Royal Lao government fled to Thailand as refugees and who ultimately were resettled in America. The village for the most part consisted of traditional Lue style houses built on stilts. The houses were large, made of wood with small ceramic roof tiles. More modern versions had newer roofing materials, usually blue in color or occasionally they departed from traditional designs and materials and consisted of blockish cement structures. Houses were closely spaced with access by small walkways.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BxhK13SzrFs/TWO7X_aPvVI/AAAAAAAABXM/R87pAvn5ny8/s1600/DSC_0234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BxhK13SzrFs/TWO7X_aPvVI/AAAAAAAABXM/R87pAvn5ny8/s320/DSC_0234.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sermsri with hosts Mr. and Mrs. Bo Xiang Dan and daughters</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cgnwuW9qObI/TWIjE8x7COI/AAAAAAAABRk/PdBuwi6u7KU/s1600/DSC_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cgnwuW9qObI/TWIjE8x7COI/AAAAAAAABRk/PdBuwi6u7KU/s320/DSC_0085.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical large wooden Lue house</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cpfPx1SgUKY/TWOsCipZcPI/AAAAAAAABSk/0MUztqpOXlM/s1600/DSC_0363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cpfPx1SgUKY/TWOsCipZcPI/AAAAAAAABSk/0MUztqpOXlM/s320/DSC_0363.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roof lines in Bohae</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Most houses had vehicles parked underneath, cars or pickups or at the least a farm tractor. Television was<br />
near ubiquitous as were personal mobile phones and solar hot water heaters. Women tended to wear their hair in traditional style but the dress was more Western for the men and Chinese for the women. Some small scale weaving of traditional scarves and face cloths was done by women on small looms located under the houses. The under house areas were also used for storage and some livestock raising though pigs were generally kept in small cement structures somewhat removed from the house.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a5xOoPm6aIY/TWTT7pyBi0I/AAAAAAAABeI/RWj_mTa_gZk/s1600/DSC_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="311" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a5xOoPm6aIY/TWTT7pyBi0I/AAAAAAAABeI/RWj_mTa_gZk/s320/DSC_0085.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical Lue womens hairstyles and dress</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x0yX1DbtYgU/TWTTl4ibHOI/AAAAAAAABeA/11m4nbeTiHs/s1600/DSC_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x0yX1DbtYgU/TWTTl4ibHOI/AAAAAAAABeA/11m4nbeTiHs/s320/DSC_0071.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lue weaving loom</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EBlmReyd3qE/TWTVV45gxOI/AAAAAAAABeg/_ry8ea_wqUU/s1600/DSC_0237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EBlmReyd3qE/TWTVV45gxOI/AAAAAAAABeg/_ry8ea_wqUU/s320/DSC_0237.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lue weaving</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Vegetable gardens and fish ponds were located around the periphery of the village. The usual economic and subsistence pursuit is wet rice farming, however, most of the village land had been leased out for contract banana farming. In the end the villagers are dissatisfied with this arrangement as the land rental fees are small and the wages for laboring in the plantations low. Hence it is doubtful if the village will renew this kind of arrangement. Other economic activities include the growing of rubber and tea in the distant mountains.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NrxsfZhL-Fk/TWOsJN87U3I/AAAAAAAABSo/SF6MVZIbnDs/s1600/DSC_0353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NrxsfZhL-Fk/TWOsJN87U3I/AAAAAAAABSo/SF6MVZIbnDs/s320/DSC_0353.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sermsri in banana plantation </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yTiXTJj5jKI/TWOsPt4A6LI/AAAAAAAABSs/LPv9VWhi7gI/s1600/DSC_0351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yTiXTJj5jKI/TWOsPt4A6LI/AAAAAAAABSs/LPv9VWhi7gI/s320/DSC_0351.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Multilayer protective covering over banans</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e5omBunYqBI/TWOt7s9FdmI/AAAAAAAABS0/cFkqpYKjNSE/s1600/DSC_0701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e5omBunYqBI/TWOt7s9FdmI/AAAAAAAABS0/cFkqpYKjNSE/s320/DSC_0701.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountainside tea plantation</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_NHUzMNv_EE/TWO8M4u6X1I/AAAAAAAABXU/LQ0M4ccwODE/s1600/DSC_0152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_NHUzMNv_EE/TWO8M4u6X1I/AAAAAAAABXU/LQ0M4ccwODE/s320/DSC_0152.jpg" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spreading tea leaves to dry</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The village which was relocated some years ago owing to a fire having destroyed the previous site did have a new temple which was built with local funds and monies donated from Lue in the USA. There were no monks in full time residence as was the case in many of the temples we visited. The cultural revolution of several decades ago outlawed religious activities and many temples and cultural treasures were destroyed. Hence, the reestablishment of traditional village religious activities is taking time to reestablish. Unfortunately many fine old wood temples are being removed and replaced with more modern concrete based structures.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fJcYDysxFxQ/TWTTUaHGJYI/AAAAAAAABd4/oHpA7cNW2zg/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fJcYDysxFxQ/TWTTUaHGJYI/AAAAAAAABd4/oHpA7cNW2zg/s320/DSC_0046.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ancient wooden Lue temple</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Zw3BbW-xPY/TWOxJCvrydI/AAAAAAAABUE/zX-aoEuQM-s/s1600/DSC_0431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Zw3BbW-xPY/TWOxJCvrydI/AAAAAAAABUE/zX-aoEuQM-s/s320/DSC_0431.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Modern temple at Bohae</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XEdixU6nhZw/TWO3ZHMcZnI/AAAAAAAABWE/7MOMGiimBtE/s1600/DSC_0316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><br />
Our stay in the village was marked by the overwhelming friendliness and generosity of the villagers and it was impossible to keep up with the many invitations to sleep and eat at various houses.From the village we hiked and drove to nearby Hmong, Lahu and Mien villages each distinct in their own way. The Hmong and Mien in particular were fond of being photographed in their best finery. It was interesting to learn about the inter country communication taking place via trade, visiting and migration often on foot.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IIRmHslRQQI/TWTPmBVDnpI/AAAAAAAABdU/cQmqIF_f-o8/s1600/DSC_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IIRmHslRQQI/TWTPmBVDnpI/AAAAAAAABdU/cQmqIF_f-o8/s320/DSC_0003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing vegetables for evening party</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZO7l0Iql27I/TWTReU_iDMI/AAAAAAAABdo/-obat80VQ8k/s1600/DSC_0137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZO7l0Iql27I/TWTReU_iDMI/AAAAAAAABdo/-obat80VQ8k/s320/DSC_0137.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying dinner with new friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7oI4Skw9Mwo/TWTOSqtOuCI/AAAAAAAABc4/M3sSFiRyUaM/s1600/DSC_0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7oI4Skw9Mwo/TWTOSqtOuCI/AAAAAAAABc4/M3sSFiRyUaM/s320/DSC_0052.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicious fresh food at every meal</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gff5Z8vDOkY/TWO8aWbdAkI/AAAAAAAABXY/tD9v9RNY0BQ/s1600/DSC_0027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gff5Z8vDOkY/TWO8aWbdAkI/AAAAAAAABXY/tD9v9RNY0BQ/s320/DSC_0027.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dance performance put on for us by Bohae villagers</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uuGFhHBxrHU/TWTQD41GfgI/AAAAAAAABdY/BByAul0lAUo/s1600/DSC_0054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uuGFhHBxrHU/TWTQD41GfgI/AAAAAAAABdY/BByAul0lAUo/s320/DSC_0054.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even the men got in on the fun</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2s2D6hu3eOA/TWOvdT9UxpI/AAAAAAAABTg/4lgW6SXVbZw/s1600/DSC_0549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2s2D6hu3eOA/TWOvdT9UxpI/AAAAAAAABTg/4lgW6SXVbZw/s320/DSC_0549.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lahu house</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8xuGPNT6hPk/TWOu551yRlI/AAAAAAAABTM/M7ZQnFTFRS4/s1600/DSC_0584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8xuGPNT6hPk/TWOu551yRlI/AAAAAAAABTM/M7ZQnFTFRS4/s320/DSC_0584.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lahu woman with the right message</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2AKMjYfyKJQ/TWOyQ86l8mI/AAAAAAAABUU/ReB3nw1fXfA/s1600/DSC_0330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2AKMjYfyKJQ/TWOyQ86l8mI/AAAAAAAABUU/ReB3nw1fXfA/s320/DSC_0330.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young Hmong woman in her finery</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D1jjE4migTo/TWOyzF-xlNI/AAAAAAAABUY/TfY46h6iRhc/s1600/DSC_0306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D1jjE4migTo/TWOyzF-xlNI/AAAAAAAABUY/TfY46h6iRhc/s320/DSC_0306.JPG" width="274" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hmong villagers</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NpIRz2FNb98/TWOzva_ENII/AAAAAAAABUs/_NUXsfnh2p4/s1600/DSC_0256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NpIRz2FNb98/TWOzva_ENII/AAAAAAAABUs/_NUXsfnh2p4/s320/DSC_0256.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hmong baskets and backpacks</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EI4FcLJoha0/TWO1DO7ifhI/AAAAAAAABVY/zyP_Jssk8Kw/s1600/DSC_0189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EI4FcLJoha0/TWO1DO7ifhI/AAAAAAAABVY/zyP_Jssk8Kw/s320/DSC_0189.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pensive youngster</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ksj7WufBWuo/TWO1uQwmsGI/AAAAAAAABVg/gR9mLWgCdZ0/s1600/DSC_0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ksj7WufBWuo/TWO1uQwmsGI/AAAAAAAABVg/gR9mLWgCdZ0/s320/DSC_0162.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Met on trail near Bohae</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0jyEncTziV8/TWO2M7mvBMI/AAAAAAAABVs/p8lTqitO9-k/s1600/DSC_0166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0jyEncTziV8/TWO2M7mvBMI/AAAAAAAABVs/p8lTqitO9-k/s320/DSC_0166.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fun encounter</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-krfNZIzvr4U/TWOuTS_YNQI/AAAAAAAABTA/2ttu6P6nVk0/s1600/DSC_0628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-krfNZIzvr4U/TWOuTS_YNQI/AAAAAAAABTA/2ttu6P6nVk0/s320/DSC_0628.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A young Mien woman in her Sunday best</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JNyHYmZnG-Y/TWOuMN3G0sI/AAAAAAAABS8/ILWv-qRUTGQ/s1600/DSC_0657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JNyHYmZnG-Y/TWOuMN3G0sI/AAAAAAAABS8/ILWv-qRUTGQ/s320/DSC_0657.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mien womens pants with cross stitch designs</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4b2uz4ALMY/TWOuvYKRBWI/AAAAAAAABTI/i2UBMauRjdw/s1600/DSC_0601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4b2uz4ALMY/TWOuvYKRBWI/AAAAAAAABTI/i2UBMauRjdw/s320/DSC_0601.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mien elder</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
We enjoyed seeing large tracts of pristine jungle which is well known as the home of many species of plants and animals. Bears, tigers and wild pigs can still be spotted. Such animals have pretty well been hunted out in the forests of neighboring Laos and Burma as well as Thailand.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2OFzIchEQmM/TWIiJ8dIhFI/AAAAAAAABRY/YhFf-2lz9sI/s1600/DSC_0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Our trip also included trips to Mengla and the capitol of Xipsongpanna - Jinghong. Both were modern in outlook and being overwhelmed with massive amounts of new construction which included government buildings, hotels and shopping centers. The larger supermarkets carry a wide range of goods including various foreign brands. KFC and McDonalds were present in Jinghong though we preferred the local eateries chosen by our local friends. Boutiques selling the latest fashions abounded. Womens fashion was marked by short skirts over leggings or pants and high heeled boots.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8pcsHlJjkpk/TWO6g3cZ8sI/AAAAAAAABXE/2egTSeSNW9g/s1600/DSC_0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8pcsHlJjkpk/TWO6g3cZ8sI/AAAAAAAABXE/2egTSeSNW9g/s320/DSC_0098.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the big cities everyone seemed to wear the latest styles</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UYzM43r6W5o/TWTUTNyczkI/AAAAAAAABeU/BlTrd_XL8sk/s1600/DSC_0102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UYzM43r6W5o/TWTUTNyczkI/AAAAAAAABeU/BlTrd_XL8sk/s320/DSC_0102.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">East meets West in Mengla</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
As it was Chinese New Year a steady stream of traffic was headed to the Laotian border town of Boten where the Chinese have leased a large area of land and established a large incongruous casino and hotel complex which has been the subject of much comment and concern.<br />
<br />
The pictures above provide a visual sample of the sights we experienced. We at Lanna Thai Villa are happy to facilitate travel and guide guests to new and different destinations which emphasizes culturally sensitive interaction with the many interesting peoples which inhabit the region. Whether interested in weaving, photography, hiking or just experiencing new and different peoples we are ready to help you realize your goals. We end this blog post with pictures of some of the many young smiling faces we encountered.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uqGoHXu8DH0/TWO6XvksDuI/AAAAAAAABXA/vnfcii47xZ4/s1600/DSC_0117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uqGoHXu8DH0/TWO6XvksDuI/AAAAAAAABXA/vnfcii47xZ4/s320/DSC_0117.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o3y7xt3fM_U/TWOzUxvgLlI/AAAAAAAABUg/8GSSQHgky0U/s1600/DSC_0279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o3y7xt3fM_U/TWOzUxvgLlI/AAAAAAAABUg/8GSSQHgky0U/s320/DSC_0279.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8szOQg2bfTI/TWO06bhMTZI/AAAAAAAABVU/4l6kj_m7UZw/s1600/DSC_0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8szOQg2bfTI/TWO06bhMTZI/AAAAAAAABVU/4l6kj_m7UZw/s320/DSC_0190.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9UCseiB7W-Y/TWO2CsYALeI/AAAAAAAABVo/BD34XugVEXg/s1600/DSC_0168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9UCseiB7W-Y/TWO2CsYALeI/AAAAAAAABVo/BD34XugVEXg/s320/DSC_0168.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M4tifpBNwaU/TWO7stpRpnI/AAAAAAAABXQ/4OEHlJ5-__8/s1600/DSC_0176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M4tifpBNwaU/TWO7stpRpnI/AAAAAAAABXQ/4OEHlJ5-__8/s320/DSC_0176.jpg" width="251" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPq6er52PK0/TWO9SqHcMOI/AAAAAAAABXg/58eS8dmINb4/s1600/DSC_0076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPq6er52PK0/TWO9SqHcMOI/AAAAAAAABXg/58eS8dmINb4/s320/DSC_0076.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0GxKQTvl_fk/TWO9tBDjRGI/AAAAAAAABXk/7_WHtfrFoxk/s1600/DSC_0199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0GxKQTvl_fk/TWO9tBDjRGI/AAAAAAAABXk/7_WHtfrFoxk/s320/DSC_0199.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lj9_VFaUfQ4/TWO-sRJstEI/AAAAAAAABXw/sYcFl4gz_eo/s1600/DSC_0260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lj9_VFaUfQ4/TWO-sRJstEI/AAAAAAAABXw/sYcFl4gz_eo/s320/DSC_0260.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AC3QD6_OcLE/TWO-09GqNpI/AAAAAAAABX0/8hKJegBVFDw/s1600/DSC_0265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AC3QD6_OcLE/TWO-09GqNpI/AAAAAAAABX0/8hKJegBVFDw/s320/DSC_0265.jpg" width="212" /></a></div> Steve at Lanna Thai Villahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10643635601243206721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6749323742658731184.post-83808622098752927742011-01-03T02:18:00.000-08:002011-01-03T02:44:45.987-08:00Hmong New Years Jan. 9 and 10 in Lao U Village<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F7kW0uQbF2k/TSGoFYPb-NI/AAAAAAAABKs/p1KKldP4kF4/s1600/DSC_0137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F7kW0uQbF2k/TSGoFYPb-NI/AAAAAAAABKs/p1KKldP4kF4/s320/DSC_0137.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F7kW0uQbF2k/TSGoG61bSrI/AAAAAAAABKw/TYXwbtjAY1Y/s1600/DSC_0130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F7kW0uQbF2k/TSGoG61bSrI/AAAAAAAABKw/TYXwbtjAY1Y/s320/DSC_0130.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F7kW0uQbF2k/TSGoNwhI-OI/AAAAAAAABK0/5aX_egb4Tco/s1600/DSC_0129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F7kW0uQbF2k/TSGoNwhI-OI/AAAAAAAABK0/5aX_egb4Tco/s320/DSC_0129.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F7kW0uQbF2k/TSGoOxKDLXI/AAAAAAAABK4/WVp6ttxm-dc/s1600/DSC_0118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F7kW0uQbF2k/TSGoOxKDLXI/AAAAAAAABK4/WVp6ttxm-dc/s320/DSC_0118.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F7kW0uQbF2k/TSGoQixzqFI/AAAAAAAABK8/nuUYJFlpttc/s1600/DSC_0096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F7kW0uQbF2k/TSGoQixzqFI/AAAAAAAABK8/nuUYJFlpttc/s320/DSC_0096.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F7kW0uQbF2k/TSGoRg1I4SI/AAAAAAAABLA/gj2GF9GyDO0/s1600/DSC_0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F7kW0uQbF2k/TSGoRg1I4SI/AAAAAAAABLA/gj2GF9GyDO0/s320/DSC_0064.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>About 14 villages from Tambol TapTao in Thoeng District,<br />
Chiang Rai will be gathering to celebrate the annual Hmong<br />
New Years. Lanna Thai Villa will be offering guests the opportunity<br />
to observe and participate in this colorful and fun event.<br />
Rooms are still available - come join the fun.Steve at Lanna Thai Villahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10643635601243206721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6749323742658731184.post-23648181541296330122011-01-03T02:07:00.000-08:002011-01-03T02:36:19.286-08:00Akha New Years - Dec. 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F7kW0uQbF2k/TSGlylOYkKI/AAAAAAAABKI/OgKDGZ2-K_8/s1600/DSC_0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F7kW0uQbF2k/TSGlylOYkKI/AAAAAAAABKI/OgKDGZ2-K_8/s320/DSC_0039.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F7kW0uQbF2k/TSGl1kXZFOI/AAAAAAAABKM/ZY32lvMJ-No/s1600/DSC_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F7kW0uQbF2k/TSGl1kXZFOI/AAAAAAAABKM/ZY32lvMJ-No/s320/DSC_0047.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F7kW0uQbF2k/TSGl3cjyvrI/AAAAAAAABKQ/N3_QirqeuFE/s1600/DSC_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F7kW0uQbF2k/TSGl3cjyvrI/AAAAAAAABKQ/N3_QirqeuFE/s320/DSC_0050.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F7kW0uQbF2k/TSGl4pgLdRI/AAAAAAAABKU/8XzBsWaDx_Q/s1600/DSC_0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F7kW0uQbF2k/TSGl4pgLdRI/AAAAAAAABKU/8XzBsWaDx_Q/s320/DSC_0061.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F7kW0uQbF2k/TSGl53mHDzI/AAAAAAAABKY/o48yTJ41ckg/s1600/DSC_0074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F7kW0uQbF2k/TSGl53mHDzI/AAAAAAAABKY/o48yTJ41ckg/s320/DSC_0074.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Guests Karrie-Anne and Art enjoyed some real culture contact as they<br />
witnessed goings on at Akha New Years at Pha Hi village in the North<br />
of Chiang Rai Province. Guests from many Akha villages representing<br />
various Akha groups such as Uloh, Phamee and LorMee. Guests entered<br />
the celebration area through a double line of Akha women percussionists<br />
playing on drums, cymbals and traditional bamboo sounding tubes.Performances<br />
of traditional song and dance were put on by representatives of the various villages attending.<br />
There were plentiful opportunities to engage in conversation with the participants<br />
and to photograph the proceedings.Steve at Lanna Thai Villahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10643635601243206721noreply@blogger.com0