Originally, the plan was
to get up early, find a good vantage point, and take some dawn photos. However,
a few factors meant that was not the best idea. First, we learned that bad
weather was on its way. Staff had told us the night before that cyclone Mahasen
was due to make landfall to the south-west in Rakhine state, blowing in from
the bay of Bengal. It was feared that its effects would be felt in Bagan and
locals were battening down the hatches. Second, the sky was heavy with clouds
with wind rattling the windowpanes. Lastly, we were exhausted and found
ourselves unable to get up and going at the required hour.
Instead, we had relaxing
morning (though still up comparably early), enjoying the excellent breakfast
spread at the hotel at Tharabar gate. As we were heading out of the room, I
remembered the travel tube of Vegemite we had purchased while waiting for our
flight in Sydney. I love my Vegemite on toast, and ot a fan of all the sweet
spreads usually on offer. J loaded up his place with the various eggs and meat
dishes while I made my toast. Once I had spread on the thick black splodge, I
noticed the staff curiously watching me. “Have you seen this before?” I
enquired. Shacking heads in response. Best they have a taste! Cutting the slice
into a few pieces, I handed them to the wait staff, and told them to take a
piece to the cook and other staff too. I tried to tell them that it was an
Australian delicacy, or local Aussie food. Judging by how salty many of the
Myanmar dishes were, I guessed the locals would enjoy it. Sure enough, they
did. Much chatter and laughing, with wide smiles followed. Filling a condiment
bowl, I left some for others who wanted to brave a taste. It went down a treat!
Ready to explore, we set
off to find our persistent horse cart driver from the day before. As he
promised, he was directly out the front of the hotel. Seeing us coming, he
moved his rig to meet us at the end of the driveway. We negotiated a rate for
half the day, and left it up to him to pick the route and temples. There was
only one particular place I wanted to go at some point, a highly recommended
lacquerwear store in Myinkapar village. But first some temples.
J rode up front with the
driver, while I lounged in the back on the mattress-like rear seat. Swaying and
rocking along with the motion of the horse, I relaxed and sat back, watching
the scenery go by. The steady clop-clop-clop of the hooves was so soothing in
the heat, while the leisurely pace allowed us to see the many hundreds of
temples, big, small and every size in between, set in the fields all around.
Passing some large,
impressive temples, we arrived at Pya Tha Dar (or Pya That Gyi) Temple.
Our driver didn’t speak a lot of English, but told us it was not finished back
in the 1200’s because the King’s son ran out of money. Impressive as the
massive vaulted corridors are, the main attraction was the roof, or rather the
view from the roof. A very narrow set of stairs led up steeply. Even the
staircase’s roof was vaulted. 
The view from the top offered sweeping view of the Bagan plain. Best of
all, we were the only ones there. We explored and studied the view, before
looking through the lower levels and the huge corridors with the plastered,
white-faced Buddhas with brown robes. I later read that the main barrel vault
over the main shrine is the largest in Bagan measuring 25 feet wide and 50 feet
long. Before we left, we made notes to return for sunset.
Next stop was just down the road – Sulamuni temple, a truly
awe-inspiring temple. The name, ‘Culamcini’ in Pali, means Crowning Jewel. Legend
has it that the king who built it saw a shining ruby on the ground, where he took
it as a sign and resolved to build the temple. An inscription on the wall of
the north porch told his story.
In front of the temple was a sort of gated wall that provided a
courtyard before the entrance. Along each side, a row of stalls enticed
tourists to buy paintings and wood carvings, as well as cool drinks. Only a few
other people wandered around, mainly locals. Removing our shoes, we entered
into the courtyard towards to path into the temple. Immediately, we were
approached by four or five sellers trying to sell us their wares.
Inside we meandered through the painted corridors. Apparently, most were
new works, from the late 1800’s, and very little remains of the originals. Stairs
led up to mostly blocked upper terraces, which we explored. They provided great
vantage spots to view the paintings and vaulted ceilings. As with many temples,
the central square houses four Buddha statues facing each direction. Each
corner of the building also had small shrines, mostly new or modern.
Some local painters had
set up shop inside the temple’s many airy corridors. J stopped to look at some
of their work, and I knew he’d was done – as soon as you look, you pretty much
are expected to purchase something. So, I left him to it, knowing that my
presence would set another seller onto me - divide and conquer, so to speak. I
used the time to reflect and say my own little prayers and prostrations before
the main Buddha.
When J joined me at the entrance,
he had two paintings. “How much did you get them for?” Apparently too much; 20,000
each, with no discount. Admittedly, they were gorgeous, bigger and different to
the ones I bought the previous day. “Next time, best you leave the purchasing
and haggling to me”, I laughed.
Nearby, we next visited Dhamma
Yan Gyi Pahto. Its known for is massive size and resemblance to an Egyptian
pyramid. Certainly, it was huge! Similar to the graceful Ananda temple, it had circumambulatory
corridors encircling its central shrine. But the some of the other corridors
were blocked, apparently due to an architectural error. They say that behind
them are other massive Buddha statues, which they hope to excavate one day.
The name of the temple
is a combination of two Pali words; Dhamma (Which most Buddhists know) means
the teachings of the Buddha, and Yanthi that means light, together meaning the ‘Light
of Buddha’s Teaching”.
Again, we explored the passages
and their frescos and plaster mouldings. One of the halls to the side housed
twin Buddhas, sitting side by side. They fascinated me, and I have yet to find
the reason they were cast they way they were. Other temples have multiple, identical
Buddhas, but usually many, like a hundred, not just two. Another beautiful temple.
And now, time for something
completely different. Time for some shopping. Having read so much about the
beautiful lacquerwear in Bagan, and being warned of inferior quality (as well
as previously purchased excellent works in Vietnam therefore understanding the difference in quality and
price), we headed to the Jasmine family workshop in Myinkaba village. Our poor
driver had a little trouble finding it, but after asking for directions from a
local workman, quickly delivered us to the address.
Welcomed by the oldest
son, we were shown in to the simple compound with various buildings and shady verandas.
He showed us the various steps involved in making each piece. Starting with woven
bamboo, layers of lacquer are applied, with various carving, painting, curing
and stripping steps in between. Most took over six weeks to complete. We met
some of the girls tasked to carve the delicate inscriptions and patterns into
the pieces, and were shown the underground curing holds. It’s a fascinating
process, and very different to the process we had been shown in a workshop we
had visited in Vietnam.
Lastly, we were shown
the into the simple shop at the rear of the workshop. Rows of shelves with
stunning pieces, large, small, and every size in between lined every available
wall space. Cups, plates, boxes, platters, vessles, trays, containers, bangles;
so many choices, so many options. Some were detailed, others simple, each with
different colour combinations and designs, with pricetags set accordingly. The
mother of the family came in with some freshly sliced mango and cold drinks to
enjoy as I selected my purchases. Asking for J’s advice, I selected pieces,
then changed my mind, the tried to second guess my friends and family’s
preferences – which to every comment, J
said, “Yeap”. I ended up in there for maybe half an hour before choosing over a
dozen pieces.
Each piece was carefully
wrapped in swathes of newspaper. I left with a huge bag full, and my purse a
few hundred-thousand kyats lighter. Our driver was dozing in the shade, and upon
seeing my big bag had a giggle. We’d been gone nearly an hour! “Good shopping”,
he asked. I told him it was the best in all Bagan, making a double-thumbs up
gesture. “OK”, he smiled. “I remember for next people who come.”
Returning to Old Bagan
for lunch, we left our driver after making plans to meet him later for sunset.
Refreshing with a change of tee-shirt, face wash and foot bath, we headed out
to ‘The Moon - be kind to animals’ vegetarian restaurant. Hurrah, Somewhere I
could order almost anything on the menu. Over some cool juices, we enjoyed
spicy, stuffed rotis, followed by the most mind-blowing tamarind wafers, which
were like the Myanmar version of an after dinner mint. The waitress brought
over a little plate piled with these little delights. A little envelop held thin,
coin-sized, slices made from tamarind pulp, covered in fine sugar. Sweet and slightly
sour, we scoffed many before finally extracting ourselves before we made
ourselves sick.
Over the dirt track from
The Moon was an artists’ studio. The walls were covered in paintings, many sort-of
the same as what we’d already seen, but many different ones. The resident
artist met us, and explained the various styles, techniques, and gave us some background
to the some of local artists. Well, I couldn’t help myself, and purchased a few
more paintings (mostly gifts – again), for much less then the previous
purchases, and certainly a lot less than poor J’s bargaining efforts.
“Let’s check out what’s
up this way”, I motioned to J, leading the way up a side ‘street’ towards some
deserted temples. A newish sign post stated, ‘Hsu Taung Pyi’ and ‘Min O Chan
Tha” pagodas. Min O Chan Tha pagoda was a serious of white-washed stupas, with
a wooden shrine at the top of a few steps guarded by clinthes. A weather-worn
stone inscription read that the King (Kyansittha) built this as a tribute to house
relics of the Buddha sent to Bagan by a Ceylonese king in 1112 AD. As read from
the inscription, the king said, “I am quite old enough, with the meritorious
deed may I be free from diseases, may I live a longer life. May the Sasana
(Buddhist movement) be flourished Thus this stupa was named as Min-O-Chantha”. They
say that he unfortunately died the following year.
From the rear of the
platform, a nice vantage point provided a lovely view over many red-bricked
temples on the plain, as well as over to Ananda temple. I moseyed around the
few little temples, many with various new and no so new Buddhas, peaking in
through some locked gates to a quaint shrine room lined with golden Buddhas.
Heading back, we came
across a temple compound with a square-ish building in front of a faded-white large
stupa. The walls had gorgeous plaster carvings, and as we wandered around, an
old monk approached us. “Look in? Look in?”, he asked. At first we didn’t know
what he meant. He then called out to some locals near by, and a teenage girl
came running with some keys. Much to our surprise, he then showed us into the
inner chamber, unlocked the large iron gate, and showed us inside the newly
decorated shrine. A narrow passage, completely covered in gold, silver and multi-coloured
mosaic tiles lead to a brilliant gold Buddha. Around it, strings of fairy
lights hung ready to light up the hall when worshippers came to pay homage.
At this point, I rued the
fact I only had my little, compact, ‘toy’ camera, not my trusty DSLR, but I
couldn’t leave without taking a photo of the old monk and girl (who was deeply embarrassed
though happy to smile for the camera). Both J and I emptied the few kyat notes
we had left as a donation, feeling very privileged to have been shown through
this little visited place.
Distracted by its elegance,
we found ourselves drawn into Ananda temple from the north entrance. The town seemed
deserted, and we were almost the only ones in there. Once again, we were
astonished by the massive standing Buddhas and the hundreds of tiles and little
Buddhas enshrined in the walls. While we were admiring the massive teak doors
set into the outer corridor walls, a lovely lady approached us. Like our
previous guide, she was polite, explaining that she was studying to become a
tour guide and wished to practise her English. Once again, we were happy to
oblige, letting ourselves be lead around and walked through the various facts
and history of this beautiful temple. She also told us some facts omitted by
our previous guide, such as the newly discovered vaults below the floor of western
shrine, where they believe held a library and other royal treasures hundred of
years ago, as well as some more facts about the frescos and their restoration. Soon
we found ourselves chatting like long lost friends about family and
relationships.
For once, I remembered
her name, Aye Aye. Once we had walked around the corridors and talked for
almost an hour, she led us back to the northern entrance’s walkway (which doesn’t
have as many stalls and shopkeepers as the main western entrance). I had
mentioned I was keen on buying a book on the temples of Bagan, and Aye Aye
introduced to an erlderly lady, who showed me a number of books. Admittedly, I
am a book-a-holic, and I might have bought more than one. However, I was conscience
of my luggage’s weight ( particularly after how much lacquerwear I had just
bought), so decided on a smallish book that described some of the main temples.
Aye Aye next presented
her eldest daughter, who was resting at one of the other deserted stalls. More “Mingalabars”
and ‘Hellos” exchanged and lots of smiling. An excited discussion then took
place between the old woman and Aye Aye. Aye Aye informed us that the lady was
worried about the approaching storm. But she also offered to show us the Ananda
Oke Kyaung monastery, which was just off to the side of the western entrance
where we were.
Unlocking the heavy
gates, the old lady waved us to go in. She gave us a torch, “Dark. Use light”.
Aye Aye explained that there were no lights inside, but there were many
paintings. J and I walked in and were completely floored by the stunning red
and green murals. Many depicted everyday life, ox carts, animals, people
working and relaxing. The level of detail was amazing, as well as the well
preserved state of the paintings. Don’t tell anyone, but when the ladies were
at the front entrance not watching, I took a couple of sneaky photos without
flash, even though a sign did say no photos. The external features of the
building weren’t too remarkable, but the view from the lower terrace over to
the Ananda temple was excellent.
Locking up behind us,
the old lady left, saying she wanted to hide from the coming storm. Aye Aye
told us how many locals were very worried and had shut up shop and would be
closed tomorrow, when the worst of it was due to impact Bagan. I made a mental
note to get onto the weather reports when we returned to the hotel to check the
projected path of the hurricane.
As we turned to leave,
Aye Aye told us she wanted to give us a present. Returning to her stall, she
asked us to pick out any piece of lacquerwear. I actually felt a bit embarrassed
and just chose whatever Aye Aye picked up. I tried to pay her for the piece,
and for being our guide, but she wouldn’t take it. She was adamant. Then, she
drew us close, and told us a heartbreaking story about her husband passing
away, and having five kids, mostly older, who needed a decent education. She
had little resources, had no house living on the charity of a local monastery, and
was struggling, especially since the tourist season was over. But she didn’t
want money. She asked whether I had any perfume, or make-up, or cosmetics.
Something for her daughter, or a nice shirt for her son. J and I were taken
aback. We left saying that we would see what we could do.
Walking back the short
distance to the hotel, J and I talked about this amazing experience. We wanted
to help. In our room, we went through our bags, and fished out a few newish
tee-shirts, one of J’s nice shirts, and I found a small bottle of perfume. Pity
I don’t wear make-up, as I would have gladly given it to her. We marched
straight back to her and gave her our little bag of presents. Aye Aye burst
into tears of gratitude, thanking us profusely. She invited us to come and have
dinner with her at the monastery she lived at the following evening. J and I
said we would, and we made plans to meet her at 6pm.
Feeling elevated from
this exchange, we had a quick dinner
back at ‘The Moon’ restaurant, mainly because it was right there, and by now it
was getting close to sunset. This time, we pocketed some of those delectable tamarind
sweets. We quickly found our horse-cart driver, for who we also had a present–
well the horse anyway – an apple from the fruit basket from our hotel room.
Time for sunset, and to return to Pya Tha Dar temple with it’s wide
upper terraces.
From the back of the cart, I again enjoyed the afternoon light of the
Bagan plain. On another track running close to the road we were on, I spotted a
farmer leading his cattle back to the farm. Dust was kicked up by their heavy
hooves, that was lit up by the slanty afternoon sunlight. Honestly, I could
have ridden around on the back of that cart watching local life and temples go
by taking a million photos without ever finding the same two frames.
Arriving, we noticed two other horse carts ‘parked’ there. I had read
how some temples became crowded for sunset, so I was happy to get there early enough
to set up my tripod with plenty of time. Turns out, only a dozen or so people
turned up. One American backpacker told us that he had originally gone to
another popular temple, but he claimed it was a circus with over a two hundred
people there.
Snapping away, trying to find a good shot, J and I chatted with some
other travellers, while watching the light change. It wasn’t a spectacular
sunset; the colours didn’t go that golden hue. Clouds had built up covering the
sky, making for a gloomy scene. Light faded quickly, with a single fluffy, white
cloud lighting up in the south-west. However, it was one of the most memorable
sunsets I’ve ever witnessed. Bagan is truly a special and spellbinding place.
- K
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