We spent a couple days exploring the temples of Bagan, Myanmar (formerly Burma). “From the 9th to 13th centuries, the city was the capital of the Kingdom of Pagan, the first kingdom to unify the regions that would later constitute modern Myanmar. During the kingdom’s height between the 11th and 13th centuries, over 10,000 Buddhist Read Post
Video: How To Make And Wear Thanaka
“Thanaka is a yellowish-white cosmetic paste made from ground bark. It is a distinctive feature of Myanmar (formerly Burma) seen commonly applied to the face and sometimes the arms of women and girls and to a lesser extent men and boys. Apart from cosmetic beauty, thanaka also gives a cooling sensation and provides protection from Read Post
Why We Use Myanmar, Not Burma
Myanmar (pronounced mee-an-mar) is a hip travel destination this year, topping many publications’ “Must-see in 2013” recommendations. But what is the name of the country you are supposed to be visiting: Myanmar or Burma? There is a lot of confusion over what to call the country. Guidebooks still print Burma in parentheses on their covers. Read Post
Video: Gold Leaf Makers of Mandalay, Myanmar
Buddhists rub gold leaf squares on statues of Buddha or on holy sites, like Kyaiktiyo Pagoda. In Mandalay, Myanmar they make the squares, here is the process: “Only 24 carat gold is used. First, about 200 gm is pulled into thin wires, and then pulled through a press to form a ribbon 90 cm long Read Post
Video: Exploring Inle Lake, Myanmar
At the end of our three-day, two-night trek from Kalaw, we ended at Inle Lake. It is a beautiful freshwater lake, surrounded by floating gardens and filled with delicious fish (you can see how the fishermen use their legs to paddle or row). A truly beautiful place in Myanmar. [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYmz6mNrsC4]