Middle-aged flash packers

Nik and Jan decided to try out the e-bikes today. The bikes look more like scooters and Steve calls them the silent assassins as they don’t make a noise and sneak up behind you.

We stuck to our own pedal power again but before we set off, we popped into the Shwezigon pagoda to see the monks collecting the offerings made to them for the full moon day of the Festival ofTazaungmone. (Festival of lights, celebrates end of the rainy season).

It was quite a sight to see all the monks queuing to receive their gifts. The kiddy monks got toys which was very sweet.

I’m not sure about the child monk thing. The children can get free/low cost education and accommodation which obviously appeals to the many very poor people in Myanmar. But they are sent away and are entrusted into the care of adult monks who are revered and not questioned. Bit dodgy in my view.

Anyway, it was an amazing spectacle and absolutely jam packed with people. We attracted much attention with some families walking past us several times to have a good gawp.

Back on the bikes. I was definitely feeling a bit saddle sore but we managed to get off the main road and onto some tracks that were really quiet and I soon forgot my discomfort.

We rode up to the newly built viewing tower which has received criticism for being ugly but I thought it was ok and certainly provided a great 360 degree view.

It was incredibly hot and by about 2pm we’d had enough. We bumped into Jan and Nik who were still looking quite fresh and ended up staying out until sunset. We, on the other hand, cycled back to the hotel, had a late lunch and then laid by the pool.

We eventually roused ourselves to go and get the laundry. Still insanely busy outside, we decided to let a tuktuk take the strain on the way back – a pound well spent.

We met up with Jan and Nik for dinner and after had a wander around the night market and watched some of the entertainment put on for the festival goers. We watched a “dance off” between modern dancing versus traditional . It certainly had the audience riveted, although we were a close second. It’s surprising what a novelty we are.

Tomorrow we move on to Mount Popa where we are spending a few days hopefully chilling out and maybe doing a bit of hiking.

Have enjoyed Bagan but there’s only so much temple viewing one can do.