Mandalay - The Cultural City

The talent of the local artisan craftsmen in Mandalay never stopped .
If I wasn't watching  gold leaf being made, it was a demonstration on making bamboo paper where the fibers are soaked for three years, or silver being beaten into an ornate goblet, creative puppeteers,  weaving,  embroidery, woodworking to the dust of marble carving.

Intricate wood carvings

wood carving.

Most artesans seems to prefer working on the floor

Young girls display their talent at embroidery

Puppetry

ceramics

More detailed embroidery

Carving a Buddhas face out of marble

Knife painting

Hand made paper umbrellas

Weaving

The dust of marble carving

Silversmith artesan

People versus Pagodas, Scenery versus Stupas, Lifestyles versus Loving

The boat man who rowed me out to the U Bein Bridge  

I found everything in Myanmar integrated into an essence of  serenity. It didn't matter where I was, what I was looking at,  how strange  the circumstances, there was always  a peace  that indeed,  passeth all understanding.  These amazing people have not let the changes of their political past destroy their values.
A visit to Myanmar is not just  for the beauty of  the pagodas, temples, monuments  but for the admiration of an amazing nation  that is overcoming  much adversity.  Get there soon before it changes too fast. 

Our amazing chef, who produced the best meals through out my three weeks in Myanmar and China 

Gracious Thiri  who showed us how to make and apply  thanaka

My adorable Manadalay guide.

On the steps of the Mahamuni Pagoda

    

The Sanctuary adopted village of Sin Kyun along the Ayeyarwady river.

Sanctuary Retreat  has a philantropic attachment to this little village - supporting it in it's needs while keeping it true to the culture of  the people without westernizing a whole village.   Visiting  this village was one of the highlights of  being in Myanmar.

My greeting from the village children as I stepped of the ship

Bamboo chaise longues.

Thanaka face cosmetic used as sun protection in children

Delight  at being given  some candy.

Where ever you go there's an ox, a horse or a pig.

This lady was on her way to make hats.

tilling the lands

The two resident monks survey the farm land

Growing long beans

More bamboo housing on stilts.

Water is plentiful, it's just not at the end of an easy faucet.

More Tanaka

Is it really a school day.

Myanmar Wines - Yes, the country produces wines and some good ones too.

This was a huge surprise to me  - Burmese wine?  - It had never crossed my radar, but new vineyards in the vicinity of Inle Lake where the weather is mild  produces some excellent wine. The Syrah  was one of my favorites. 
Just in case they ever get imported to the USA, keep a look out for a simple looking label from Red Mountain winery with excellent content, or, of course, fulfill your dreams and travel to meet the charming people and experience a refreshing view of life in Myanmar before it all changes. :)

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The Ever Stand Laquerware Workshop in the Village of Myinkaba

Known for fine laquerware since  the time of King Anawratha in the 11th Century, watching these talented artists at work it seems as though time has stood still .I have a brand new respect for these talented craftsman who make such beautiful creations from bamboo and horsehair.

Horsehair and bamboo base  creates a flexible cup

Carving a laquerware urn. When I exclaimed that I would love to find  one of their knives for my own pottery sculpting, my driver arrived the next morning having made me one.

Delicate carving by a lass who looked no older than 12.

Cutting the bamboo strips to size.

Fashioning it into shape.

Triming the bamboo to a smooth surface. 

Applying the laquer that comes from trees.

7 layers of laquer applied to each tray and allowed to dry for a week between each coating.

The Patriach of  Ever Stand Laquerware with his color wheel

Washing and cleaning process.

I bought four hand carved cups of horsehair and bamboo for just $8.00 following 3 months of creation.  

Shwezigon Pagoda, perhaps one of the most famous in Bagan

The day I was here the monks were offering yearly thanks. The place was mobbed  but it was so good to be a part of it.  Built in 1090AD by King Anawratha