FUN-travel: Last “Big Fat” Vacation – THE END!

December 20, 2016 by · Comments Off on FUN-travel: Last “Big Fat” Vacation – THE END! 

  • We ended our India trip… at the end of India… literally! in the city of Trivandrum.

Our Best Beach Bungalow

Saving the Maldives for last was brilliant…as it was so relaxing… and the environment was the polar opposite… of the prior crazy & chaotic 6 weeks.

Mamallapuram

  • Thank god the bucket list is all most done…it took us 50+ hours to get home!… And that was enough to convince us…

…it’s time to tour North America!

FUN-travel: Magical Myanmar – 12 Delightful Days

October 29, 2016 by · Comments Off on FUN-travel: Magical Myanmar – 12 Delightful Days 

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Making Candy in Mandalay

A Travel 1st – I have totally entered the 21st century!

  • All pictures posted were taken from my phone for ease  in expediting the postings.
  • Chris’s incredible pictures will be posted in the FUN-photo section as usual once we arrive home.

Most Memorable Moments – muddy mountain trek in Kalaw…

…ending on the outskirts of the village…

…in the fields with the farmers…

…harvesting eggplants, green beans, & carrots.

  • Bagan – main reason for wanting to come after watching the incredibly beautiful filmed movie Samsara (all pictures w/no words)
  • Initiation Ceremony – on Inle Lake… 4 long boat processional headed to temple.

FUN-flying – No baggage Nazis! Never even saw a scale. Liquids, laptops, shoes no problem.

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Lotus Resort & Spa Long Boat

FUN-food – Burmese food is a blend of Thai & Indian Curry. The coffee was pretty good all over country.

 

FUN-travel: Inle Lake Long Neck Women

October 29, 2016 by · Comments Off on FUN-travel: Inle Lake Long Neck Women 

  • Brass coils placed around the neck…

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    Weaving Scarves

…appear to lengthen it…

…when actually the weight of it…

…pushes the collar bone down…

…compressing the rib cage….

…& deforming the clavicle…

So why the coils?

  • To protect them from becoming slaves…

…by making them less attractive to other tribes?

  • From the desire to look more attractive?
  • To give the women resemblance to a dragon? (local folklore)
  • Did the coils protect them from tiger bites?
  • When asked, they acknowledge these ideas, and often say that their purpose for wearing the rings is cultural identity (one associated with beauty).

FUN-fact – Over the years…the coil is replaced by a longer one… and more turns are added.

FUN-travel: Lovely Inle Lake

October 28, 2016 by · Comments Off on FUN-travel: Lovely Inle Lake 

  • Land of Long Boats…

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…Lily Pads….

…Lotus Flowers…

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&…

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…the Original “Over the Water” Bungalows!

FUN-travel: Wonderfully Cool Kalaw & Caves

October 26, 2016 by · Comments Off on FUN-travel: Wonderfully Cool Kalaw & Caves 

  • At nearly 4000 ft above sea level…

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    Cave Buddha

…this mountain retreat…

…with its cool breezes…

…is a welcome respite…

…from the oppressive heat & humidity of the last 10 days!

Today’s adventure

…a trek through the pine forest…

…ending in the fields…where local villagers…

…with water buffalo tractors…

…are picking their crops…

…green beans, eggplant & carrots…

  • After working in the fields all day…

…grandma was taking a much deserved break….

…and enjoying her grandchildren.

  • Our trek ended…

…at the 313 meter long lime stone caves…

…containing hundreds of Buddha images.

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FUN-fact – After I took this picture I recognized her so went in for the close up.

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