The famous bridge of Mandalay
On my second day in Mandalay I wanted to go and see the U Bein bridge. But then I changed my mind. And then I changed my mind one more time. I rented a bicycle and went there. It turned out to be the best decision.
I just wanted to see the bridge. A lot of people go there for sunset viewing. But there was so much more than just the bridge. If you step off the bridge you will be captivated by the multitude of life scenes all around it. It’s a live mish mash of daily life that is almost surreal.
People including monks walking across the bridge. Other people riding motorbikes or bicycles along the bridge. People chilling at the refreshment shacks selling fresh coconuts. Other people taking a boat trip to get that nice sunset view. Fishermen fishing on boats or just wading in the shallow lake. A woman watching her flock of ducks and a man shouting at his. Some people seemingly living there. There was even Mr. Owl – a palmist and a fortune teller.
Stray dogs running or lying around. Loads of ducks dotting the shore of the lake and birds flying low over it. Motionless buffaloes looking around. Vividly green fields spreading on the shores of the lake. There is sunflower. There is rice. Corn. And vegetables. In the distance there are temples and pagodas. What did I miss? Oh, yes. Tons of rubbish all around this amazing place.
U Bein bridge is the most fascinating and one of the most amazing places I saw in Myanmar. A keen photographer can take the picture of a lifetime there.
