Ballooning Over Burma: the Land of a Thousand Temples

Myanmar was pure magic with its imposing temples dotting the landscape for as far as the eye could see. There were so many ways to appreciate the grandeur of the pagodas: whether through winding arches and paths, or from hundreds of feet in the air — all were spectacular.

Russell from “Up” the movie ain’t got nothin’ on me.

Highlights:

• Bagan: the hot air balloon ride was one of the most unforgettable experiences I’ve ever had in my entire life. Human ingenuity never ceases to amaze me as we invent new ways to marvel at the world.
• Yangon (Rangoon): at 46.3 hectares, the Shwedagon Temple feels like the Disneyland of temples, with different lands and sites to explore.
• Inle Lake: I hopped on a long boat at sunrise to cruise through the Nampan Floating Village, the Venice of Southeast Asia.
• Mandalay: nearby, the ancient city of Mingun housed the pure white Hsinbyume Pagoda whose structure resembles a tiered wedding cake.

BAGAN

Old Bagan is a must visit when traveling to Myanmar. I felt like I traveled back in time over a thousand years ago, and couldn’t fathom how the Burmese people were able to build over 2,000 grandiose, intricate temples. There’s a sense of other-worldliness, as the red dirt and harsh sunlight collide to cast a faint orange glow over…