SE Asia trip 2014; CAMBODIA, MYANMAR, AND THAILAND
May 20th, 2014, 11:31 AM
#43
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You just had to look where you were stepping and do the best you could. Bring small bills to give to the cleaners. They appreciate it. I also carried wet wipes with me and believe me I used them all. I also had a pumice stone and foot cream which I used every day too. SE Asia can be hard on the feet!!
May 20th, 2014, 12:38 PM
#44
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Chris, I am sorry that Minthu was unable to guide you. I have known he was getting married, but the date seemed uncertain. I had the impression that they had to wait for a "good" date and that is determined not long before the wedding. I do agree that people like Minthu have been overwhelmed by the demand for his services. He gave us very detailed info on the temples - not written, but verbally. We are "temple fanatics" and have quite a reference lib ray on Buddhist temples. We found that Minthu had many of the same books we have.
He didn't give us a list of the temples we visited, but Cheryl had him go over where we had visited for her photos. He told us he kept a list of where he takes people (may no longer be true). So when we went back two years later, he was able to take us to all different temples.
I know what you mean about your feet, Chris. I ended every day saying, "my poor feet!" A great idea for a business in Bagan - foot massage and pedicures. I would have gladly paid for those!
Still following along...
He didn't give us a list of the temples we visited, but Cheryl had him go over where we had visited for her photos. He told us he kept a list of where he takes people (may no longer be true). So when we went back two years later, he was able to take us to all different temples.
I know what you mean about your feet, Chris. I ended every day saying, "my poor feet!" A great idea for a business in Bagan - foot massage and pedicures. I would have gladly paid for those!
Still following along...
May 21st, 2014, 10:13 AM
#45
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Kathie-
If I make any mistakes in naming temples, etc. please let me know. Some we went to didn't have sign boards so I hope I'm getting them right on the pictures. You know, now that you mention it, I don't remember seeing any places to have your feet pampered in Bagan.
This one took a while to finish. Feb. 21 done with sightseeing and sunset at U Bein. I took so many pictures it was really hard to pick and choose which ones to post. i LOVED being on the water for the sunset at U Bein. IMO it's the only way to do it.
If I make any mistakes in naming temples, etc. please let me know. Some we went to didn't have sign boards so I hope I'm getting them right on the pictures. You know, now that you mention it, I don't remember seeing any places to have your feet pampered in Bagan.
This one took a while to finish. Feb. 21 done with sightseeing and sunset at U Bein. I took so many pictures it was really hard to pick and choose which ones to post. i LOVED being on the water for the sunset at U Bein. IMO it's the only way to do it.
May 21st, 2014, 10:45 AM
#47
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LL-
I know what you're saying and I agree but if you want to go inside these places in Burma it's barefoot or no go. My husband hated that part of the trip. The wet wipes I always carried had antiseptic contained in them (would use them after each temple where we went barefoot) and when we would return to our hotel I would use soap, a scrub brush I brought from home, my pumice, and then the foot cream. Knock on wood, I didn't have any problems. I never could understand why you couldn't at least wear socks? Anybody know why?
I know what you're saying and I agree but if you want to go inside these places in Burma it's barefoot or no go. My husband hated that part of the trip. The wet wipes I always carried had antiseptic contained in them (would use them after each temple where we went barefoot) and when we would return to our hotel I would use soap, a scrub brush I brought from home, my pumice, and then the foot cream. Knock on wood, I didn't have any problems. I never could understand why you couldn't at least wear socks? Anybody know why?
May 21st, 2014, 11:26 AM
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Loving your photos Chris, the sunset at U Bein bridge is stunning.
I became very proficient at washing my feet (sometimes several times a day) they did get so filthy from all the barefoot time in temples. I live in flip flops whenever in SE Asia, but I'm lucky to have tough feet.
I believe that Buddhists consider the feet the lowest and therefore dirtiest part of the body, and by extension, footwear (even socks) are also considered unclean. It is a mark of respect to remove the foot coverings when entering temples or monasteries, even people's homes.
Enjoying your blog, thanks for writing.
I became very proficient at washing my feet (sometimes several times a day) they did get so filthy from all the barefoot time in temples. I live in flip flops whenever in SE Asia, but I'm lucky to have tough feet.
I believe that Buddhists consider the feet the lowest and therefore dirtiest part of the body, and by extension, footwear (even socks) are also considered unclean. It is a mark of respect to remove the foot coverings when entering temples or monasteries, even people's homes.
Enjoying your blog, thanks for writing.
May 21st, 2014, 08:10 PM
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I'm 100% certain I didn't clamber up all those steps at My Popa in bare feet. If you get the slightest cut, and get infected with even the tiniest amount of monkey per then you're potentially in serious trouble.
As for tipping the people cleaning the steps. Why? It's a bit of a con, and just another form of begging.
As for tipping the people cleaning the steps. Why? It's a bit of a con, and just another form of begging.
May 21st, 2014, 09:16 PM
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I'll be in Burma in November, and the discussion to view the inside of the temples barefoot has me worried. A few years back a car accident resulted in a broken calcaneus (heel bone). I'm fine walking, and even barefoot a bit, but not sure about extensive touring barefoot. Mt Popa will be a miss since that's my opportunity for a balloon ride. Wondering ... are certain temples best seen from the exterior? Do I have to go barefoot walking around the exterior? Are there a few favorite interiors that shouldn't be missed? Any recommendations and advice greatly appreciated!
May 21st, 2014, 09:38 PM
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You will have to go barefoot even to visit the exterior in some/many temples.
Shwedagon in Yangon is a do not miss, shoes off before the door of the elevator to the top. It's a marble surface, so hard on feet. They may have rubber mats out, although maybe not in November when it should be dry. We were there during rainy season, maybe the mats were out for slip control.
If you're talking about Bagan, many can be viewed with footwear from outside, where the shapes and architecture can be stunning. You do need to go inside for incredible paintings, statues, Buddhas et al.
Would strapping it help ? You might get away with "looks like a current injury".
Shwedagon in Yangon is a do not miss, shoes off before the door of the elevator to the top. It's a marble surface, so hard on feet. They may have rubber mats out, although maybe not in November when it should be dry. We were there during rainy season, maybe the mats were out for slip control.
If you're talking about Bagan, many can be viewed with footwear from outside, where the shapes and architecture can be stunning. You do need to go inside for incredible paintings, statues, Buddhas et al.
Would strapping it help ? You might get away with "looks like a current injury".
May 22nd, 2014, 03:18 AM
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Sartoric, thanks for your info. Not sure about strapping up my foot like a recent injury, but will have to play it by ear and see how it goes. Bagan was my worry since I'll be out on the plain for a few days to see the many temples. Sounds like the interiors are varied and very much warrant viewing!
Chris, want to repeat that I am enjoying your blog and looking forward to new chapters!
Chris, want to repeat that I am enjoying your blog and looking forward to new chapters!
May 23rd, 2014, 05:43 AM
#56
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Janet-
If you explain your concern to your driver/guide about the barefoot issue maybe he can pick a few of the more interesting temples to go inside. Not all have "must see" interiors. You could just do a few.
I have finally finished Mandalay. Last 2 days were more sightseeing ending with sunset on Mandalay Hill and then a nice day trip to Mingun and a stunning sunset from our hotel's rooftop restaurant! Now I know why this restaurant is so crowded. Luckily we had made a reservation for our last night and requested a table with the river view.
Next is Inle Lake where we spent 2 days on the lake-Sankar and Indien. Then a day trip to Kakku.
Then Ngapali where I fell in love with this beach. I wish we had stayed longer here.
Mruak U which I enjoyed especially a sunrise with just our guide and another hardy couple. Very few tourists here.
Back to Yangon. On to Bago and overnight at Golden Rock where DH and I along with 98,000 others pay homage to the "rock".
If you explain your concern to your driver/guide about the barefoot issue maybe he can pick a few of the more interesting temples to go inside. Not all have "must see" interiors. You could just do a few.
I have finally finished Mandalay. Last 2 days were more sightseeing ending with sunset on Mandalay Hill and then a nice day trip to Mingun and a stunning sunset from our hotel's rooftop restaurant! Now I know why this restaurant is so crowded. Luckily we had made a reservation for our last night and requested a table with the river view.
Next is Inle Lake where we spent 2 days on the lake-Sankar and Indien. Then a day trip to Kakku.
Then Ngapali where I fell in love with this beach. I wish we had stayed longer here.
Mruak U which I enjoyed especially a sunrise with just our guide and another hardy couple. Very few tourists here.
Back to Yangon. On to Bago and overnight at Golden Rock where DH and I along with 98,000 others pay homage to the "rock".
May 23rd, 2014, 07:04 AM
#57
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Still enjoying your report. Did you know that the Mahamuni Buddha was taken as war spoils from Mrauk U to Mandalay? You may also have noticed a pair of Angkorian bronze guardian figures at the Mahamuni temple in Mandalay... yup, also war spoils from Cambodia.
Looking forward to your time at Inle next.
Looking forward to your time at Inle next.
May 23rd, 2014, 07:49 AM
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Kathie-
I think I remember reading about that while at Mahamuni. There was an area of bronze images. I added the sign with the info to my blog report along with a picture of the 3 headed elephant and a warrior. Unfortunately I seem to not have a picture of the full statue-just the head. I'll have to look further. I think I also read that people believed there were healing properties associated with those warrior/guardian statues and they would rub them hoping to get those healing effects. Are these what you mean??
I love reading the signage with all the history info. It's fascinating.
I think I remember reading about that while at Mahamuni. There was an area of bronze images. I added the sign with the info to my blog report along with a picture of the 3 headed elephant and a warrior. Unfortunately I seem to not have a picture of the full statue-just the head. I'll have to look further. I think I also read that people believed there were healing properties associated with those warrior/guardian statues and they would rub them hoping to get those healing effects. Are these what you mean??
I love reading the signage with all the history info. It's fascinating.
May 24th, 2014, 10:45 AM
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I finished Mandalay and have started Inle Lake.
Inle Lake-first entry is Princess Garden hotel, Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery (oval windows), Yadana Man Aung Pagoda, and Red Mountain Winery.
Next will be Sankar, then Indein with lots of pics of the Antha leg rowers, and Kakku.
I was a little worried as the PG has no A/C but the nights and early mornings are cold so the floor fan was all we needed.
Inle Lake-first entry is Princess Garden hotel, Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery (oval windows), Yadana Man Aung Pagoda, and Red Mountain Winery.
Next will be Sankar, then Indein with lots of pics of the Antha leg rowers, and Kakku.
I was a little worried as the PG has no A/C but the nights and early mornings are cold so the floor fan was all we needed.
May 24th, 2014, 11:55 AM
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Chris, I don't remember the part about the healing properties. But yes, those are the bronzes.
Just read your first installment on Inle Lake. I was amazed that your hotel had a swimming pool. Not many do. And it does get so clod at night, I would think the pool would be quite cold. But it sounds like it was just right for your husband!
Looking forward to more!
Just read your first installment on Inle Lake. I was amazed that your hotel had a swimming pool. Not many do. And it does get so clod at night, I would think the pool would be quite cold. But it sounds like it was just right for your husband!
Looking forward to more!
