Myanmar - Clouds over paradise

Myanmar was for several reason an unique experience: Beautiful and diverse landscapes, stunning, sometimes eerie pagodas and relics, courteous locals and monks, but always present the black cloud of the fascistic regime. Everone who wants to go here has to be aware that each cent spent to goverment institutions supports this junta to surpress the people. On the other hand, and this was the decisive factor for me, isolation does not foster international support and awareness for the current situation of this country. Also, one can on his journey stay more with locals than goverment places, and so bring money to the people, at least a small relive for some. Since I went there I keep on expressing my disgust for this junta and my sympathy for the people. Doubtful that it effects anything, but it's as much as I can do.

Bagan: 5000 pagodas, build 800 years ago, spread over several square kilometers. Partly monks and locals have inhabited these places and conserve them nicely.

Glowing in the dark since centuries, these saints can turn one easily into believers.

The huge hallways are scarcely illuminated, which enhences the atmosphere.

Buddha Amitabha calls the earth as witness for his enlighting

Some of the ancient pagodas reach the size of cathedrals, abandoned by their believers but for a few hawkers and local inhabitants.

The locals cover their cheeks with a self-made lotion of wood, chalk and others as protection again the merciless sun.

One night in a monestary