There is no better way to see this region than to take a Balloon ride at the crack of dawn, and watch the sunrise over the temples.  It's the only way to appreciate the vast scale and sheer quantity of temples erected.  Gently floated over each temple, awestruck at the unique design of each one. Not to mention the sheer amount of temples scattered across miles.. 
The sense of freedom venturing out on e-bikes to explore Bagan took me back to my childhood fantasies.  I used to devour Enid Blyton's Secret Seven books and relish the outdoor adventures her protagonists enjoyed, which were a million miles away from my experience of growing up in a town.
Here I found myself, in my forties, saddled on a futuristic e-bike, a hand drawn map in my pocket and just dirt trails to follow and explore, no tour guide, but a spirit of insatiable inquisitiveness. 
Zooming off on soft sand paths, venturing where only few had gone earlier in day, seemingly alone in this magical landscape.  Here I was creating real memories, not just fantasies.
Others chose an beautifully adorned Ox Cart as their method of transport. 
I came across this shepherd with her cattle unperturbed by the relatively harmless nature of my e-Scooters. Her beautiful smile so welcoming and communicative in spite of our inability to speak a common language
With the crudest of maps showing lines notating paths and outline shapes representing each temple, I explored the dirt trails not sure what lie ahead.  Never before have I truly felt I was exploring a place.  So when I turned a corner to this settlement it was fascinating to see village life. 
One by one, the temples appeared in the distance, each one a unique construction of intricate brick work. Inside adorned with golden Buddha figurines.
I was truly amazed that these vital and sacred historic moments are not protected.  Tourists are trusted to wander in and out, climb the internal steps and venture on the roof tops.  No health and safety here.  Each temple becoming a mecca calling for people want a vantage point to watch sundown.   These treasured memories of doing things I knew deep down would be stamped out in the course of time, feeling privileged to be able to explore with such freedom.
The next part of my Myanmar adventure took me to Inle Lake in search of the fisherman and their art of one legged to rowing.
Back to Top