Myanmar, Mandalay, Ubein Bridge, 2017.
The 1.2-kilometre bridge was built around 1850 and is believed to be the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world! It connects the Temple and a village with each other, that is separated by a Lake.
Because of this Temple that is on the other side of the bridge, you can find many monks, walking the bridge all day and especially at sunset ( Monks like attention too). Here you see 3 monks walking after having done a photoshoot with their mobile.
After the sun was down, there was an incredible glow of orange light coming from the sky and reflecting on the water. I waited for these 3 monks to be right in front om my shot, so they are beautiful, in-motion silhouettes at the orange background.
Myanmar, Mandalay, U-bein bridge 2017.
Waiting for the right moment. All tourists gone. And then the magic can happen. The whole sky turned into a strong orange glow. The bridge therefor pops-out like nothing else. You can still see some locals hanging around on the bridge. The reflection is caused by the still water. All in all a great place to go to!
Myanmar, Mandalay, 2017.
Taking the train from Mandalay to Hsipaw was an adventure on its own. The train should have left around 04:00 AM, but we got stuck till 05:00 AM. After that the train went in the most slowly speed a train can ride.. We stopped here at a small station and by the looks of it, it was super early. The windows were all opened, so it was quite cold. But the adventure could not have started better!
Myanmar is an incredible country, waiting to be discovered. Take a train, go by bus, or hitchhike, it’s really worth it!
Myanmar, Mandalay, Ubein Bridge, 2017
At the Ubein bridge you can find many beautiful spots for a photographer. The most popular is the sunset at the bridge, over the lake. But the whole lake is covered with tourist and therefore I skipped that part.
I find it interesting that most people leave the scene after the sun is gone, because after the sun has set: thats when the Magic happens!
This small narrow wooden boat for example. was drifting on the lake and the sunset created a nice even color shift over the water. You don't want to miss that!
Myanmar, Bagan, 2017.
In search for the best sunrise and sunset, we travel through the Archeological site of Bagan. A very historical place to visit, with more than over 10.000 temple's and pagode around 11-13th century, and now still more than 2200 remain.
The restauration is in full progress, some pagode's are almost collapsing, the tiles are falling down and the mosaic is destroyed.
This shot was taken from another pagode, and is overlooking 1 of the best temple's of Pagan.
Mayanmar, Bagan, 2017.
Trying to capture that mysterious feeling you get when you are surrounded by a big open plain, covered with low bushes, 2200 temple's and pagode's and everywhere you look you see this dusty, mystical layer covering the view.
The sunsets and sunrises are amazing here in Bagan. As you can see restorations are being done at this big Pagode's. The rooftop is now being covered again by a layer of gold.
Mayanmar, Bagan, 2017.
1 of the best sunsets I have ever seen in my life. The whole day was a grey day, no sunshine, no nice mood for exploring the thousands of temples. Of course we did not want to miss the sunset (most people are in Bagan for 3 days, and so were we), but it did not look like it was going to be sunny at all. Decided to climb a temple anyway, we were treated to 1 of the best sunsets I have ever seen. The sky just turned completely yellow and orange, the whole sky was lit up like it was on fire. Because of the layers of dust, the different colors can be seen very clearly and the mystical feeling is enhanced even more by this.
Myanmar, Bagan, 2017.
Coming to Bagan has been quite an adventure! Driving busses, trains, and flying plains.
When we started off on our first morning in Bagan, the city of more then 2200 temples, this was our first temple to find interesting. Combined out of 2 temples, I found the clouds dramatic and matching the Land of the Lost feeling.
Myanmar, Bagan, 2017.
1 of the higher temples of Bagan. Just after sunset and in the Blue Hour, you can see the light go on in and around the temples and pagodes. I think this is the best looking and best designed temple, for it stands out from the rest by its strong building characters.
The colors of the sunset give this image a beautiful scenery.
Myanmar, Mandalay, Ubein Bridge, 2017.
Catched this monk posing towards the sun.
The bridge is 1200 meter long and made up entirely from Teak-wood, making it the longest teak-wooden bridge in the world.
Sunset's here are really beautiful and you can almost everyday catch a clear sky!
Myanmar, Mandalay, Ubein Bridge 2017.
Orange Tree. Not the one that grows oranges. But a sky of Orange and a big dead tree reflecting on the water. Simple, but great.
Myanmar Wedding Ceremony, 2016.
Just when we wanted to go to the ubein bridge and take pictures, we were surprised by a huge wedding procession that took place right in front of us.
All dressed up in beautiful dresses with bright colors, the procession took 20 minutes, including elephants, horses etc.
In a parade, the whole village and probably the family, take part of this huge ritual when a couple get married. Elephants, horses, and colors that your eyes will blink off. A great moment of culture passed trough while standing on the road making photo’s