Outside my door

By Gordon.

Our street is not a main road but we do get some interesting scenes pass by, be it a procession of quiet monks dressed in their traditional maroon-coloured robes receiving alms from Neighbours…

… or a cart being drawn by a pair of cows… or a wedding (see recent post) – the action is never far away.

This week the intriguing stakes took a huge leap…

At the end of our street (less than 200 metres) we connect with the main artery that runs between Bagan airport and the Nyaung market. It was on this road that I witnessed one of the most vibrant, colourful and historic processions I have had the pleasure to see during my time here.

A cortège of about 300 men, woman and children walked along this main thoroughfare. Many were dressed in 18th century traditional attire.

I also saw three decorated elephants (yes 3), along with numerous cows pulling traps and riders on brightly decorated horses pass by. Elephants are not that common so extra special!

This was anything BUT an everyday event.

Live music bellowed out from an assortment of instruments that prompted jester type characters to perform ancient dance steps.

The procession was lead by a warrior who was cunningly protecting his charges with a crossbow and nimble movements.

Just another Thursday in Myanmar!