Asterix goes to Myanmar

[asterixsg]

very inspirational series, love it :thumbsup:

Thanks Dennis. Glad you liked the photos.

Hi asterixsg, indeed this thread has been phenomenal, particularly your #10 and #35. There is a kind of calm and charm in them, simple as they may be. Apart from photographs, your illustrations are also very well written. You made us want to lay down our daily grind for sunsets and the stars. Both pictures and words have zen-like effects to readers. Extremely inspiring :thumbsup:.

You made me want to put Myanmar on my "to-go" list!

Thanks Six-GHz, for your comments. Myanmar is a beautiful place with beautiful people. Nov to Feb is supposedly the best time to go to Myanmar. I hope I can go there every year

 

[asterixsg]

80. Fresh oranges for sale

We had a few hours to kill in between flights at Yangon. We decided to head into town rather than getting stuck at the airport. I had a chance to experiment with a bit of street photography at the Bogyoke Aung San market...

 

[asterixsg]

81. Breakfast meeting

Nampan market was throbbing with activity even though we went early in the morning.

82. Yet another sunset

My favourite passtime in Bagan. Shooting sunrises and sunsets.

 

[asterixsg]

83. Smiling Buddha

There is an interesting story of the huge Buddha statue at the Ananda Temple in Bagan.

When you look at the Buddha statue from far, it seems as if He is smiling and inviting you to come closer.

84. Compassionate Buddha

And when you go closer and look up, the expression changes to that of compassion, as if asking you "Why are you so caught up in this world ?"

 

[asterixsg]

85. Crowds flocking to Shwesandaw Pagoda

Shwesandaw is undoubtedly one of the most popular pagodas to view the sunset. Guess the LP recommendation goes well with most tourists. This pagoda is also quite popular and nice for viewing sunrise. Its quite centrally located and there are pagodas all around. You can shoot sunlit pagodas, silhouettes...

I would love to go to Shwesandaw to photograph the sunrise (something that we couldn't do for lack of time...)

However, my personal favourite to witness the sun going down is Pyathada.

 

[philliptan]

Stunning shots...

 

[artisan]

phwoar !!! ... stunning shots ! :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

Must visit Myanmar soon...

 

[night86mare]

bro, anymore?

 

[asterixsg]

Stunning shots...

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed them.

phwoar !!! ... stunning shots ! :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

Must visit Myanmar soon...

Thank. Yeah, pick the best time and you should certainly visit this beautiful country and its people.

 

[asterixsg]

bro, anymore?

Of course, bro. Your wish is my command. :bsmilie:

Have been too busy with work and travel...

86. Buddha and disciples

 

[asterixsg]

87. Last visitors on UBein bridge for the day

As dusk falls, a monk takes a photograph of his family/friends on UBein bridge (and I capture that moment in my camera)

 

[asterixsg]

When you go to Shwedagon Paya, make sure that you stay until dark. The entire atmosphere changes drastically. Thousands of lamps are lit all around the Paya and its quite a sight. There is something really magical about it and no words can describe it. You simply have to experience it.

I also realized when going through my photos last night that I couldn't figure out a good way to compose that beautiful sight. Any pointers on photographing lamps are most welcome.

So much had happened that first day, from the time we were at Changi airport, to our adventure in Yangon with the money changers, not enough rest and tiredness had set in. I resigned to the fact that I just needed to capture that sight in my memory and couldn't do justice through my photographs.

88. Lamps waiting to be lit at Shwedagon Paya

89. Lit lamps

 

[asterixsg]

90. Cheroot Seller

It was quite tricky to shoot in the market, with the dynamic range being very high...
there was so much happening - it was a shock to the senses - and the mind started playing tricks.
i wanted to shoot the girl holding the cheroots, but the other girl made eye contact and smiled at me. i had to make a quick decision to lock focus on her...