kyaukme with tim

After a bit of a goose chase around Kyaukme, we finally found Uncle Tim! He came to join us for the last leg of the trip without any plans. We spent the day with him exploring Kyaukme and finding everything it has to offer from a bamboo paper plant to some of the best Shan noodles. 

day 3

During a walk through one of the many mountain villages, we came across the cutest little laborers I've ever seen. They helped carry rocks one at a time from one place to another. It was so precious. Nate and I ended up getting some milk and candies at the village store to give the hard workers a bit of a treat. 

once they figured out the wrapper situation, they loved it

our downstairs roommates for the night

horsies!

stuffing tea

day 2

view upon waking up

out for a stroll of the village

a chubster and his doll

an invitation for tea

We got to see some classes in action. 

oh the irony

the schoolyard 

construction for a new monastery 

constructing bamboo roof plates

tea drying

On our way through a small mountain town, we came across a party where the town was being presented solar panels. It seemed nice until we realized it was all a political ploy as this is the year for a new election. 

We carried on and came to another town for a walkabout. We passed by a little old lady walking oh so slowly in her bare feet. Joy, our guide, stopped to give her some money for a new pair of shoes. She graciously took his donation and invited us into her home for tea. 

the stories those wrinkles must tell