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

motorbike trek beginnings

Nate and I finally made it to Kyaukme to find our guide and hit the roads aboard motorbikes.  We started off in time for a beautiful sunset. 

rice patty fields

the trusty steed 

water buffalo

bath time

to infinity and beyond

After a wipe out for me, beautiful sunset, and an epic moon rise, we finally arrived upon a place to rest for the night. 

shwedagon

Upon our arrival into Yangon, Nate and I set out to see one of Myanmar's most famous sites: the Shwedagon Pagoda. What a site it is! 

a gardener at Peoples Park in the shadows of Shwedagon

covered in bamboo scaffolding

rocky mountain woods

How nice it is to be reunited with a bestest of friends! And better yet, to have some time to explore some wilderness together. It's always an adventure with you, Lindsey...

For this little trip: a walk up to Thunder Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. 

 Despite being eaten alive by mosquitos and a rather cold, sleepless night, it was beautiful!