Enjoy the Leisure Local Life | MANDALAY, Myanmar #2

Now, here we are, U-Bein Old Bridge.

One interesting thing about this bridge is 'U-Bein'. U-Bein means Mr. U-Bein, the one who built this bridge.

So, it is believed that the bridge is to be the oldest and the longest wooden bridge in the world.
You can see that. It was all the teak wood.

And, it was built in 1850. Before, the kingdom was moved from Amarapura to new capital, Mandalay.

And U-Bein, he used the teak from the old palace to build this bridge.

For the convenience of people to cross Tanthaman Lake. You see, the lake is really big.

So, U-bein considered thoughtfully for the people who would like to cross Thataman Lake more conveniently.

In Mandalay, you see a lot of people wearing 'Loungyi'.

Because 'Longyi' is the official government uniform. And, some of the officers are only allowed to wear Longyi as a uniform.

You can see that 'Longyi' is made of cotton, so it's comfortable to wear.

Mandalay is a really hot city. Only Longyi is comfortable to wear.

So, when you're in Mandalay, do as the Mandalay people do.

We should wear Longyi. I will tell me how to wear it.

First, you step in the Longyi.

Sometimes, Longyi can be longer or shorter, according to your height, but you can adjust by folding it.

And then, please keep it adjusted with your waist because Longyi can only be worn around your waist.

So, the first thing is to fold it from the part. Fold it from your right or left, it's up to you.

Then, twist it one time. So, there will be 2 tips.

And this tip is going to be inside. And, the other one is folded too.

It's so fascinating to have Mandalay Hill view from your own bedroom in Mandalay Hill Resort.

Besides, you can see a lot of pagodas and the famous Irrawaddy River.

Comfortable stay gives us energy to explore this old capital more.

Just a short walk from Mandalay Hill Resort, there are two giant lion figures standing as a landmark of the southern entrance to Mandalay Hill.

From the foot of the hill, you can walk barefoot up to the hilltop where there's a famous pagada with a magnificent panoramic view of Mandalay and Irrawaddy River.

Local people climb here to pray and to enjoy the view, especially in the evening time when the weather has cooled down.

Here we are! Mingun Bell! The second largest bell in the world.

It was casted in 1808. Now, it is over 200 years old.

This Bell was built dedicated to the Mingun Pagoda which was never completed.

It looks like a ruin because the king could not finish building it.

And this bell is really quite unique.

It can be said that this bell is the largest in Myanmar...the second largest in the world, after Moscow.

And it looks very heavy!

Its weight is about 90 tons 90 Tons. 90,000 Kgs.

So, we're gonna ring the bell.

How many times should we ring the bell? 3 times. But before you're going to ring the bell, you need to know that in Myanmar culture, ringing the bell is sharing your merits or good deeds you have done in just one day or you have done in your life with your friends and families and everyone on earth!

Oh! 3 times...I'm going to share my merits to everyone. Cool.

The view is nice. It's good that we choose to take a boat from Mingun to Mandalay because it saves time.

Rather than going upstream from Mandalay to Mingun.

I love the atmosphere here in the evening, especially the air, the breeze.

We can feel the breeze.

And, it's not very hot during the evening time. Sometimes, I take this boat to enjoy sunset.

Look around. Everything is perfect.

The river is very large.

The name of the river is Ayarawady River. It is the longest and biggest river in Myanmar.

Sometimes, we refer this river as life-blood of Myanmar. It is really important to Myanmar people.

We're in front of Zegyo market. It's next to the clock tower called 'Naize'.

This is the character of Mandalay. If you see Naize, you are in Mandalay.

And the whole building is the market. Let’s go and see.

These are rubber shoes. Sandals. Very popular for local people.

Very cheap and very good quality.

I see at temples, they have to take off your shoes. So, maybe it is convenient to travel around wearing sandals.

For retail, it's only 80 cents!! Very cheap.

Zegyo Market is the oldest and largest market in Mandalay.

In Burmese, 'Zegyo' means 'Cheap Cost'.

So, there are various kinds of fashion and household items sold at a very cheap price, my friend who studied medicine said that local people come here to shop for traditional medicine as well.

And don't forget that the sellers mostly accept cash.

How to say 'Cheers' in Myanmar language?

Cha-Kwa!

This is my first time here, and actually, a lot of my friends have asked about the night life here in Mandalay.

When I hang out with my friends, we go to Beer Station like this.

And then we eat, we chat, we gossip! Talk about our own life. Something like that.

I've heard about Myanmar beer before but I've never tried. This is my first time.

It's good. Not bitter. Not that strong.

Also, apart from Beer Station, local people hang out over nice coffee and food as well.

Great nightlife experience in Mandalay you must try.

There're still more stories about MANDALAY Island. Stay tuned for the next post.