After hitting snooze from our early morning wake-up call we, reluctantly, got out of bed and took a short drive to the boat pier. Well – not a pier per say but 
to the boats pulled onto the shore. We walked across the dirt/sand beach in the dark to walk a 1 foot plank over the water carrying our luggage. From one boat to another to reach our destination – 
the RV Panorama. The passenger ship was our home for the next 12 hours. We watched the sun rise and then set again. In between we enjoyed watching the fisherman and families on the Ayeyarwaddy River.
For us, life on the river was tough – coffee and eggs were served for sunrise. We were forced to drink cold beer and eat Myanmar peanuts (I may have 
a problem with the nuts – I could eat my body weight they are so good.) We were given a fantastic lunch and a sundowner cocktail to enjoy the sunset. The struggle is certainly real.
After a restful night we were picked up for our tour by our guide. Fortunate for us the guide we were assigned was one who normally does private photo tours of the country not just simple city tours, she was fantastic.
The city was filled with some of the most fantastic sites we have ever experienced. The following barely scratches the surface of the beauty that this city has to offer.
At the Mahagandayon Monastery we observed the 1000+ monks line up to receive their second, and final, meal for the day at 10:30 AM (there is no food after noon).
The U Bein Bridge – longest teak bridge in the world 1.2 Km built over 2 centuries ago.
U Min Thonze (or Thirty Caves Pagoda)
The Kuthodaw Pagoda – surrounded by 729 inscribed marble slabs, known as the worlds largest book.
Mandalay Palace – Missy and our guide, San San
Local nun with fallen Buddha image
At the Mahamuni Buddha Temple I was able to go 
into the men only area, leaving Missy and our guide behind to see the worshipers put gold leaf on the Buddha image.
At the temple we were fortunate enough to 
witness another Novice Ceremony. This one was a little smaller than the one we saw in Bagan but still impressive.
Local Life
On our final day we took a boat up the Ayeyarwaddy River to the town of Mingun so we could see the massive unfinished pagoda, which has been ravaged by earthquakes, and the beautiful white Hsinbyume Pagoda. Our guide arranged to have a local novice walk with us, which added to the scene.
Unfortunately, our time in Myanmar had to come to an end. We saw so much more than can be put into words or pictures – otherwise this would be even longer. The beautiful people, amazing history, culture, food, and architecture have made this one of our all time favorite countries that we have visited.
But, as one experience ends-another will begin. Our next stop is to Pamper some Pacaderms in Chiang Mai, Thailand.