Boat Ride on Irrawaddy (Ayeyarwaddy) River

We took a boat ride on Irrawaddy River from Mandalay to Bagan.

Initially, we were abit disppointed that only the slow boat ride was available (the fast boat ride was not operating on that day), and the ride would take 15 hours (compared to 8-9 hours on fast boat and 8 hours on bus).

Fortunately, it turned out to be quite a pleasant ride.

We could see activities long the river - people loading and unloading goods.

We could see both the sunrise and the sunset.

I took the time to read on the boat, sleep on the floor, observer people and just idle my time away.

It was very enjoyable.

Unfortunately for Jon, a typical Singapore workaholic, he felt at loss when he had nothing to do. I think that it was a city-syndrome that people need to constantly occupied themselves with things to do.

Burmese people on board

There is certain level of discrimination, as the foreigners were given plastic chairs to sit, while the Burmese occupied the floor. At the same time, I am very sure that we paid a premium (US$10) for the boat ride.

A warm cup of hot tea in a cold morning with sunrise view over Irrawaddy river.

Priceless!

Sunrise

Doraemon was on board too!!!

I recognise this Burmese Actor.

He is everywhere including the tibits packing.

Lotsa people on board. There was hardly any space to walk around.
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Granny
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Bustling Riverside activities
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Porter
(look at the versatility of the Longyi)
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Laundry
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Daniela (Our German friend) mentioned to me that this reminded her of Varanasi in India. In fact, that was what i wanted to tell her too. =)
(http://boon-india07.blogspot.com/2008/01/varanasi.html)
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Cute 7 month old baby.
He got a pair of beautiful eyes.
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Going on board with assistance
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Happy Boon
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Ferry Boy
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I call him the "Ferry Boy" because this boy spends his childhood on the ferry. His parents are selling food items on the ferry to the passengers. Day-in, Day-out, this boy would be spending his time on the ferry. The passengers are his friends. He is playful and able to mingle with anybody on board. This is his childhood.
I felt a bit sad, as he won't have a fixed group of childhood friends growing up together with him. But at least, he has the protection and love of his parents. I observed that he is very close to his parents.
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Yup. Another thing to do on board is to observe people and interact with others.
15 hours is quite a long time. haha...
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This is a nice picture of Jon and the sunset.