Teak Bridge U Bein

Not far from Mandalay lies Amarapura - also briefly the capital of Burma in the nineteenth century - which has an interesting tourist attraction: a wooden teak bridge U Bein.

It is said that it is the longest wooden structure in the world - 1200m. It was built in the mid-nineteenth century, in order to shorten the way for the inhabitants of the other side of lake Taungthamam.

The bridge still serves its purpose, and additionally attracts tourists and Burmese people who like to stroll on it taking a rest after a hard day work.

The most interesting strollers are young monks from the nearby monastery who stroll on the bridge in groups. They make an additional attraction, because they are extremely photogenic and dozens of tourists take pictures of them in the setting sun.

After crossing the bridge we found ourselves in the village, in the middle of a ceremony - a cereromy to honour ... Unfortunately, we did not find out, what or whom. But it was enough to please the eye. Besides, the ear as well, because on car platforms there reigned singers and musicians. We suspect that the music was from the tape, and very loud. Singers were ... so-called lady-boys. 

Have a look...