A few months after protests in September 2007, I traveled around Burma for six weeks. My favorite town was back-water Shwebo, a few hours north of Mandalay. Here's some scenes, along with a pottery village nearby. Music is traditional harp by Hlaing Win Maung. Also see www.reidontravel.blogspot.com.
Here's the transcript, I know it's not that clear:
Shwebo is about 70 miles north of Mandalay.
Locals see very few visitors.
Shwebo's famous for its thanakha, a tree that's ground into a paste and used for skin lotion & sunblock.
It was also the home of King Alaungpaya. His 18th-century palace has been reconstructed.
Many locals play games for a little extra 'tea money.'
About 20 miles east is the Ayeyarwady River.
Nearby is the ancient pottery village of Ngwe Nyein. Hundreds of pots are made daily.
Pots are shipped all over Burma, as far as Yangon, seven days' ride south.
Beautiful music.
I am happy to see that Shwebo is not yet "sinified" (= under chinese economic control and influence)
andamanonge 2 years ago