Alongside highway traffic,

we cycle to Amarapura,

arms trembling.

I vowed to visit,

after missing it last trip 

Past railway tracks,

around garbage patches,

Through markets,

we reach U Bein Bridge,

teak marvel built 1850.

1.2 kilometers long.

Locals fish knee deep,

Children play.

A monk walks alongside us,

eager to practice English.

He shares tales

of monastery soccer leagues,

teachers, and ten of his 21 years,

spent as a Mandalay monk.

Away from home.

Setting sun splashes sky hazy pink.

Tourists circle in boats.

We double back,

Along stunning lakeside.

Darkness falls,

headlights rush by,

Shaky return to Mandalay 

***

I hope you enjoyed super photogenic U-bein bridge. It took two trips to Myanmar (the first I sadly slept in a creepy deserted airport instead of heading here for sunrise) but the trip was worth it. Thanks for reading!