6. Mandalay..... Exotic U Bein Bridge at dawn on New Years Eve....

At dawn on New Years Eve (luckily not New Years Day!) we visited the beautiful and exotic U Bein Bridge outside Mandalay. The U Bein Bridge is a 1.2 km wooden footbridge (longest teak bridge in the world) and was built by the mayor U Bein, salvaging the unwanted teak columns from the old palace when the capital of the area moved to Mandalay in mid nineteenth century. The bridge still serves as the most important communication link for the people of the villages.

We should have seen the sunrise, but unfortunately the mist wasn't having any of it. But it was very atmospheric, watching the monks and locals walking across the bridge, and joining in along the slippery wooden beams in the pre-dawn haze. Then back for breakfast.

And yes I did see in the New Year! We all went out for a meal and then most of our group headed for bed after such an early start at the bridge. But 3 party people, me included (of course!) livened up the hotel dinner with some jive, conga, reels and general merriment, dancing with the manager and staff, the cook with his hat on, and some of the guests! Lots of fun was had by all.... It just had to be done!