Floating on a wave of hope for a new beginning

By Kerry van der Jagt
Updated April 26 2016 - 3:43pm, first published 2:24pm
Young nuns in prayer, Myanmar. Photo: Danita Delimont
Young nuns in prayer, Myanmar. Photo: Danita Delimont
The Ancient City of Bagan, Myanmar.
The Ancient City of Bagan, Myanmar.
Buddhist monks in boat in front of U Bein bridge. Photo: Martin Puddy
Buddhist monks in boat in front of U Bein bridge. Photo: Martin Puddy

It's sunset on Taungthaman Lake, just outside of Mandalay. Standing tall at the back of the wooden boat the oarsman settles into a steady rhythm, his long arms rising and falling like a dancing crane. In the distance the U Bein Bridge is a dinosaur skeleton, all hips and ribs stretched out in the afternoon sun.  Eyes closed against the warmth I take in the sounds – the creak of timber, the sluice of water and the soft humming coming from my boatman. Today, 87-year-old Mya Aye is happy, perhaps happier than he's ever been.

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