Bagan

We've always wanted to visit Mandalay and Bagan (16 miles of temples on a plane in Central Burma). So a time of global recession seemed as appropriate a time as any to plan a trip. Then we'll flake out on a beach in some Thai fleshpot like Hua Hin.

... of excellent collections of liquor ranging from red wines to brandy. Nearby the last junction before turning in to the Bagan Lalang main entrance, there's Indian shop lots that offers varieties of beers and bottled/canned carbonated soft drinks ready ...

... around in a circle all waiting for something to happen.  They gave us free baseball hats embossed with the "Balloons Over Bagan" logo while we were waiting for the festivities to begin.  After about ten minutes (and the sun peaking over the ...

... on the expensive side for Bagan.   After dinner, they gave us a treat I'd been looking forward to -- tamarind flakes.    The other guidebook had mentioned these as a *very* addictive snack in Bagan and I agree -- they're great! ...