Hot air balloons rising over the vast countryside. Ancient temples dotting the lush jungle landscape. The far east sun casting shadows and light on a magical Mandalay city.
On the second leg of our six-week travel adventure, we spent a full day in Bagan, chasing the golden sun and exploring temple after temple.
While the ancient sites set the scene, the people of Bagan are the soul of this city. Time after time, locals would approach us warmly and ask where we were from. One young girl, admiring my silver heart earring, asked if she could have it. Surprised by her request, I told her if she gave me her address and I would send her a new pair of earrings when I returned home. She replied timidly, “I don’t have an address.” Humbled by her response, I removed my heart earring and gave it to her. She was so excited, and I was left with a special memory of this girl and the soul of Bagan.
I left my heart in Bagan – literally and figuratively.
