Wednesday, 11 December 2013

Sunrise at Bagan

It took me 10 years to come back to Myanmar again. Since my first trip to Myanmar in 2003, I have wanted to return to Bagan one day, the lovely ancient city filled with stupas (pagodas). It is said that in Old Bagan, if you close your eyes and point in any direction, you will find yourself pointing at a stupa when you open your eyes. How many stupas are there in Bagan? More than 3,000 stupas are concentrated within a small area of 104 square kilometres, though in its grander days between the 11th to 13th century, it is said to contain up to 10,000 religious monuments, of which 4,000 are stupas.

Bagan's charm is irresistible, but I have a seemingly frivalous reason as to why I want to come back, to make up for my less than satisfactory sunrise and sunset shoots back then.

Eagerly I waited for that day. I envisaged a perfect shooting session, having reminded the tour agent I must get to the perfect site early, get a good angle and I thought to myself, the only thing that could possibly fail me is the weather. Well, life is unpredictable...

The night before the much awaited sunrise, I accidentally jammed my camera while changing lens under dim lighting! Much as I tried to unscrew the lens, I just couldn't get it out. 

The following morning, we woke up early as scheduled and set off to Shwesandaw Stupa, known for its great view due to its height. My camera did not miraculously recover in the morning. So the only thing I could do was to mindfully watch as the sun rose, but not exactly... I alternated between borrowing my friend's camera and my handphone to shoot, while trying not to overly deprive her of shooting and yet hoping that I didn't miss capturing much of the sight. 

It gradually turned from darkness to orange hue and then a warm glow. 



 Next to make the sky lines are the hot air balloons, which certainly did not fly in the skies of Bagan in 2003.


And this was where we climbed up to get the great view.


Perhaps 10 years later, I will return again.

Monday, 19 August 2013

Buddha under the 'Autumn' leaves

It was an overcast afternoon and visitors were few. We were circumambulating the stupa and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. A friend who was ahead of us suddenly appeared and excitedly told us to see the Buddha image at the other side, partly hidden by another structure.


It was a delightful sight. Beneath a bodhi tree which leaves had turned golden, as if autumn had come, was a magnificent Buddha image.  

Buddha image at Abhyagiri Stupa.

Prints now available at: http://society6.com/Joycewallphotos


 

Monday, 17 June 2013

A glorious sunset


A walk by the lake,
beneath the glorious setting sun,
glittery lakes and quiet mountains.

Prints now available for sales at Society 6.

Friday, 14 June 2013

Free shipping promo

From now to 16 June midnight, enjoy free shipping when you click here to order. Happy shopping.


Tuesday, 11 June 2013

New Online Shop

Finally, I've set up the online shop that I mentioned in my earlier post. Please feel free to drop by at:
http://society6.com/Joycewallphotos . There are now more options available, framed prints, in canvas finishing and even ipad covers for selected images.

available at Society 6

Hope you find something you like. Will be posting more images soon.

Thursday, 30 May 2013

Back from Sri Lanka

Just back from Sri Lanka, my long overdue holiday. It'll take some time to sort out the photos but I can't wait to share.

So here are some photos taken on the last morning in Sri Lanka, at Bandarawela.

just outside our resort

 
a hint of wilderness


No sun rise scenery but nevertheless lovely mountains afar

P.S: new online shop still in preparation.



Monday, 15 April 2013

New online shop on its way


In the mean time, if there's any photo that catches your eye on this blog, please feel free to drop me a message at: ishopwallphotos@yahoo.com

Any query is welcome.