Constructed in 1850 and measuring in at 3,967 ft. with 482 spans supported by 1,089 piles, the U Bein Bridge is thought to be the oldest teakwood bridge in the world. Because it is a large structure made of wood I made arrangements to see it, and decided to shoot for sunrise. The motorbike driver I had made plans with the day before did not show up at 5:00 as planned, so another enterprising motor bicyclist happily offered his services and at 5:10 we were off. It was a particularly cool and wet morning and I was relieved when we arrived about 20 minutes later.

Before sunrise I walked across to the other side, and the photos below were unfolding as I walked back. I was really just amazed at the amount of energy and life I saw happening before me. Monks from the monastery crossing for morning alms, joggers, men and women on their way to work; fisherman in the lake and oxen plowing the fields that are under the lake in rainy season.