Minnanthu ……...a village in the Bagan area

We needed a rest from Pagodas ( Buddha burn out!) and when we were offered the opportunity to visit a local village by our guide we jumped at the opportunity.

However, when we got there, even she was taken by surprise!
It happened to be their 'Auspicious' day……this is a once a year day when children are feted….a sort of novitiation ceremony….

We thought at first we had run into a traffic jam…….we had! They were definitely not about to move!

We followed the parade to the village……and we weren't the only ones observing!

The mothers went first……….

 Then the siblings……..

Then the fathers…….

 Then the ox carts…….

 Almost there…..

A little young???

Arrival…... and we were invited to join the people inside……

 there was music ………..

 ……….to amuse the children…….

 and dancing…..

and I just loved the boy in blue either taking a 'selfie' or filming the event on his cell phone.  Either way I don't think he is exactly monk material!!

Then we wandered around the village….not much has changed in centuries!  Apart from the fact that a well was dug and they can now pump water in the village instead of having to take the ox carts to the river to fill up...

…….large earthenware pots of  water they have collected for washing…...

These were dried prunes…...

 ……...ground up!

The oil press here is a little different to what we are used to seeing in Provence………….

 …pulled around by the oxen!!

 Oxen were all around the village…...

 and yes…we were really that close……..if somewhat uncomfortable!!!

and this was the bicycle shop……..

The village people not involved in the festivities  in the village. were going about business as usual…...

Of course we couldn't escape Pagodas all day long……. to be continued…..