Since joining up with WorldPix, I have found that my photography has begun to change, or maybe improve. Instead of the focussing on the beautiful landscape (there are many here) or amazing architecture (also much here), I am now looking for stories to tell through the people we visit, especially, the children.  As with any emerging third-world country, there is much suffering as the people are poor. In the case of Bagan, the children can live in makeshift homes in the shadow of ancient opulence.

From squalor to splendor.

From squalor to splendor.

The picture above is a prime example of what we have seen. There is the beauty and splendor or Bagan with its ancient temples contrasted with families living under a tree. As I was taking the shot above, the laughter of children spilled over the empty field. Then I spotted them making the grand charge across the field. They had spotted us and were eager to see what we were up to. In just a moment, we were descended upon. Five children rushed us, clamoring to be in front of the lens. It seemed as though they knew what our cameras were for. They got so close, that I couldn’t take the photo, my lens not able to focus on them.

Crowding the lens, these children were eager to be front and center.

Crowding the lens, these children were eager to be front and center.

I finally convinced them to move back a few steps.

It took all my powers of persuasion to get the children to move back.

It took all my powers of persuasion to get the children to move back.

Here are a few portraits.

One of the many sad faces of Bagan.

One of the many sad faces of Bagan.

So happy one minutes, so sad the next.

So happy one minutes, so sad the next.

We had to leave them to get to our next adventure. We decided to buy them some candy and return the next day. We purchased some yummy peanut clusters, kind of like Butterfingers. When we got back the next day, they were gone. Now all we have is our memories of their infectious smiles, happiness in the face of misery.