Next day was our balloon flight and a full day program. Too much in one day but the only option for the four day cruise guests. If we come back with a group I will plan the ballon ride on a different day.

We had to leave at 5.00 pm. A very professional organization. So many balloons all very close together. This area is like a jungle not a lot of clearings so they all use the same departure point. We had a well designed basket. Four sections with four people per section. Not crowded. Also a seat to use when in the brace landing position.

Flying over all the stupas was terrific made even better by the number of balloons at varying heights around us. We all really enjoyed the experience. Of course complete with glass of champagne, fresh fruit, banana bread and croissants.

Then back to ship for breakfast and then off for our full day tour. First the Ananda Temple. Built in a square with the main focus on a very large Buddha on each side. Also lots of niches on the walls of smaller Buddhas on each side. Followed by a horse cart ride for about fifteen minutes.

Then off to The Mount Popa Monastery and Mount Popa National Park. It took about an hour to get there but most of us took a little nap and it was well worth the trip. On the top were lots of fruit and vegetable stands that had nice looking produce.

On arrival at the base of the 700+ steps to monastery it was a hive of activity. Monkeys everywhere, people bargaining for goods from the little shops. Great fun. There was a temple to 37 spirits. Ranging in size from four to five feet the statues were very decorated in bright colored clothing that is changed from time to time. People were making offerings of flowers. Really interesting and the guide explained the meaning of some of the spirits. None of us went up to monastery of course it would take a long time. The monastery was bright gold built on top of a mountain. Spectacular to view.

Then off we went to the Popa Resort hotel where an menu was offered instead of the expected buffet. I got chicken piccata that was surprisingly good. The menu was extensive. Plus the view of the monastery. The resort was lovely built in the jungle with lush vegetation.

That evening they had a sandbank dinner. The setting was perfect and the food as usual fantastic wonderful assortment and cooked to order stir fry by the chef

Food has been outstanding. Different than I am used to good mixture of Asian and western food. We have all been very happy.