Another day, another sunrise. I thought I was done with sunrises, but nope! U-Bein Bridge is a major tourist destination in Mandalay. The bridge is thought to be the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world. Still standing strong. Sunset is the hot time to go see it, and as such, it's overcrowded by tourists. Emmanuel, Hannah, Ruelie, and I wanted to have the bridge all to ourselves, so we headed out to the bridge at 4:30am. I'm starting to feel like a (semi) real photographer as I head out on these expeditions to get the shot with the best lighting and least amount of people.

Upon arrival, we only see a couple other people taking photos with their tripods. We walk across the bridge in the darkness scoping out the perfect spot for a photo based on the direction of the sun.

As the starts starts begin to disappear and the sky gets brighter, the monks begin to walk across, headed toward their destinations to receive alms for the day.

It's completely silent aside from the birds that are beginning to chirp. Ruelie and Emmanuel tell me sunset at the bridge is awful— it's overcrowded by tourists and souvenir sellers. This, they say, is so much better. There are no distractions from the tranquility.