Monastery on the north side of Inle Lake and near Nyaung Shwe. Surrounded by countryside and on top of a mountain with spectacular views.

Stairs carved out of the land lead up to the monastery.

Monk’s robe hangs to dry in the sun on a bamboo cane.

Novice monk sitting enjoys the warmth of the evening sun on the the monastery’s balcony.

Altar with Buddha images inside the monastery where novice monks pray.

Sleeping area next to the altar in the previous picture.

On the left side there’s a tap and cement basin where the monks shower and do their laundry. The washed robes are hung out on the bamboo cane to dry.

Meditation hut. The monks had hung some leaves to dry to use to make tea.

Novice monks early in the morning around the fire to warm themselves. They get up at 5 am and meditate for at least 30 minutes every day.

This monk has been in the monastery for a few months and when he finishes his “novice” year he wants to be a farmer.

Novice monks are always playing and having fun, just like kids outside the monastery. We imagine them to be very quiet and relaxed but these guys are always play fighting, running around and playing football like other children.

This monk is the quietest of the group. Here he is alone playing tetris videogame. He want to stay in the monastery after his novice year.