What I wouldn't give for a Thai massage about now!
In the last two days I have walked about 14 miles. This place is physically and mentally exhausting yet exhilarating! It's dirty and dusty but you get to experience typical Burmese life with very step you take. The people are pleasant and smiles are always returned.
Some highlights of the past few days.
Kuthodaw Pagoda : known as the worlds biggest book. The 15 books of the Tripitake are inscribed on slabs. Each of the 729 slabs in housed in it own Stupa. Built from 1860-1868.
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| Located at the base of Mandalay Hill |
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| Apparently the neon radiating from behind each Buddha is a symbol of his energy. |
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| They wear a paste made from the bark of trees to protect their skin. She was quite disappointed that I did not want to buy a jar! |
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| Beautiful Stupa on the same grounds |
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| Lions guard the Holy Hill |
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| Halfway up, this Buddha is said to be pointing towards the Royal Palace. |
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| The Two Great Snakes - supposed to be good luck! |
The people take little cups and pour water over the statues, each one represents the day of the week on which you were born.
The view from the top was not the greatest -smog/smoke/dust.....
Maha Myat Muni Pagoda - say that five times fast!
The most revered Buddha image in Mandalay. Women are not allowed to enter the upper chamber. Every morning (4 am) the monks wash Buddhas face and brush his teeth. Men purchase gold leaves and rub them onto Buddha . They have pictures over the last few decades showing how much gold this Buddha has gained. It is a staggering amount !
Everyday seems to be a celebration of some sort, there were lots of kids getting ready to become novice monks. They apparently have to become a monk or a nun for one month - don't quote me on that! Anyhow, their outfits were very elaborate and beautiful. The color is chosen depending on what day of the week they were born. The kids and their families arrived sitting on plastic chairs in the back of pick up trucks.
The carpet is put down as the marble is so hot that it can burn the bottoms of your feet walking on it.
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| Six bronze Khmer statues "borrowed" from Angkor Wat, there were lots more but the King used the bronze to make cannons. |
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| Volunteers rubbing the bark to make the face paste. The temple then sells it. |
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| The dust is everywhere, surprised the tree is still alive! |
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| One of the Royal Barges, other one is in Yagoon. |
Mingun, the worlds largest pile of bricks, worlds largest bell and an outstanding white pagoda.
Before the earthquake in 1839 there were two gigantic lions with marble eyes at the entrance to what was to be the worlds largest pagoda.
You can see the huge cracks, now they call it the worlds largest pile of bricks. It was never completed.
Once you climb the 175 uneven steep steps you are rewarded with a lovely view of the Ayeyarwaddy River. That is the backside of Mandalay Hill in the background.
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| Fast asleep, did not budge and no one suggested he move. |
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| The local Good Humor man! |
I asked him if I could take his picture and he agreed then asked if I would buy his ice cream - I declined but said I would buy some for the kids that were hanging around - so a dollar later there were five happy kids, a happy ice cream vendor and a few good pictures.
Largest working bell, AD 2000, 90 tons & 13 feet tall!
Hsinbyume Pagoda:
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| WOW, you walk around a corner of this little village with dirt roads, ox carts and ruins to be faced with this stunning site! AWESOME! |
U-Pein Bridge: Crosses the Taung-tha-Man Inn Lake. The longest teak bridge in the world was built in 1849 from old planks and timber posts. It was a challenge to maneuver the loose planks,nails, photo shoots, monks, dogs, people ......but I managed without falling off or tripping !
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| Local buses have arrived! |
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| spoiled puppy |
No idea - pretty in pink remake?
She has my shoes on!! NOT!
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