A Land of Thousand Temples: Part III

Our hostel in Yangon was chosen not only for the price, but also because of the owner's promptness replying to emails. She was also very helpful and accomodating. Our arrival in Yangon was early in the afternoon, so we had enough time to rest a bit before dinner. Shennoon's House proved to be very nice, cosy and clean. It was just a rented old place remodeled to fit the need for a small guesthouse. Shennoon, the owner, is still very young, single and very pleasant. If ever we want to visit Yangon next time, we will not hesitate staying there again.

The major temple in Yangon, Schwedagon Paya.

The swarm of people visiting Schwedagon Paya on the Full Moon. Other people in farther areas of the country visit temples nearer them, but most prefer visiting this main big temple in Yangon, the capital city of Myanmar. Heavy rains and slippery temple stairs didn't sway the people from leaving home.

 When you are in Bagan, everything around you will be temples, as far as your eyes can see.  This is trully the land of thousand temples.

 Bagan is said to be already being reviewed for the UNESCO Heritage Sites. Despite being approved officially, it is already there in the hearts of the people and tourists who have been to the place, I am included.

Cattles also roam freely in and around the temple sites. Other patches are being cultivated with domestic crops like corn and beans. Those big trees are mostly of the Casia species.

This is the main river, Ayeyawady River, used for transport of goods and services around Myanmar.

Bupaya Temple. Near the bank of the Ayeyawady River, was an old temple claimed to be built in the 3rd century. What is seen now is a complete reconstrucion after the 1975 earthquake that demolished the original.

These woods are Muraya species growing in Central Myanmar, used for making thanaka (spelled thanakha) creams. It is normally applied as circular paste on faces of women and children, but sometimes also for the whole body. It has a mild scent and can give cooling sensation and protect the skin from sunburn.

 
At the left is the stone where the bark is smudged to make the cream paste. At the right is an example of the thanaka on the face. She is not a Burmese woman but my friend companion during our visit. She wants to experience the feelings of a Burmese woman, at least on the face.

My next post will be on Bagan lacquerwares, that survived the centuries.