U Bein Bridge, Mandalay
The U Bein Bridge in Mandalay is the longest teak bridge in the world. Though called a bridge it is really a glorified pier-like structure with land on each end and some in between. The big deal is that it is constructed completely of teak and has lasted over 150 years with little repairs and updates. That doesn't mean the bridge is in tip top condition. At times you can feel the bridge sway slightly under the weight of all the tourists walking over it. Luckily there was
Teak Shwenadaw Monastery, Mandalay
About the time we pulled up to Shwenadaw Monastery we had almost had enough of temples and monasteries for the day. Several fellow travelers on the road have told us, "You see one pagoda/stupa/temple, you've seen 'em all." Yep, we were getting burned out on our tour of ancient religious sites. That is until we arrived at this monastery. Shwenadaw was once an apartment to the king. After his death, his son believing the place was haunted by his father had it disassembled, move
World's Largest Book, Mandalay
At Kuthodaw Pagoda you can get a glimpse of the World's Biggest Book. Not sure if it is Guinness or not but this is literally the world's biggest book. In size that is. On the grounds of the pagoda are 729 white stupa-like structures called kyauksas. Each kyauksa contains a marble slab about a meter tall inscribed with the text from a page from the Tipitaka - the Pali Canon of Theravada Buddhism. Wow, just incredible! Next on our list of things to see - The Biggest Ball
Mahamuni Temple, Mandalay
One of the popular stops for Buddhist pilgrims in Myanmar is Mahamuni Temple. The temple is located in an area popular for marble carving and brass work. Both of which are necessary for construction of new temples (brass umbrellas at the top of stupas) and new statues of the Buddha. The temple houses a solid gold statue of the Buddha that pilgrims visit and pray to while putting on a new layer of gold leaf to solidify their prayers. Since it's so hot here in Myanmar, naps
Making Gold Leaf in Mandalay
Myanmar is often called the "Golden Land." It's not difficult to believe after seeing numerous pagodas and statues of the Buddha covered in gold leaf throughout the country. While in Mandalay we stopped into a traditional gold leaf manufacturing shop. This shop primarily produces gold leaf that is sold to pilgrims at various temples to place onto statues of the Buddha. The process involved in making the gold leaf is long and arduous. It requires three hours of constant h
Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon
One of the outings we were able to do while in Yangon was a day trip to Shwedagon Pagoda. During the Thingyan, pilgrims flock to the pagoda to pray and worship. The architectural design of the pagoda and surrounding stupas is unique to Myanmar and is seen throughout the country. This pagoda itself is amazing and can be seen throughout the city because of it's central placement. Apart from it's massive size there are a few other aspects of the pagoda that left our jaws aga
Thingyan Yangon, Myanmar
Little did we know when we planned our arrival in Yangon, Myanmar the New Year (water festival) would still be in full swing. In Myanmar the festival is known as Thingyan and it is just as crazy as Songkran in Thailand. In the large city of Yangon I felt as if it was slightly more insane than that of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Entire streets became gauntlets that open bed trucks would drive down just to get sprayed by numerous fire hoses. The entire downtown was in a perpetual
