Mandalay, Myanmar
Flew into Mandalay this morning. As I only had a day here, I hired a guide and a driver to show me the sights. First stop was the U Bein Bridge that stretches across the Taungthaman Lake. Built in 1850, the 1.2km bridge is believed to be the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world – it’s a bit wobbly so well believe it…
Next stop, was an unexpected one to the Maha Ganauon Monastery, to watch the donations procession for the novice monks – everyday people from across the world arrive to donate food, clothing etc to the monks. This is their only source of food and essentials. I must say it felt a bit like feeding time at the zoo!
At the Mahamuni Temple the original Buddha made of brass weighed 6 tons but over the years worshippers have added approximately 18 tons of gold leaf it’s looking a bit out of shape these days!
I went to see how they make gold leaf, all by hand – manually hammering 32ounce nuggets for at least 6 hours, back breaking work. It’s actually an insane process.
I was lucky enough to witness an initiation ceremony for novice monks, such amazing costumes – now I know what all the trashy Christmas decorations in the markets are really for…
The Worlds Largest Book was really cool 730 leaves carved on a stone tablet inside its own little structure.
Saw lots of other temples – geez there is a lot here! Donating or building a Pagoda gives one an eternal life! Myanmar is known as the “Land of the Pagodas” if you just rotate on an elevated piece of land you will see them at almost every hour on the clock.
Walking around the markets in Myanmar as a whole is so pleasant, it doesn’t feel like you are running the gauntlet, you can relax and really explore and enjoy the experience.
Lastly a trip up Mandalay Hill to view the city. Then back to the hotel and the sky bar for a well earned beer…! In the bar a local girl arrived to do a chinlone show (basically soccer skills with a cane ball). I was the only person in the bar not many tourists here… This girl had the most amazing ball skills I have ever seen. I felt very lucky to have had my own private show – I would use her at one of my functions any day!
