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Farangs, Day 33 — Booze crooze
Bagan, Myanmar |
Bagan, Myanmar
Itinerary: This morning, we visit the site of Tayoke-Pyay Pagoda in Min Nanthu Village, as well as the Phaya Thone Zu and Nandamanya Temples, noted for exquisite murals of 13th century. We will also see Kyat Kan Cave monastery, a famous meditation retreat in Pagan.
After lunch we explore the Myingaba Gu Byaukgyi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visit the archaeological museum to view beautiful Buddha images of bronze, stone and lacquer.
Late this afternoon, we will watch the magnificent sunset over
the Irrawaddy River – from the water on a sunset boat cruise, before we
head to dinner at a riverside restaurant. Overnight at the Kaday Aung Hotel.
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We began our morning with a (required barefoot) tour of Dhammayazika Pagoda built in the 12th century. The unusual characteristic of this pagoda is that it has a pentagonal rather than a square base, and instead of the usual four images of Buddha, there are five including the Maitreya Buddha, the future Buddha, yet to appear on earth. Already four have been recognized. The final Buddha will come in 500 years.
Currently the main tower is covered by bamboo scaffolding while workers prepare the exterior surface to receive its new gold covering.
Next, we visited the village of Min Na Thu where we watched various everyday activities including the making of corn leaf cheroots and a man making wagon wheels.Then we spent some most enjoyable time with a very happy and welcoming monk. Before the government opened a school in the village, he used to teach the children. He showed us how his saffron colored robe must be folded for wearing to the village when he does his morning walk for donations of food and, when he showed us what he had left after his breakfast, he chuckled about his big round buddha belly.
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In the evening, Roger hosted a sunset booze cruise on the Irrawaddy River
We spent the rest of the evening at a local restaurant where the first course of lentil soup came in a coconut shell, and ended up with another marionette show, the best one yet.
