February 2, 3, 4

Mingalarbar!!

 

This is a greeting that means roughly, “wish you to be auspicious”. It is an expression of introduction and we heard it many, many times during the day and evening. I loved saying it!

 

Quick flight from Siem Reap to Yangon….less than 2 hours. Visited the Sheweseegon Pagoda and the Ananda Temple on our way to the hotel. Yangon is the largest city in Myanmar with about 5MM people. In 1989, the country changed its name from Burma to the Union of Myanmar. Rangun became Yangon, and Pagan became Bagan, etc.   Myanmar people wear the longyi, which is a tube of cloth and is tied using no zippers or belt. Some of our expedition mates adopted the longyi with great gusto and I have a feeling the style will show up in the Hamptons and maybe even Lanikai this summer! Myanmar people regard gold as their most precious ornament, and seriously, it’s everywhere: covering entire pagodas and huge statues of Buddha.

 

About 90% of the population is Theravada Buddhist. Buddhist institutions play a major role in all communities, and the communities regularly donate food in support of the monks. Boys are expected to become temporary novice monks during their youth, bringing honor to the household. The novices stay at the monastery for a minimum of a week. We saw several during our visit.

 

 

Aung San Suu Kyi is perhaps the best-known person in Myanmar, and she is widely beloved and respected. As a result of reforms, she now serves as an elected Member of Parliament and Chair of the Committee for Rule of Law and Tranquility (love that).

 

Next we boarded a charter for our flight to Inle Lake and a bus ride to transfer to boats to take us to our hotel. Oy Vey. We are staying at Aureum Resort and Spa…quite wonderful actually! During our boat ride, we witnessed the most amazing fishermen. They look like they are doing yoga on the water….. so graceful! I bought the pants the next day in black and white!

 

 

We visited The Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda which in the center of Inle Lake. The Pagoda houses five gilded Buddha images.  As an aside, you may not wear shoes or socks on sacred ground. No bare shoulders or knees.

 

There was a place where MEN were allowed to add gold leaf to the Buddha and no women were allowed! Oh dear.

 

We visited the Thein Pagoda ruins the following day and a local market place. That night we had a dinner with entertainment…traditional Burmese music and dance!  We went to a Silk Factory which was very cool.  Lotus silk actually. Bought two scarfs!

 

 

 

We leave on the 5^th for India and the Taj, another Bucket List destination!