February 17, 2014
Excited as we're meeting Minthu for 2 days sightseeing by horse cart today. I arranged this with him via e-mail on August 10, 2013. My last contact from him was an e-mail I received on 2/14 stating "see you soon." At 8:30 am we walk out to the road where all the horse carts are and we wait. A man approaches us and says he is our horse cart driver. I say "I'm waiting for Minthu and I know that you are not him" as I've seen a picture of Minthu on his website. He replies that he is Minthu's uncle and has been sent for us as Minthu won't be coming. What?? He says Minthu is getting married?? Anyway his name is Saung Saung, horse cart #102, phone 402753104. I'm really disappointed that Minthu did not tell us this so we could make other arrangements if we wanted. (I will talk to Minthu on the phone and he does tell me he has gotten married and the time he was to spend with us he is getting ready for a celebration of his wedding with his entire village.) I'm still a bit peeved as he could have told us and not said on the 14th "see you soon" and not show up on the 17th!! SS is very nice and really tries hard to do a good job taking his nephew's place. He speaks fairly good English. His charge for the day 25000k.
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| Saung Saung horse cart #102 Minthu's uncle |
We set off and stop first at
SHWEZIGON. It's located in Nyaung U area of the archaeological zone and famous for "Nat" worship. Left unfinished on the death of King Anawrahta and finished at the end of the 11th century by King Kyanzittha who was the first elected king of Myanmar. An important reliquary shrine, center of prayer for Theravada faith. Built to enshrine one of the 4 replicas of the Buddha tooth in Kandy, Sri Lanks. 2nd tooth replica is at Lawkananda. the 3rd is at Tan Kyi Taung Pagoda and the last at Tu Yuan Taung Pagoda. Legend-if you visit all 4 tooth replicas in one day you will have luck and prosperity. Largest bronze Buddhas in Bagan. Bell shaped zedi sitting on 3 rising terraces. Lots of souvenir stalls.
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Ancient guardian lion at the gate of Shwezigon
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| Causeway with lots of souvenir stalls |
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| White washed pagoda in the compound |
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| Cannot climb |
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| Hti |
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| Gilt floral decorations |
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Nats-image of Shwesagar in the rear
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| Square temple |
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| Detail |
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| Beautiful lotus motifs and underneath are carvings of Ogres holding garlands of flowers |
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| Walking passage |
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| Prayer halls |
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| Golden lion at the base of the pagoda |
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| One of the most visited pagodas |
HTILOMINLO Around 1218 on the spot where King Nantaungmya was chosen to ascend the throne. The white umbrella had tilted toward him. Sandstone decorations and plaster carvings.
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| Vegetable soup |
THATBYINNYU Temple of Omniscience built in 1144 by King Alaungsithu. Very impressive and the tallest at 207'. Whitewashed temple popular with Myanmar pilgrims and a must see. It's starting to rain. Darn.
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| Entrance |
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| Buddha images all around |
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Statues of Nats
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We pass by this on our way to Mahabodi
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| Passing scenery |
MAHABODHI Built 1250 brick and white washed stucco structure. Large square pyramid tower, conical spire. Extensive exterior ornamentation. The rain is increasing so I didn't take too many pictures and didn't spend as much time here as I would have had the weather been better.
Dinner STAR BEAM There is a roof/covering to protect from the rain but the weather is nasty. I order Myanmar tea hoping to warm up. Lentil soup-yum. DH has cashew chicken and I have roasted chicken breast with a mushroom cream sauce, baby potatoes. Let it rain. I don't care. This food is so fine!! Cost 10500k and one of the waitresses walks me out to the car with an umbrella!! Ko is our driver again 6000k. Arriving back to the hotel I have to side step the puddles to get to our bungalow building. Hope tomorrow has better weather.
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| Lentil soup |
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| Cashew chicken |
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| Chicken breast with mushroom cream sauce |
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