Yangon, Myanmar. #2

                                                           Yangon.
                                            Myanmar. 

This is my second post about Myanmar, as I mentioned in the first I Left Bangkok Thailand by plane and landed in Yangon Myanmar, and been unprepared as I normally am, I was searching for a hotel at night, which is not something I would recommend on the first visit to a strange city.
 While I was wandering the streets I came across this performing Lion dragon, it was the Buddhist full moon festival and everyone was out enjoying themselves on the dark unlit streets of Yangon.

The two person Lion dragon was dancing on poles held by other members of the troop, it was amazing to watch because of the speed and dexterity of the performers, moving to the beat of the drums, they were extremely proficient at what they were doing, they were from the local martial arts school just down the road.   

   The next morning I was up and at it, wandering the streets of Yangon and taking photos. I had no map or knowledge of what was on offer in this city, it was a hit or miss event, I was only here for a day before I went to Bagan valley so it was a very casual, I did know there were a few very large Wats somewhere around, had to find them.

I came across this temple on my walk-about, I don't know it's name, it appeared to be made or covered in metal maybe tin or aluminium, Highly detailed work involved in the construction.

In the same area as the temple I found these run down but beautiful houses that had seen better days.

I went inside and asked the soldiers there if I could photograph the houses, it appears they were used as barracks for the soldiers, they said no problems. Have to be careful around here what you take pickies of.

                                  It would be nice to see these houses restored to their former glory.

                    Finally found the road leading to the main and probably the largest Wat in Yangon.

Shwe Dagon.

There were other temples leading up to the main Wat. I think this is Maha Wizara.

Maybe the Green Palace.

                                                              Main entrance to Shwe Dagon.

Exterior wall of the stairs leading up the Wat enclosure.

    Inside the enclosure, this place is amazing,  A photographers nightmare come true, so much to take in and      too much happening all at once, so much activity.

One of the many massive bells on this site.

The lady in pink is saying prayers while pulling a rope which operates a fan above the Large Buddha statue.

Priest about to sound a bell.

Another larger bell.

At the center of everything here the main pagoda.

         Detail of the spire capping of the main pagoda structure, hundreds of smaller bells moving in the                                                                         breeze, calling out.

Amid all the hustle and bustle this gentleman was still able to meditate.

Wat Tham Sua, Kanchanaburi, Thailand.

                                          Wat Tham Sua  
                                          Kanchanaburi

This Multi-coloured Wat is towards West Thailand only a few hours driving from Bangkok and not to far from the Thai-Myanmar border. It is usually know for the Thai-Burma railway which was built during the Second World War and the Bridge over the River Kwae as portrayed in the movie. There are many other interesting things natural and historic in the area to visit like river tours, caves, waterfalls and dramatic mountain views.

Approaching from ground level one can see some of  the many different towers and buildings constructed in various styles perched high on the hill above.

Always with the stairs.

Finally near the top looking back down.

This is the main Buddha statue situated on the main level.

Covered with thousands of small reflective gold tiles.

One of the many Buddhas covered in Gold leaf sitting at the front of the main Buddha.

Some of the buildings overlooking the main level.

Shrine with Chang (Elephant) images on the main level. 

Shrine seen from an upper level.

One can see the scale of the main Buddha image in this shot.

              Panoramic Views of the rice paddies and the mountains beyond behind the temple mountain.

The back wall of the main Buddha, around the base are the Tile donations that will be used for renovations or on the new extensions. 

Some of the smaller buildings on the main level containing images of Buddha and other religious treasures.

My reflection on the glass door, enabling one to see the Buddha inside.

                                           Many bells and Gongs to ring around this building.

                              Chinese style pagoda with more construction of extensions going on.

Views from upper level of neighboring building.

Beautiful ornate building, one of the main buildings at this location.

One of the many Buddhas inside this building.

Reclining Buddhas.

View from one of the upper levels looking directly down towards the main staircase.

Last look over the Rice paddies and mountains.