Smile for golden Myanmar

Welcome to our travel blog, where we take you on a journey to one of the most enchanting countries in Southeast Asia - Myanmar. Our trip to Myanmar in 2018 was an unforgettable experience, filled with rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. From the bustling city of Yangon to the serene Inle Lake and the magical Bagan, we had the chance to explore the diverse beauty of Myanmar. In this blog, we share with you some interesting facts about the country, our amazing experiences in Yangon, Inle Lake, and Bagan, and the memories we made along the way. So, sit back, relax, and join us on our journey through the golden land of Myanmar.

The golden Pagoda you can see on the following pictures is the the Shwedagon Pagoda:

A Jewel of Myanmar's Spiritual Heritage

The Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in Myanmar, and a symbol of the country's rich spiritual and cultural heritage. Located in the heart of Yangon, the pagoda is a towering golden structure that is visible from miles away and attracts millions of visitors every year.

At an impressive height of over 328 feet, the Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the largest and most sacred Buddhist temples in the world. It is said to house eight strands of the Buddha's hair, which were donated by two sisters and enshrined in the pagoda over 2,500 years ago. This makes it a highly revered site for Buddhists from all over the world, who come to pay their respects and offer prayers.

The pagoda is covered in gold plates and is adorned with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and other precious gems. It is estimated that the pagoda is covered in over 60 tons of gold, making it one of the most valuable religious structures in the world. The golden spire is topped by a gem-studded umbrella, which is said to represent the Buddha's teachings and serves as a symbol of the path to enlightenment.

One of the most striking features of the Shwedagon Pagoda is its intricate design and elaborate carvings, which depict scenes from Buddhist mythology and tell the story of the Buddha's life. Visitors can admire the intricate details of the carvings as they climb the steep steps to the top of the pagoda, where they are rewarded with breathtaking views of Yangon and the surrounding countryside.

The Shwedagon Pagoda is also a center of community life in Yangon, and is a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Throughout the year, the pagoda is the site of festivals, ceremonies, and other events that bring people together to celebrate the country's rich cultural heritage.

In conclusion, the Shwedagon Pagoda is a remarkable and awe-inspiring structure that is steeped in spiritual and cultural significance. With its towering height, golden dome, and intricate carvings, it is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the Myanmar people, and a true jewel of their spiritual heritage. Whether you are a devout Buddhist or simply a curious traveler, the Shwedagon Pagoda is a must-see destination that offers a glimpse into the heart of Myanmar's rich cultural heritage.

Oh, the selfies! If there's one thing we learned from our trip to Myanmar, it's that the locals there love taking pictures. Everywhere we went, we were constantly bombarded with requests for selfies. At first, we thought it was just a one-time thing, but boy were we wrong! It seemed like every time we turned around, someone was asking us for a picture.

We soon found ourselves posing for endless selfies with complete strangers. From market vendors to temple guards, no one was safe from our camera lens. We even had a whole bunch of kids running after us just to get a selfie with the "foreigners." It was like we were mini celebrities!

All in all, our selfie obsession was one of the most memorable parts of our trip to Myanmar. We came back with hundreds of pictures, each one more ridiculous than the last. It was a fun, if not exhausting, experience, and we wouldn't trade those memories for anything. So if you're planning a trip to Myanmar, brace yourself for a selfie overload and have a sense of humor ready!