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Shwedagon Paya (pagoda) in the center of Yangon is beyond description, its golden spire (part solid gold, part gold leaf) embedded with literally thousands of precious jewels. We were joined by a few other tourists, but mostly by local Burmese families and monks of all ages. The setting is peaceful yet exciting.
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| The golden pagoda is simply unbelievable, both up close and at a distance. |
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| Here we are, right in front of Shwedagon Paya ("pagoda"). |
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| One makes merit by pouring "holy" water at the statue set aside for the day one was born. After our guide used his cell phone to do the required research, we learned that Janet and David were both born on a Tuesday. |
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| Crowds of visitors, both locals and foreigners, come to pay homage. This large group was from Thailand, so David had some fun speaking with them. |
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| Janet and our wonderful guide, Mr. Lwin, admiring all the details of the golden carvings. |
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| David and a famous bell, stolen by the British in 1851 but dropped into the river. The Burmese were able to recover it later (by floating bamboo under it) after the Brits gave up trying. |
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| A young monk pouring the water, presumably on his birthday statue. |
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| Another young monk. They are everywhere around the pagoda, coming here from the countryside to study Buddhist teachings. |
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| Volunteer sweepers appear twice a day, in organized groups; this one was near sunset. They make merit by doing this work. |
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