Page 18 - Explore Spring Summer 2019

TAKE A JOURNEY

BACK IN TIME

Blissfully untouched by mass tourism, Myanmar from the distractions of possessions or money. agenda, head for Bogyoke Market for jade, gold,
offers visitors a rare opportunity to travel back Witnessing village people handing out food to traditional crafts and more.
in time. Its melting pot of cultures consists of a daily line-up of monks was a poignant and
more than 135 different ethnic groups, each with humbling experience. As in most Buddhist If you only visit one temple in Myanmar, head
its own history, culture, language and cuisine. countries, a sense of calm pervades daily life, for Shwedagon Pagoda, a stunning vision in gold
Add to that some spectacular natural scenery particularly in rural areas. that is best visited early in the morning before
and a crumbling colonial charm and you have a the big tourist coaches arrive. It’s great to see
truly special destination. We, however, began in the bustling and buzzing a temple so well loved and used by the locals.
city of Yangon, where modern high-rises are Make sure you are modestly dressed, with knees
Buddhism plays an important role in Burmese under construction adjacent to century-old and shoulders covered (a sarong is great to
society, as evidenced by the many temples and colonial buildings. There's a sense of energy carry around for this). Another handy tip when
monasteries dotted throughout the country. everywhere: as we arrived we drove past people visiting temples is to wear slip-on shoes in order
Much of the population spends time at some enjoying tai chi exercises at the People’s Park, to avoid taking lace-up sneakers on and off many
point in their lives as a monk or nun, living a bustling roadside stalls, and boisterous kids times a day!
simple life of study and contemplation, free coming home from school. If shopping is on your