Shwe means GOLD! Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon

Suba, Phoo and I at the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon

After we checked into our hotel, showered, napped and recovered, we met another classmate Phoo and her boyfriend to try and schedule our trip.  We organized bus tickets, instituted a potential itinerary, called several hostels in the area, and booked the first leg of our trip.  After we got the logistics out of the way, we had a delicious dinner, walked around Inya lake admiring the sunset, and went to Shwedagon Pagoda.  

According to historical record, the Shwedagon Pagoda is over 2500 years old since BC 588 making it the oldest Pagoda and the most ancient historical Pagoda in both Myanmar and in the world.  In truth, this 2500 year old testament to religious faith is the very heart and soul of Myamar.  Every good Buddhist tries to make at least one pilgrimage here in their lifetime.  The compound houses 83 buildings, temples and pagodas.  Over the years, the zedi (stupa) has grown to 98 m tall and has reportedly accumulated more than 53 metric tons of gold leaf.  The top of the spire is encrusted with more than 5000 diamonds and 2000 other stones.

Candles lit at the pagoda

You could see it from miles away.  GOLD.  Phoo explained that during the day, it is mainly filled with tour groups, but at night, it is really reserved for locals.  As we entered the massive compound, I quickly realized I stood out like a sore thumb (when do I not stick out these days?!) and became very self-conscious of my surroundings.  We were perhaps the only tourists in the entire compound – and it was very apparent that the place was still in good use by the local people.  Phoo and her boyfriend took us around the enormous complex – explaining its history and letting us admire every piece of architecture, gold and decor it had to offer.  I would highly recommend coming at night as it was beautiful to see such a colossal pagoda being used by so many people.  I have felt, for example, at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, that it really is not utilized for more than trapping tourists.  Here – it was wonderful to see such wide-spread use out of a beautiful structure.