Seeing Mandalay’s lovely temples, I understand how taken Rudyard Kipling was with this place. As the plane slowly descends to the runway, one sees a vast dry plain. The landscape remains that way as you drive towards the city center. Soon plains turn to concrete and roads turn to streets.
The shuttle finally discharges me at AD.1 Hotel located in a small side street near the market. It’s a simple place and surprise! surprise has goid wiring wifi.
I spend the rest of the afternoon at Mandalay’s top sites which include the Royal Palace which is truly fit for royalty with its immense and spacious compound. The buildings are mostly reconstructions, though.
Unlike Bangkok’s royal place, it wasn’t teeming with too many people. Maybe because it was late in the afternoon already. Yeah, I know some refuse to pay the $10 combo ticket which includes the other sights but hey might as well see Mandalay’s sights (more on the political-ethical issue in another post).
Hired a motorbike taxi (MKK 15,000) to bring me to the pagodas and to Mandalay Hill for sunset.
The Shwenandaw Kyaung is a lovely richly carved monastery.
Feminists will be up in arms on this, though.
If your library looked like this, it would be such a pleasure to read. Just some of the rows of “pages” in the “book” in Kuthodaw Paya. You not only get to read but you get to exercise as you walk from row to row.
It also houses a 127-year old tree. Like a lot of elderly things, this one c also needs propping-up.
However, Sandamuni Paya has more “books.”
It also has a lovely stuppa.
Up to Mandalay Hill for the obligatory sunset and view of the sprawling and flat city.
Here’s the temple.
But what I really like is the circle of clay water containers for thirsty people.
I ended the day with dinner at the Green Elephant. The Mushrooms with Burmese Shrimp Paste and Coconut Ricebwas tasty and delicious.
Dessert was Green Sago with Coconut Cream.
Then on to the Mandalay Marionettes Theater for a show.
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