THE road to Mandalay conjures up so many tropical fantasies. I am sure it once looked like this but thanks to Chinese investment in Myanmar's infrastructure, today it is a fast moving highway. Mandalay, the last royal capital of Burma was established in 1857. It is a drab city bit the environs are much more interesting.
The city of INWA aka AVA aka RATNAPURA establishes in 1364 is like stepping back in time. The nicest entrance is by boat across the narrow Myitnge River where you can transfer to a horse and card for a bumpy yet leisurely tour of the ruins.
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| Festive but a little cramped and bumpy. |
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| The leaning tower of Inwa, is all that remains of the Bagyidaw's palace. |
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| Sorry guys but it's a narrow and dusty road. |
SHWE INBIN KYAUNG monastery dates from the 19th century. It is relatively well preserved but the exterior does not do the interior any justice.
IT IS FAMOUD FOR ITS RICHLY CARVED DOORWAYS, WINDOWS AND PARTITIONS
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| The interior is quite regal in it dusty austere feel |
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| THE ONLY COLOR I WAS FROM THIS LACQUERED TRUNK |
Tucked away in one corner was a little school for novice monks.
Picture of the founding monk of the school.
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| The doorways are carved in high BURMESE STYLE with birds and animals. |
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| BEST TO LIE ON THE FLOOR TO TAKE THIS PICTURE |
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| U MIN THONZE PAGODA |
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| DISCO BUDDHA, 1 OF 45 IN THE PAGODA |
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| U BEIN BRIDGE, THE LONGEST TEAK WOOD BRIDGE IS THE WOLD. A TAD BORING! |
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| Longyi are worn daily by Burmese. |
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| Sandamini Pagoda. Buddhist scripture is chiseled into 1774 stone tablets and each one housed in an individual pagoda. |
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| SHWE NANDAW KYAUNG MONASTERY. FIT FOR A KING! |
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