Bagan, An amazing plain of stupas and temples.
This brand new temple just near our hotel made us realise that most of the temples and stupas had been reconstructed to some degree. This one completely from a pile of rubble. This shows the before and after shots of a pile of broken bricks turned into a fancy temple. The first of many many buddhas we were to see. Here a lady is placing a thin sheet (about 1” square) of gold leaf onto the statue. It seemed to cost 1000 kyat ($1.25) for the gold leaf. A cool morning view over the temples of Bagan. The day temperature is always over 30 degrees. A steep and precarious climb down the temple stairs and always in bare feet. Another attractive temple. First flat tyre of the trip, we had 5 today . We chose a busy village crossroad to keep us amused while 2 repair were done. Gary watching the continual parade of goats and bullocks on their way to pasture. Bullock drays are a much used piece of farm equipment. Here they are carrying the feed home. Our first viewing of temple frescoes, this particular temple was highly decorated and well preserved Scenes depicted Buddha, highly decorated elephants, serpents and many repetitive motifs A huge golden Buddha with so much gold leaf applied that the feet are all knobbled. The gold leaf is applied to gain merit for the next life. An unusual scene of twin buddhas. Apparently only scene in Bagan. Huge golden standing buddha This was one of many similar scenes depicted in niches high up in one of the temples. The unusual thing about this one is it depicts “Nats” spirit beings from pre buddhist beliefs. In this scene they are carrying away a prince held high so his horses hooves would not be heard on the pavement. A sunset view of the tallest temple on the outskirts of old Bagan Sunset The reconstructed Buddha and behind some original frescos on the ceiling As part of the “full moon festivities” people were giving away money. Anything from 200 kyat to 10,000 kyat. And it was thorn by the handful to the gathered throng. A sumptuous feast for $6 each after an exhausting day. Sweet and Sour fish, tomato, carrot and morning glory salad with rice, washed down with 2 local beers and watermelon juice. Mmmm. DAY 2 and our first temple shows the reconstruction work This illustrates how modt of the brick structures would have been rendered. An impressive golden buddha The huge and very much still in use Shwezigon Paya in central Nyaung U. A communal shower or bath-house right next to the markets Our last Pagoda of the day! Lunch day two Bagan....all Templed out!