Mandalay. To most Westerners, it is one of the most exotic-sounding cities in the Far East. Unfortunately, the only thing exotic about modern-day Mandalay is its name.
Electricity works but only intermitently; cars exist but are as rare as a cool breeze; poverty looms large but crime is never a concern. Undeniably, Mandalay is a fascinating wreck of a city.
On a clear day, climb up temple-encrusted Mandalay Hill for panoramic area views. Then, take in an evening marionette performance or laugh your way through the non-stop political satire of a Moustache Brothers show.
Even better are the sites surrounding the city: the ancient cities of Ava and Mingun, the scenic U Bein's bridge or the Mahagandhayon Monastery where over 1,000 monks can be seen going through their daily rituals.
Date(s): July 2007. Album by David Kohl. Photos by David Kohl & Ross Rosenberg. 1 - 40 of 40 Total. 13795 Visits.
Entrance to Mandalay Hill Two giant "chinthes" (mythological offspring of lions or dogs) guard one of the entrances to Mandalay Hill.
View from Mandalay Hill View of the city of Mandalay. The moat that surrounds the palace can be glimpsed in the distance. According to legend Mandalay Hill was climbed by the Buddha.
Typical bus in Mandalay
Buddha stone carvers
Stone polishers These women are putting the finishing touches on a Buddha staue. There is a several-block district in Mandalay where Buddha statues are carved.
Bodhi flower necklace This sweetly fragrant bodhi flower necklace was often given as an offering at temples. The custom originated when followers of the Buddha used to offer a garland of flowers to him.
Pounding gold leaf Bits of gold are pounded into paper-thin sheets and then cut into squares. These squares are then sold in packets to devotees who press them onto Buddha statues or onto pagodas.
At a Moustache Brothers Show The Moustache Brothers welcome visitors into their home for a comedy show satirizing everything from the Myanmar government to their own relatives. Shown here is Par Par Lay performing.
Moustache Brothers Two brothers were arrested and imprisoned for several years after performing a show that made fun of the government in front of government officials. Shown here are (l to r) Par Par Lay, Lu Zaw and Lu Maw.
Mahagandhayon Monastery In the city of Amarapura on the outskirts of Mandalay is the Mahagandhayon Monastery, the largest monastery in the country. Monks line up with their rice bowls to receive their last meal of the day at around 10:15 a.m.
Serving rice to the monks Every Myanmar male is expected to spend at least two stays in a monastery during his lifetime: first as a novice (between the ages of 10 and 20) and later as a fully ordained monk (after the age of 20).
Download AVI Monks Bright red robes are reserved for novices; darker-colored robes for fully ordained monks. (Brief video of monks receiving their rice meal.)
Monks eating About 87% of the Burmese population is Buddhist.
Typical sleeping quarters of a monk Laypeople gain merit by donating rice and other food to monks. Families take pride in providing food, clothing, books and other goods to monks.
Nuns eating Girls often enter the monastery as nuns. They wear pink robes - though the color has been washed out in this photograph.
Silk spinning Amarapura silk "factory".
Mandalay gas station Gas is heavily rationed by the government. Car owners are only permitted to receive four gallons per week. If a driver needs more he will have to purchase from black market vendors like this one. Octane levels are notoriously low.
Umin Thouszeh This crescent-shaped colonnade is located atop Sagaing Hill.
Buddhas, Buddhas everywhere! Behind the colonnade is a dizzying display 45 Buddha images.
Sagaing Hill From atop Sagaing Hill you can enjoy views of the Ayeyarwady River and Mandalay - on a clear day.
Ferry to Ava The ancient city of Ava (or Inwa) can only be accessed by ferry. It is cut off from roads by a series of rivers and canals.
Ava ferry Ava was once the capital of the Bamar kingdom beginning in 1364. Northern Burma had once been known as the Kingdom of Ava. The city was abandoned in 1841.
Ava ferry close-up
Ava transport The only way to get around Ava is by oxcart or by walking. A typical house (on stilts) is in the background.
Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery at Ava built in 1822. It was badly damaged in an earthquake in 1838.
Ava monastery
Ava monastery What is it????
Ava Ferry Dock Two kids having fun as we await our return ferry ride back from Ava.
Wharf at Mingun Approaching Mingun. The incomplete Mingun pagoda can be seen in the background.
Mingun waterfront The river is laundry, bathing site and transportation thoroughfare.
Mingun taxi Go ahead: tell him you only want him to use the meter.
Mingun Pagoda In 1790 construction was started on this pagoda but was irreparably damaged by an earthquake in 1838.
Hsinbyume Pagoda Sorry, this pagoda was truly impressive but on this overcast day this photo was the best we could do.
Mingun Bell This is the largest uncracked bell in the world. It was meant to be housed in the uncompleted Mingun pagoda.
Mingun Bell It is customary to hit the bell three times - once for your father, mother and teacher - and then one more time for yourself. Some like to crawl inside to hear the reverberation more intensely.
Mingun waterfront
Ayeyarwady Vista It was the monsoon season when we visited. Water levels were high.
Ayeyarwady Temple This temple was surrounded by water during the rainy season.
River scene Houses close to the river had to be abandoned. Residents moved to temporary homes on higher ground.
U Bein's Bridge At over 3/4 mile long, U Bein's Bridge is the longest teak bridge in the world...and it is nearly 250 years old.
