Sights Near Mandalay, February 2014
We are about to cross the Yadanabon Bridge over to the west side of the Irrawaddy River. This bridge was built by a Chinese company in 2008. The original "Inwa Bridge" was built by the British in 1934. It is still in use also, built can no longer handle the weight of big trucks.
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Looking west across the Irrawaddy towards Sagaing Hill, our destination.
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The shrine is cut into a cave on Sagaing Hill.
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Umin Thounzeh (literally 30 Caves) is one of the more distinctive complexes on the main hilltop, a colorful crescent-shaped colonnade within which there are 45 Buddha images.
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The Soon Oo Ponya Shin Pagoda is located on the top of the Sagaing Hill. It is one of the oldest temples on Sagaing Hill. It was built in 1312 by Minister Pon Nya. Pagoda Festival is held on the fullmoon day of Waso (July).
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The Soon Oo Ponya Shin Pagoda is located on the top of the Sagaing Hill. It is one of the oldest temples on Sagaing Hill. It was built in 1312 by Minister Pon Nya. Pagoda Festival is held on the fullmoon day of Waso (July).
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Closeup of stupa with umbrella. The umbrella is the elaborate piece at the top.
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Laundry Day
Women doing laundry along the shore of the Irrawaddy River in Min Kun, Myanmar.
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If you arrive at Mingun on the river these steps and statues are the first thing you see. They lead up to a small temple.
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Buddha and buddha footprint in the temple.
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Man praying in the temple at Mingun.
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Standing buddha in the temple in Mingun.
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Mingun Pahtodawgyi
The Mingun temple is a monumental uncompleted stupa began by King Bodawpaya in 1790. It was not completed, due to an astrologer claiming that, once the temple was finished, the king would die. The completed stupa would have been the largest in the world at 150 metres (490 ft). Huge cracks are visible on the structure from the earthquake of 23 March 1839. (From Wikipedia)
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Looks like Harry Cary, but it's not. See the next photo to see who it is.
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I'm not sure why this guy gets a monument, maybe someone can tell me.
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This building holds the Mingun Bell, it was cast between 1808 and 1810.
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Mingun Bell
The Mingun Bell weighs 199,999 pounds. That's heavy! For example a Boeing 737-800 has a max takeoff weight of 174,200 pounds.
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The Mingun Bell does not have a clapper, it is rung by striking the outer edge.
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All your digital photo needs...in a hut.
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The white, circular Myatheindan Pagoda built in 1816.
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The white, circular Myatheindan Pagoda built in 1816.
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This bamboo raft on the Irrawaddy almost has a village on it.
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We are headed back to the east side of the Yadanabon Bridge to see more sights.
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This elderly monk was on our boat crossing the Myitnge River to Inwa. He said it was ok to take his photo.
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Man herding goats, Inwa, Myanmar.
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Bagaya Monastery was built with 267 gigantic teak wood posts.
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A rice paddy in Inwa with the Bagaya Monastery in the background.
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Children walking on the road through the rice paddys at the Bagaya Monastery.
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Man working in a rice paddy, Inwa, Myanmar.
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School girls on bikes passing rice paddys, Inwa, Myanmar.
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Our horse cart driver takes us through the Inwa West Gate.
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A horse cart ride through palm trees in Inwa, Myanmar.
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Man driving an ox cart through banana fields, Inwa, Myanmar.
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