We spent our last morning in Yangon walking the meandering wooden boardwalk of Kandawgyi Lake, the stupa of Shwedagon Paya visible in the distance and providing a mirror image in the lake water. It was hot.
At the far end of the lake a Disneyland-like structure dominates. Karaweik is a concrete reproduction of a royal barge and serves as a venue for traditional dance.
A short drive away and on to one of Myanmar's most beautiful reclining buddhas. The tranquil face of Chaukhtatgyi tops an enormous structure housed in a hanger-style building to protect its diamond encrusted head and golden robes from the elements.
At the buddha's feet there is a small shrine to Ma Thay, a monk with the power to stop rain and grant a safe journey to sailors.
Before making our way to Yangon airport for the short flight to Heho we made one final visit to the eastern side of Shwedagon Paya - it does tend to draw one back. We strolled through the surrounding streets and their stalls selling flowers, Buddhist robes and accessories --- all the paraphernalia associated with a serious visit to the temple.
We enjoyed fresh papaya smoothies with San at an open air restaurant overlooking Kandawgyi Lake before leaving Yangon.
The venue was heavily promoting its upcoming Valentine’s Day menu – Surf and Tuft – alarming for the poor rabbit being the Year of the Rabbit claims to embody peace and tranquility!
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