We had a very leisurely last morning at our hotel on the beach and took off for Yangon at around noon. Before taking off, we did take an important, and representative, group shot:
First stop in Yangon was the extremely glitzy mall across from the Sedona. Several of the time travelers wanted to purchase coffee and tea, and many others wanted a bite for lunch. Our planned 30 minutes inevitably turned into something much longer (hint: blame the pizza eaters).
We then drove immediately to the enormous reclining Buddha in central Yangon: 66 m long and, of course totally gilded.
Much of the statue was covered in bamboo scaffolding, as this was the time period in which the statue was being regilded. As we were to see at several other pagodas here, those who wished to venerate the Buddha at this time could put a donation of gold into a little carriage which was conveyed to a Golden Gate high up on the statue.
We all then repaired to our new hotel, the Inya Lake. The hotel had certain advantages compared to the Sedona: it had a much more local feeling, it was set directly in a beautiful spot on the lake. On the downside could certainly have used some refurbishing, as it was pretty rough around the edges.
After a short break, we boarded the bus again for a return visit to Shwedagon. We arrived just before sunset and were treated to the really magical light as twilight reflects off the innumerable golden stupas. The terraces were much busier than they had been in the rain, and gave the place a completely different feeling.
Our long day ended with a really splendid dinner at Le Planteur, the remarkably French restaurant on Inya Lake. We all sat together — sadly, for the last time on this trip — at a large table on the terrace directly on the lake, surrounded by twinkling lights in the trees and shrubs. We toasted to intern, and spent the evening with wonderful food and wonderful conversation. Before we knew it, it was time for Patti, David, Debbe, and Gail to jump in the van for the airport. We were sorry to see them go, but we are confident that we will see at least Patti and David here again: they have Burma in their blood!