AboutNancy B Expertise One of my all-time favorites. I`ve been there more than 10 times (for at least a month each time), done the tourist loop five times and travelled to several permit-only areas. Aside from the Yangon, Bago, Inle, Kalaw, Mandalay, Pagan, Pyay route, I`ve travelled twice to Sittwe, Mrauk-U and the Chin areas and then down to Ramree Island, Ngapali and Pathein. Been on the wonderful boat from Bhamo to Mandalay and sojourned in the south a bit past Moulmein. Most recently I trekked in the northern Kachin state, camped and stayed with the Rawang tribe, for 2 weeks on the way to Phonekan Razi to see the Himalayas from the east. I`ve taken nearly every mode of transport--trains, planes, buses, boats, bikes, oxcarts, trekking on foot. I can answer logistical questions about airfare, hotels, restaurants, trekking, trains, restricted/open areas and, especially, cultural/religious sites and their significance.
Experience The world is a fascinating place and nothing reveals this more thoroughly than exploring faraway lands. I've got a penchant for the exotic, a friendly face and a true curiousity about the people, art and life.
First I've to say that your answer was great help for my last year trip to kalaw-Inle area.
1. I'm planning for another trip to Sagaing-Monywa (5-6 days there), any suggestion would be appreciated especially "off the beaten track".
(I've already been to Mandalay and have only 2 great hour at Sagaing.!)
2. I've special interest in meditation center and planning to hire an independent tour guide for 1 day to show me 4-5 center in Yangon, How much will it cost - any reccommendation ?
Thank you very much,
Answer Hi, Nopanun. Glad to help!
Sagaing. I adore the place. A dreamy fairytale environment in the hills filled with nunneries and monasteries. In addition to seeing many ceremonies (especially if you watch your moon cycles . . . full moon's great), about 10 k outside of town is the Sri-Lankan style
Kaunghmudaw monastery . . . very sacred . . . though I don't know if they teach foreigners. (Sometimes known as "big tit" paya to the lay person for its dome shape.) Tips for Sagaing? Mostly, just explore. But it is delightful to take a regular local boat across the river to Ava where you can get a horsecart to take you around the ruins. I'd skip the silversmiths outside of Sagaing, but that depends on you. But a real treasure in this area are the 50-heddle silk weavers of traditional "acheik" (usually pink, green or purple, mixed colors) wavy patterned traditional sarongs for women (that originated with Mandalay royalty). You have to commission one, and they're expensive, but they're a true treasure of traditional non-commercial craft.
As for meditation around Yangon . . . I'd go to one of the temples, find a knowledgeable guy who speaks English and have them show you . . . for about $20USD. The tourist guides won't know a thing. I'd go to a smaller temple than Shwedagon . . . also the buddha net website lists many meditation centers in Yangon at : http://www.buddhanet.net/medburma.htm
Have fun!
Nancy B
