Bago Things to Do

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After watching the studying session, visiting the kitchen we were taken to a dormitory where novice monks were settling. We had the chance to have a nice chat though struggling with problems in language communication. But still they were smiling and very happy to interact with foreigners.
It was a fine experience and very important things were understood: being novice monks didn't necessarily mean that they had given up everything. They loved to talk and read about Manchester United (!!), they were very interested in LP guidebook. But above all was a poster of a western girl in hot shorts and wet T-shirt in their room!!!!!
Leaving the dormitory we saw some young monks having their shower just before lunch. Another one was feeding young puppies adopted by the monastery.

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Our next stop was at the monastery's kitchen where we witnessed how food is cooked for such big number of monks living there.
Not only monks are cooking but they are escorted by civilians as well.
No electricity is used but the huge cooking pots are put on fire. Hygiene is questionable though.

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We arrived at the monastery around 10:30am after catching the bus at 8am from Yangon bus station. As soon as we got off we were approached by a dozen of taxi or even motorcycle drivers wishing to tour us around. Negotiate and choose whoever speaks better english and has the best vehicle.
Our drivers took us first here and we were lucky enough to see all novice monks in their class having their lesson. What is amazing is that their classes lack desks. The novice monks line on the ground and they seemed quite devoted to their studies as very few were interrrupted by our presence. Very inspiring were when they were repeating their lesson all in one voice!

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Perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of a monastery is to visit Bago's Kha Khat Wain Kyaung. Less touristy than the similar in Amarapura, it is the best place to socialize with monks who are more than happy to practice their english language skills.
Try to arrive there before their lunch time at 11 am.

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The Shwemawdaw or 'Great Golden God Pagoda' of Bago is one of the oldest pagodas in Bago: it is said to be more than thousand years old. Originally built to a height of 23 meters in the 8th century, was rebuilt higher several times (usually following great earthquakes) until it finally reached its present 114 meter stature in 1954. Legends say that enshrined beneath the towering pagoda are the hairs and teeth of the Buddha. Because of these relics, Shwemawdaw is visited by throngs of Buddhist pilgrims during all hours of the day and night.
Like the Shwedagon pagoda in Yangon, the stupa is reached by covered walkway lined by stalls though not as densely as its counterpart in the capital.
An interesting detail is found in the gigantic chinthe (half lion/half dragon guardian beast) at the western entrance in whose mouth there are small figures: the monk Shin Upagok (left) with one hand in his begging bowl and looking up to heaven and Shin Thiwali (right)
Another interesting feature is a part of the old brick pagoda that has fallen of the main structure during the latest earthquake.

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A bit off Bago's centre you'll be guided to one of the town's major sights: The Shwe-tha-lyaung Buddha statue.
This huge reclining statue is considered as one of the finest of its kind. This is due to Buddha's face who despite is lying in death position has a gentle expression showing that he had gained the highest level of Nirvana.
The dimensions are really impressive: it is 55m long and 16m high. Some parts of the body are interesting to mention their dimensions: ear=4.5m, little finger=3m, big toe=1.8m
The statue is thought to date from 10th century and it was restored in the 15th century. In british colonial times it was abandoned in the jungle and rediscovered in 1881. Soon after it was restored back again and placed for worship.

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Shwemawdaw Paya

Este temlo de 114m de altura domina toda la ciudad
Tiene más de 1000 años y alberga un diente y dos pelos de Buda.
Ha sufrido bastante en varios temblores de tierra pero durante los años lo han ido reconstruyendo
En la boca de los "Chinthe" que son las bestias que guardan el templo y son medio leon y medio dragon se alojan 2 Budas Mahayanas
This temple has 114 m high and it is over all the town
It has more than 1000 years and it keeps two Buddha hairs and one tooth
it has suffered a lot on several earthquakes but during the years they have rebuilt it
In the mouth of the "Chinte" , are the beasts that guard the temple and are half Lyon and half dragon are located two Buddhas

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Kha Khat Wain Kyaung

Una vez que se tiene el arroz se pasa alrefertorio donde tienen las mesas, el te y el resto de comida para comer mezclandolo en el cuenco de arroz.
No faltan las chocolatinas en las mesas

Once the monks have the rice they go to the refectory where they have the tables , the tea and the rest of the food to eat all mixing on their rice bowl
Chocolates are not missing on their tables