Rangoon Off The Beaten Path

4 more images

To visit Myanmar brewery Ltd. is free and easy.
It is located in Yangon`s suburb . Singapore investments , very good management.
Tennis court , football and volleyball fields.
You can buy some beer souvenirs there.
They produce Myanmar Lager , Tiger beer and ABC stout in bottles and cans, and also Anchor beer only in cans.
My favourite is Myanmar Lager.
Thanks to Mrs. Win Win Thant for her hospitality

This temple houses an enormous reclining Buddha and the eyes of the Buddha, which took 3 months to complete, are contributed by the Nar Ga glass factory. I especially like the Buddha's feet with inscriptions of the zodiacs and scriptures.

Something interesting to point out is the mould of Buddha's face below the head of the reclining statue. As you fix your eyes on the mould and move around the casing, the face will continue to look at you but with different expressions.

1 more image

I'm totally lost with the directions of the glass factory, but local guides should know. The glass factory is situated in this cut off, jungle like place and you had to wind through a narrow mud path to reach it. Glass works are strewn all over the place and if you like any of it, just point and have it cleaned up for you. There is a short introduction and demonstration to the handmade glass work and you can get real close to the furnace.

Apparently, many Italian importers send in moulds and pick up the glass products for export to Europe. At first sight, you would most likely be appalled by the primitive surroundings and lack of care for the glass works. Something for glass enthusiasts.

One of the things I noticed in Myanmar (Burma) was the proliferation of religions and the apparent tolerance there is amongst the various groups. Obviously, Buddhism is the predominant faith, but there are many Hindu and Sikh places of worship, along with a noticeable Christian element and quite a number of Moslem mosques.

What I wasn't quite prepared for, however, was the sight of an Armenian Christian Church in the centre of downtown Yanogn (Rangoon) and yet the photograph proves it is there. In a country full of unusual sights, I found this one of the strangest. I certainly didn't meet any Armenians when I was there. Should you wish to worship, or just go for a look, the address is the Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist, No. 66, 40th St., Yangon (Rangoon). Actually, it looked shut when I was there, but I'm sure it would be open for worship on sunday.

Came across this small temple when i was walking from Boyoke Aung San market to Shwedagon. Rather unusual, the facade is completely covered with mirror mosaic. Look like a fairy tale castle rather than a temple. Located at the right hand of Shwedagon Paya Road, towards the direction of Shwedagon.

I had wanted to meet a professor of anthropology at the university and was having problems getting in touch with her. so with the aid of the driver of the car decided to drive to the university. It is well known that foreigners are not allowed to enter university of yangon. i took off my scarf and other acoutrements which denoted me as a foreigner and drove into the university and the guard did not give any trouble.
went into the spacious grounds and sat at the tea shop sipping tea while watching students coming and going. somewhat subdued an atmosphere. it is not a live in university and the architecture is notably british colonial.
i enjoyed my respite there and still was not able to meet the professor of anthropology

Taking the local slow train to have a round Yangon trip is one of my fondest memories of this city.
As is a circle trip, you theorictically can start and end at any stations; however, I started and ended at the central station, from where you can either travel clockwise or anti-clockwise around all the local stations. As you trundle along you'll pass through stations in the hectic hubbub of people going about their business and stations in the green countryside. It's a wonderful way to see everyday life of Yangon outside of downtown and is an easy and relaxing way to do it, and, you'll also find yourself being very interestedly watched.
The whole trip takes about 3 hours. It costs US$1 per passenger. There are 7 trains daily.

Cuba is well represented overseas by intelligent, charming and articulate people who wish to help the countries they are in. ( even if Cuba itself is very poor ). My Cuban connection pays off each time..
My friends at Bogyoke market made sure that I knew about the Coach of the Boxing team of Myanmar is a Cuban and that he stays at Olympic Hotel ( to look him up the next time since at the time of my visit he was off to Hanoi for SEA games with his wards ). The Government of Cuba maintains good relations with all the countries of South East Asia ( regardless of local politics )