We woke up in Yangon formerly known as Rangoon when the city was Myanmar capital before 2005. The city is modern and remains the economic, cultural centre of the country.
We started by walking around, randomly, and we clearly had a different experience compared to Bagan, Kalaw, Mandalay and even the touristic Inle lake. Traffic was heavy but organized. Fast food restaurants were built within massive supermarkets. Glass skyscrapers were visible amongst the old crumbling colonial buildings.
We used the app Grap - yes the handy app works in Yangon - to drive to Yangon downtown. We went on a shopping spree at the local Bogyoke Aung San Market near the majestic Holy Trinity Catholic Church. We crossed the road and ventured into the brand new and gigantic commercial gallery, junction city.
Later that day, we explored the famous the Shwegadon Pagoda. The religious building was a solid brick stupa covered with gold and hundreds of diamonds. We walked in a clockwise direction as we marvelled at the glistening gold of the biggest spiritual attractions of Yangon if not Myanmar.
Locals and tourists alike started to flock the Buddhist temple. We enjoyed our favourite activity: people watching. Women dressed in very bright and elegant dresses were offering flowers to their divinities, men pouring water on their statues, monks were meditating when novices were following them as Padawans followed their Jedi. The sunset was supposed to be spectacular. So we waited for it and that was quite a sight to behold. So if you come to Yangon, don't miss out on the sunset by the Shwegadon Pagoda.
