Yangon & Ngwe Saung

Myanmar opened its doors for tourists already in the early '90s but it wasn't considered as a safe travel country until 2012. This aspect makes it quite interesting for adventurous travellers, because it is not yet overflown by tourists. On the other hand, the infrastructures aren't yet fully adapted to the 'European standard'.
Nevertheless, we had a good time in Myanmar, listed as one of the most corrupt countries in the world.
Our first stop was Yangon, where we tried to cure Estelle's flu with a lot of sleep and quiet time. We visited the most important sight of the Burmese Buddhism, the Shwedagon Pagoda and rejoiced ourselves over some very tasty sushi at a Burmese sushi restaurant next to our hostel.
To get some more rest, we then travelled to the Westcoast of Myanmar, Ngwe Saung, to do some sunbathing at those deserted golden beaches.

After regaining some strength, we continued our journey towards the North of the country, to the archaeological site of Bagan.

Pigeons waiting in line next to a Hindu temple in Yangon.

Sometimes one picture says more than a thousand words.

Some buildings are seized by nature.

Sharing a coffee and a cigarette with a local (retired) carpenter.

In the middle of the 2500 years old Shwedagon Pagoda are apparently buried eight hairs of the Buddha Siddhartha.

Each birth year is represented by an animal. You have to find yours and pour as many cups of water over its head as you have years. Every Buddhist has to do this procedure at least once in his lifetime.

Every Burmese man joins a monastery as a monk twice in his life: Once as a kid and once as an adult (at least for one week or longer).

Trying to get the grace of one of the many Buddhas.

The stupa of the Pagoda is made out of concrete with bricks and big plates of solid gold on the outside. Thousands of Diamonds and other gemstones are incorporated in this huge Pagoda, which makes it the most expensive one in the world.

During the early morning hours, the Westcoast of Myanmar was still quite cold.

Some take their dogs for a walk in the park, some stroll around the beach with their oxen.