worshippers make sacrifices. All around the main stup (behind) are the days of the week, which in Burma is associated with an animal. People born on a certain day worship to that animal to bring prosperity and wellbeing
Shwe Dagon stands for "Golden Temple" and is probably the most sacred place in Yangon. The complex was built over 2500 years ago to hold eight hairs of the Lord Buddha. Over time, its spiritual qualities and religious significance has attracted countless pilgrims. As the result the temple has expanded enormously, and the original stupa been built upwards.
The luxury and rich decorations are really a feast for the eyes. A friend said that before the temple was open to the public at all times...but because of people stealing the gold leaf and jewelries, they've had to close it after 10pm, only to open at 4am to allow people to make offerings to the monks and statues.
The government spent a lot of money and effort moving this massive boulder from Central Myanmar to the capital. The boulder was carved into this one-piece statue, which stands around 8 storys tall, and is believed to have spiritual powers.
This country gets a lot of bad publicity in the international press because of its regime. But look behind the miliatary men and junta, and there is a beautiful country and people to be discovered...
Indonesia was the first 'developing country' I ever stepped foot on. And the contrasts were shocking. Many things I saw tore my heart apart and made me question what it is in the world that can allow such things to happen...
I'm still searching for the answer.
Street children
Little feet walking naked in the rain, Little fingers, clutching coins of silver and gold. Ragged clothes and soiled faces, Street life is not one of riches.
Cars and buses roar thundering by, Yet each is a stage, a land of opportunity. They perform their arts, songs and dance, Or reveal their little sad stories.
Little feet walking on potholed roads, Little fingers, clutching onto dear survival. Little guitars, and sweet little voices, In a big grown-up world, one of untold vices.
All the while, Keeping up a sweet little smile I… I… I too was once a child.
(July, 2005)
beggars outside a temple homless lady, sleeping in the shade
mother and half naked child, barefoot on the street
My favourite: soto ayam (chicken soup with vermicilli) mouth savouring already at the thought..
the stand I went often, breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just snack, they're there! memories Traditional lady selling drinks on the streets. She carries a huge basket full of different kinds of syrups and water, and sells them to passerbys