World -> Asia

Myanmar (Burma) - Specifics

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Bagan: Bagan is an archaeological zone of more than 2,200 temples and pagodas on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwady River, about 145 km (90 miles) southwest of Mandalay. This 67 square km (26 square miles)region was the capital of the ancient kings of Bagan, who filled the plain with as many as 4,400 temples to earn religious merit during the height of the kingdom (11th and 13th centuries). Betel nut: A very large number of people in Myanmar chew betel nut; the ingredients are mixed on a leaf and a stick is scraped through the white gloop, which is smeared over the leaf. The leaf is then folded into a small packet, and enclosed in a small cellophane pouch. Users place the betel nut quid in their mouth and slowly suck. The lime breaks down the ingredients quickly, leaving a pleasant but bitter spearmint-like taste in the mouth. The Moustache Brothers: The Moustache Brothers perform their show every evening in Mandalay. The show is a mix of political satire, traditional dance, and comedy sketches. The artists have repeatedly put themselves at risk for supporting Aung San Suu Kyi's democratic movement, and two of the members have served years of imprisonment.
Bagan temple in the early morning mist	Temples in Bagan	View over Bagan
Ananda Pahto with its beautiful golden spire	Bagan in the early morning	Bagan temples in late afternoon light
Woman preparing a leaf with betel nut	The Moustache Brothers performing in Mandalay	One of the famous Moustache Brothers performing