Day 34 - To the Golden Rock

Having some complications with booking flights and hotels on our own, we decided to let SST do almost all of the rest of our trip, specifically, 1) a trip to the Golden Rock, 2) some day trips around Yangon, 3) a trip to Mandalay and into northern Shan state for some trekking, and 4) a trip to Rakine state, including Mrauk U, Sittwe and Ngapali Beach.

The Golden Rock (Shwe Taung) is a premier pilgrimage site for Buddhists from several countries, and a tourist "must see". We rode in a private car to the base...



where we caught one of the shuttles that take visitors for a wild ride up to the rock through hairpin turns.



We then had a bit of a walk, with porters carrying our luggage in woven baskets...




and then a little downhill to our hotel (green roof on the left)...







where there were some pretty nice views.



The Rock itself lives up to its reputation, and I'm sure its over-photographing is divinely forgiven. We were there at sunset, by Mr. Soe's plan.

































Mr. Soe entertained us at dinner with a song from his native Rakine state...



and we finished the day by strolling about on the large, tiled platform where many pilgrims spend the night.












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