43 Metric Tons Of Gold

Yangon, Myanmar was formerly known as Rangoon, Burma. The oppressive military government changed the name, hoping to gain support from the 131 minority ethnic tribes. The Brits named the area "Burma", because the majority tribe is the Burms.

Ironically, neither the Burms, nor the other tribes seem to like the dictated change in names.

Going to Burma is going back in time. The internet is blocked, most areas are off limits to foreigners, and some (including the new, isolated capital) are even off limits to Burmese (Myanmarians?).

In the heart of Yangon/Rangoon is a massive Buddhist temple, The Shwe Dagon Pagoda. The central spire, known as a chedi or stupa, stands 98 meters high and is coated with 43 metric tons of gold. Atop the traditional umbrella at the peak of the stupa is the world's second largest diamond.

By the way, some Burmese are not above discussing the disliked, dictatorial government. We were even told that some fear that "The Generals" had stolen the diamond!

One reason YouTube is blocked is because a video of the wedding of the head general's daughter was uploaded there. The wedding reportedly cost US$50 million.

Like many temples, Shwe Dagon contains many buildings - 81 in this case. It is beautiful, and while peaceful it is neither sombre nor especially quiet.

If you'd care to see more, here is a brief video showing the locals strolling the wide walkways:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ej7OrdQhCDY&feature=youtube_gdata_player