Weather is about 80 but humid so it gets hot. We just got back and we are pooped.

This morning was great. We visited the SHWEDAGON PAGODA. We have seen a lot of pagodas before but this was huge and amazing. Stunning pictures will follow.

For me personally I was more enthralled with the people. Very few westerners mostly Burmese. The girls were stunning. So tiny and beautifully dressed in traditional longyi (long skirts) and tops. Smiling and laughing the people were very happy. Quite a few men were wearing the tradition longyi skirts as well. The monks were everywhere and the nuns were dressed in pink and also had their heads shaved.

There was a lot of interaction with the locals they took my picture (think it is the blond hair) then we took their. picture. I had a wonderful time.

Many had what looked like white mud on their faces. This acts as sun screen and also supposed to stop wrinkles.

I hope there is not a change to jeans and tee shirts with the influence of western culture.

Amazing all the changes in the last ten years and even more changes in the last five years. Good guide that is sharing a lot of interesting information with us. Cell phones are everywhere now but ten years ago were about $2000 for a phone so hardly anyone had a cell phone.

We took a ride on a local train. Pretty dirty but interesting to see. Train stops were not all at stations just on the side of the tracks. People appeared to be living and working right next to the railroad line. Many people came through the train carriage selling peanuts, watermelon, oranges, quail eggs and other foods. I would not suggest this as something anyone should do.

We ate lunch at the Green Elephant cafe, family style food. Not my cup of tea but with my onion allergy it is difficult for me. Beef, fish and vegetables. Cute place though under umbrellas and the trees.

We did a downtown walking tour that was not that great in my opinion. Others may disagree of course. Mostly old English buildings in a state of decay with no plans to renovate these buildings.

We did visit a lovely Catholic Church that was preparing for a wedding. Flowers everywhere and very tastefully done.

We finished with a visit to a city lake and park that was refreshing after the downtown area.

Had a nice dinner at the hotel. Most had hamburgers that they said were very good. I ordered a vegetable plate and Brad ordered something green not sure about that but he ate it all.

This is a nice hotel. Very colonial, comfortable bed, nice bathroom. The decor is great I need to get Ken to take a few shots. We had our meals in a private room so it was very nice. Little lapses in service as I think things are lost in translation but that is okay they are always smiling and doing their best.