According to Best-medical-schools, Burma is not for nothing called the state of “golden pagodas” or “golden country”. The number of these same pagodas exceeds the cosmic mark of several thousand. The country can be safely and openly called a huge nature reserve, in which traces of the most ancient and mysterious civilizations have been perfectly preserved. Over the centuries-old period of the existence of the state, as many as three great and powerful empires have been replaced here, the traces of whose presence will be eloquently told by hundreds of temples that have survived to our times and thousands of remnants and ruins. Even the most sophisticated and fastidious tourist will definitely not be indifferent to the view of the fragments of giant statues and dilapidated walls, where the jungle now reigns. The visiting card of the country is a fascinating journey through the mouth of the Ayeyarwaddy River, on the tall banks of which thousands of golden pagodas shine and sparkle. Yangon – the former capital of the state – perhaps the most mysterious city. Take a look at one of the oldest pagodas – Shwedagon, which was built approximately in the 5th century BC. The height of the building is more than 100 meters, and more than 8 thousand sheets of pure gold, 5 thousand chic and pure diamonds and 2 thousand precious and semi-precious stones were used to decorate it with gold sheets. In the pagoda itself, 4 hairs of the Buddha are kept. Do not miss the opportunity to see the giant statue of the reclining Buddha (Chaukhatgi Pai). Numerous pagodas and pagoda complexes of Botatung-Paya, Ein Do-Yar, Maha-Vizaya-Paya, Shwe-Pon-Puin-Paya, Kaba-Aye-Paya (a kind of “pagoda of universal peace” built to commemorate 2500 years of Buddhism), the tiny island pagoda Chauktan, the “Chinese Church” Heng-Hok-Kiok, the magnificent old St. Mary’s Cathedral, the bewitching Mausoleum of the Martyrs, the richest National Theater, the University, the amazing Karawijk Palace, the legendary Strand Hotel, Chinatown in the “Downtown”, the insanely beautiful and romantic pagoda areas in the vicinity of Inya and Kandogi lakes. Of course, the National Museum deserves special attention, which houses the famous golden throne of Sihasana-Lyon with a height of as much as 8 m and the regalia of absolutely all the kings of Burma, the Military Museum and Tatmado, a zoo built by the British, shopping areas such as Bokeik, Bogyok Aung and the market Taingyi Tsei on the street of the same name, as well as world-famous floating hotels of international class on the Yangon River. Speaking about the main attractions of this magnificent and ancient country, it is impossible not to recall such a luxurious place as Bagan (another name for Bagan). This is the most beautiful stunning city with its majesty and splendor. It was based on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, as the capital. The “capital of pagodas and temples” was destroyed back in the 13th century by the troops of the formidable Khan Kublai Khan, and after the destruction it was never restored. We can safely say that this place is one of the most amazing architectural monuments that have survived to our times on the whole Earth. Why are there only numerous temples (more than 5000) and the ruins of pagodas. All this tells us about the former greatness of Bagan. The city can also be proud of the world-famous building – Shvezigon or in the translation “Pledge of Victory”, created back in 1057. Do not refuse to see the rest of the pagodas, some of which are made in Chinese and Indian styles. For lovers of the history of the Middle Ages, a visit to the Bagan Museum with its impressive collection will be very interesting. And a few tens of kilometers from the city is the mountain Popa-Daung-Kalat, sacred to the inhabitants of Burma, whose height is more than one and a half kilometers. The place is really sacred: many locals have been making pilgrimages there since ancient times. It is worth looking into the capital of the ancient royal dynasty – Amarapura. This place is famous for the longest wooden bridge that has survived to this day. This is the Bein Bridge, created in the 18th century from teak. Its length is impressive – 1200 meters. In these parts, you can also easily get acquainted with the monastic traditions, as the Mahagandayon Monastery is located nearby. It is impossible not to remember the city of Ava (Inva). You can also hear such a name as Ratanapura or “city of gems”. It was built in ancient times as the capital of Myanmar. The trip to Magok will also be interesting. True, it is closed for general viewing, and it is possible to get there only after receiving special permission from the authorities (the processing time is huge – several weeks, and the cost is also not very pleasantly surprised). But those who managed to visit Magok will never forget it: plunge into the ancient world of Burma, look at life that has not changed its foundations for several centuries and get tremendous pleasure from excursions to the mines of precious stones. It is also strange that there are modern hotels in Magok, because the flow of tourists in those places is practically absent. Summing up the description of local attractions, it should be said about perfect hotels located in large cities, the service of which is by no means inferior to European ones,
National cuisine of Myanmar
Myanmar is famous for its rather extensive international composition, which means that the cuisine of such a people will appeal to the most sophisticated gourmets. Here you will find dishes from Thailand, and China and even India. But nevertheless, the national Burmese cuisine has a tremendous advantage and importance. The Burmese believe that food should have pronounced sweet and sour flavors in its taste. The predominant ingredients are fruits and vegetables (which is typical for tropical countries). Those who hate vegetarian meals will also like meat prepared by the Burmese, but they rarely eat it themselves. Of the varieties of meat, mainly the usual pork and beef are used, and dishes made from buffalo meat are considered a “highlight”. For everyday meals, dishes of crustaceans and fish, with a side dish of rice, are typical. But Burma can boast of having dishes only in European-class hotels, local residents prefer to eat from plates and bowls made from peeled pumpkins, while not using cutlery (everyone eats just with their hands). Notes of Indian cuisine can be heard in dishes that are very reminiscent of Curry. The Burmese believe that such dishes stimulate and improve blood circulation, which means that they have a positive effect on their health. Curry is traditionally served with spicy sauces, spices and pastes. By the way, you will find spiciness only in such cuisine, all the rest have a traditional sweet and sour taste. In drinks, residents prefer various types of teas or just water, but they are either neutral towards alcohol, and most often, they do not categorically accept it.
