What a demonstration of opulence. I am satiated. I’m also struck by the lack of crowds. Seems unusual for such a magnificent display. Thanks for including the selfie.💕Nonna
I was about to post my thoughts and then I saw what Nonna wrote. I echo her sentiment. Where are the hoards of people and tourist busses? Also noted: there is an ATM inside the temple?! They sure like gold. What is the primary religion? There seem to be some X-mas type decorations as well as a Buddhist temple and maybe some Hindu god statues. Your haircut looks nice. You look healthy. Is that a night market outside the temple complex? Have you been exploring the night markets? Are you taking a cooking class in Yangon? Love, Mom
I was also surprised at how empty the pagoda was. I don’t see many tourists here in general, so that could be a factor.
The pagoda was fairly commercial, especially in the entrance hall, which was filled with souvenir shops and, as you noted, an ATM and currency exchange. I took that picture in particular because of the parallel to the story of Jesus driving out the money changers. The main plaza was less commercial, with a few food and drink vendors scattered around, as well as several stalls that seemed to be selling the same thing, but I couldn’t tell what.
The primary religion is Buddhism, and I believe the statues you’re talking about are Buddhist.
I’m not sure what night market you might be talking about, unless you mean the picture of Sule Pagoda (a different pagoda I passed later) in the Miscellaneous Sightseeing post, in which case I don’t think it was a particular night market, just a busy part of the city.
I’ve been exploring the night markets a bit, and was planning to do some more tonight, but I’m feeling a bit sick. Hopefully I feel better before the vendors pack up. (time of writing: 19:30).
I’m not taking a cooking class in Yangon, but I am signed up for one in Bangkok!
Ari's Travels 
What a demonstration of opulence. I am satiated. I’m also struck by the lack of crowds. Seems unusual for such a magnificent display. Thanks for including the selfie.💕Nonna
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Thanks for the pics Ari. I wish I could smell the aromas and hear the sounds, a fantastic environment.
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I was about to post my thoughts and then I saw what Nonna wrote. I echo her sentiment. Where are the hoards of people and tourist busses? Also noted: there is an ATM inside the temple?! They sure like gold. What is the primary religion? There seem to be some X-mas type decorations as well as a Buddhist temple and maybe some Hindu god statues. Your haircut looks nice. You look healthy. Is that a night market outside the temple complex? Have you been exploring the night markets? Are you taking a cooking class in Yangon? Love, Mom
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Answering your questions in order:
I was also surprised at how empty the pagoda was. I don’t see many tourists here in general, so that could be a factor.
The pagoda was fairly commercial, especially in the entrance hall, which was filled with souvenir shops and, as you noted, an ATM and currency exchange. I took that picture in particular because of the parallel to the story of Jesus driving out the money changers. The main plaza was less commercial, with a few food and drink vendors scattered around, as well as several stalls that seemed to be selling the same thing, but I couldn’t tell what.
The primary religion is Buddhism, and I believe the statues you’re talking about are Buddhist.
I’m not sure what night market you might be talking about, unless you mean the picture of Sule Pagoda (a different pagoda I passed later) in the Miscellaneous Sightseeing post, in which case I don’t think it was a particular night market, just a busy part of the city.
I’ve been exploring the night markets a bit, and was planning to do some more tonight, but I’m feeling a bit sick. Hopefully I feel better before the vendors pack up. (time of writing: 19:30).
I’m not taking a cooking class in Yangon, but I am signed up for one in Bangkok!
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