So a man named Titty takes us to a place called Sagaing to see a breast shaped Pagoda??!

Couldn't think of a better way to shorten the name for this blog... it was just too cute! We spent two full days in Mandalay. The first was spent getting lost in the back streets... visiting the palace... climbing up many many steps to Mandalay Hill as well as meeting monks as we wandered through their monestary (having gotten just a little lost on 14th street and 66th). The monks invited us to join them at their University to speak English.... I didn't understand them at first and will always regret that I said "after we see this sight" ... instead of "Sure ... I'm there!". When we excited the site they were gone... Oh well... we met many other people as we tried to find the world's largest book. Walked past it twice thinking the huge enclosure was just another massive number of stupas. The white stupas were sheltering a 'page' of the book. Probably covered a couple of acres.
We met a wonderful tri-shaw driver who spoke very good English and gave us lots of information. He also loves his job and love this that and the other thing. Very enjoyable ride home.
The hotel we booked had a pool which I must say, after a thousand steps to the hill, was a pleasure to come home to.
The next day we hired a driver to take us to the sites out of town. These included the Sagaing Pagoda and the view of the Breast shaped Pagoda. Shane had nightmares with the thought of sagging breasts reminding him of Southern Ethiopia.
We went to a tapestry factory which was really just a few women sewing beads and sequins on to velvet cloth. I bought a chinthe (lion) which reminded me of the book Dad published. There was a chinthe on the cover. Don't have a clue what I'll do with it. Will probably turn in to a pillow cover.
Part of the day took us to Amapura where we walked along a 1.2km teak bridge across the lake to a small village. Interesting but so many tourists. It was fascinating to watch the fishermen. Two lines of boats slap the waters scaring fish to the nets. They sort of circle the wagons trapping the fish inside. It is quite beautiful to watch.
Back on the road I was reminded of the story we were told about the whims of those in power. Apparently it was decided that the country would get ahead if they drove on the right so one day everyone was told to change. Overnight! I can't imagine the chaos the next morning.
Everyone here carries their lunch to work in three tiered cans that lock together. On the way back we stopped at the market and bought one of these and a couple of spoons as well as food for our journey tomorrow. The boat to Bagan.