First batch of photos from Burma. Since we didn't write much about Burma, I'm glossing the photos a bit.

Shwedagon Paya in Yangon
Shwedagon Paya is the most beautiful paya (temple complex) in the entire country. The most important structure in a paya is the central zedi, also known as a stupa or pagoda. A zedi is basically a structure that holds a religious relic. Somewhere deep down in the main zedi at Shwedagon Paya are eight hairs of the Buddha, given by him to two Burmese traders who travelled to India 2500 years ago. According to tradition, there has been a stupa here since that time, though all of the current buildings at the Paya were built over the last couple centuries. Apart from the main zedi, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of subsidiary zedis, shrines, pavillions, and statues.

The central zedi at Shwedagon paya is covered in gold leaf. It needs to be regilded every year, so it spends much of its time behind scaffolding.

Around the paya platform: 1 2 3 4

"Tiger" planetary post: Most Burmese payas have a circuit of eight "planetary posts". There's one post for each day, except for Wednesday, which is divided into two days for astrological purposes. Each day has an associated planet and animal. This is Cathy's post, Monday. On the ground you can see the tiger statue. Behind that is a Buddha statue. And behind that is a guy with a pointy hat who I believe is a "nat", one of the Burmese spirits/gods. When you go to the paya, you go to your planetary post and pour water over the head of the Buddha statue and your animal's statue for good luck. Some people will light incense, lay flowers, put gold leaf on the statue, etc . . .

In Burmese Buddhism, ogres are defenders of the religion.

All payas have plenty of bells for you to ring.