Myanmar - Fragile Beauty

After decades of isolation, Myanmar, which is also known as Burma, opens up for tourists from all over the world. Who wants to experience the Southeast Asian country in its originality should visit it now. Hardly any other country is so connected to the faith, the country is marked by monks in robes, monasteries, pagodas and Buddhist statues. Burma is not poor, but the money is distributed incorrectly. However, tourism will change the country sustainable.

Myanmar is on the rise and the future is full of promise. Joy and optimism characterize the country, his dictatorship is finally going. On February 1st, gathered for the first time after more than 50 years a freely elected parliament. Now, people hope for democracy, freedom and prosperity. One thing is clear already: The opening, after decades of political and economic isolation brings more tourism. Five years ago, about 200,000 visitors came from all over the world to the country, 2014, were more than 500 000. Who was there at the time, is now perceive changes immediately. More traffic, more hotels and much more mobile phones. Until recently SIM cards still cost up to 3,000 euros, today affordable to almost everyone.

All that glitters is gold!

At the Shwedagon Pagoda, which rises on a hill in the five million metropolis of Yangon, sitting a few Buddhist monks on the floor. They take photos with their mobile phones, grinning happily, seem happy. Women in colorful Longhis, the traditional wrap skirts, sweep away the dust, this is good luck in the next life. In the more than 2500-year-old holy place, the most important temple of the country, is crowded with life. Thousands have gathered at dawn to worship Buddha. Despite the crowds, it's pleasantly quiet, the faithful whisper discreetly. In this isolated world, the western visitor feels safe - or at least stunned by the overwhelming splendor. All that glitters is gold: The central bell-tower, called stupa, crowns a umbrella which is decorated, according to ticket, with 79,569 diamonds and 3154 bells of pure gold. For centuries, the Shwedagon Pagoda is repeatedly rebuilt, expanded, embellished. How to obtain this precious treasure? Through donations, all renovations were financed by the faithful, boxes for donation are everywhere on the areal.

To be continued...

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