The big Shwedagon pagoda is one of the main sights in Yangon and accordingly the government and many merchants are happy to make a few dollars out of it. Today I came by one of the many smaller pagodas in the city and went inside for a short visit.
The atmosphere was really relaxed with some people praying while others read a book or chatted with friends. Nobody paid much attention to me and I could just sit around and let my thoughts wander for a while. It was kind of a friendly-neighbourhood-pagoda.
While I’m not religious, I’m generally a fan of Buddhist temples, as they usually provide an oasis of peace and quiet in even the busiest city.
Other than that, here’s a few impressions from downtown Yangon.