Popular Pagodas in Yangon, Myanmar

Last month, my wife and I traveled to Myanmar for the first time and explored its unspoiled land while witnessing and experiencing some of its many fascinating wonders, including the country's astounding pagodas in Yangon.

Myanmar's largest city and former capital, Yangon, is home to some of the country's oldest and most popular and highly admired pagodas namely: Shwedagon, Sule, and Chauk Htat Gyi. These pagodas are believed to date back to approximately 2,500 years ago. Originally small, the structures have been rebuilt, renovated, and made bigger throughout the centuries.

Shwedagon

Legends say that this pagoda is 2,500 years old, dating back to the lifetime of the Buddha, and making it the oldest pagoda in history. One of the many things that make this place so precious is that it is believed to have eight hairs of the Buddha.  It is no wonder it is the most popular attraction in Yangon that is visited by thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year.

The tallest stupa is coated in real gold plates from different countries around the world, and its tip is encrusted with rubies and diamonds while massive emeralds are positioned around it to reflect the rays of the setting sun. It looks glorious in daylight and is certainly one of the best pagodas ever built.

Sule

Another notable and popular pagoda found in Yangon is Sule. Like the Shwedagon, this pagoda is also believed to be over 2,500 years old and is also contains a hair relic of the Buddha. Legend has it that a powerful nat spirit known as Sularata resided at this place.

Chauk Htat Gyi 

Apart from magnificent temples and legendary sites, Yangon is also home to an enormous, 65-meter long Recycling Buddha image. It is located at one of the famous attraction in the city called Chauk Htat Gyi. Originally completed in 1907, it had experienced deterioration and damages over the years but restoration is currently being done to revive its original appearance.

As we wandered around these pagodas, we couldn't help but feel amazed at how beautifully they were built with great consideration of its culture religion, and belief, making these places so sacred and essential to the country and its people. 

On my next post, I'll write more about my travels in Myanmar, and why I believe this country is worthy of becoming one of Asia's must-visit destinations. Until then, this is your friendly global traveler, Johnny. See you out there! 

8 Places That Make Istanbul an Incredible Destination

Did you know that Istanbul is the only city in the world that straddles two continents, Asia and Europe? Amazing, isn't it? With its astounding cultural and architectural heritage, Istanbul remains to be one of the most popular travel destinations around the globe.

Here are 8 places that make Istanbul an incredible destination:

Bosphorus

One of the many highlights of Istanbul is the Bosphorus, a natural strait which separates the European and Asian parts of Istanbul. It stretches 20 miles between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. The name Bosphorus comes from a Thracian word that means ‘passage of the cow’, which is derived from the legend of lo who was one of many lovers of Zeus. Beautiful views of fortresses, forested hills, and Ottoman shore villages are some of the attractions to look forward to when visiting this place.

Hippodrome of Constantinople

Built in the year 203, the Hippodrome of Constantinople was a prominent place for horse races. The word ‘hippodrome’ comes from Greek words hippos (horse) and dromos (way). It was also a place for gladiatorial games, celebrations, and other events during the Byzantine period. At present, a few fragments of its original structure are found at the Sultan Ahmet Square in Istanbul. It's a place every visitor will surely enjoy because of its one-of-a-kind charm and unusual history. 

Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern is one of the oldest and biggest of its kind in Istanbul. It was built in 532 during the reign of Byzantine Emperor, Justinian I. This incredible structure is interestingly located underneath a big public square on the Stoa Basilica, the First Hill of Constantinople.

Among of its many wonders are the Medusa heads. Both structures support the two columns at the northwest edge of the cistern and were designed and built during the Roman period. According to Greek mythology, Medusa is a snake-haired monster which has the power of gorgonizing the ones that look at her.

Currently, the Basilica Cistern is open to the public as a museum and a home to many national and international events.

Topkapi Palace 

Istanbul has numerous old-world structures that are truly awe-inspiring.  One of its most popular ancient sites is the Topkapi Palace. Built between 1466 and 1478 by the Sultan Mehmed II, the palace was once considered as the political center of the Ottoman empire.

Today, it showcases empire's priceless treasures and maintains a wide collection of books and manuscripts library which date back to the 14th century. This destination is also famous for its architecture that allow visitors to have a glimpse of its historic past.

Hagia Irene

Hagia Irene is first and the oldest church built in Istanbul. Built in the 4th century by the Byzantine Emperor Constantine I, the church was dedicated to the God of Peace. The structure was burned during the Nika riot in 532 and was restored in 548 by Emperor Justinian I in 548.  Today, it lies inside the walls of the Topkapi Palace complex and operates as a museum and also as a concert hall.

Hagia Sophia Mosque

Istanbul is known for its many marvelous and historic mosques including one of its most notable, the Hagia Sophia.

With its eye-catching red wall and minarets, Hagia Sophia beautifully stands out in the city skyline. Originally built as a Christian church in the year 360, it was operated and owned by the Orthodox Catholic and Roman Catholics in different periods of time. It was later turned into a mosque and now a museum that exhibits many significant relics from its past.

Sultan Ahmed Mosque

Another notable mosque in Istanbul is the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque because of the color of its interior decors.

Its architectural style and interior details are masterfully designed and crafted, making every visit/worship worthwhile.

Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is the biggest and oldest covered bazaar in the world, with over 3.000 shops. Here, you'll have access to Turkey's best finds.

These and so much more are what make Istanbul one of the most incredible places in the world. Comment below to share your thoughts!

Lagen Island Resort, El Nido

El Nido Island is a little gem; unknown to many but visited by few. I am blessed to be one of those who have stepped their feet on this haven in the Philippines.

Where We Stayed:

We spent our weekend in Lagen Island Resort, nestled between a lush forest and a tranquil lagoon. It serves as the sanctuary not just for the people but for various kinds of birds and mammals as well.

The warmth and hospitality of the staff made our stay an extraordinary and memorable one.

The Water Cottage located by the lagoon faces a clear and crystal blue waters, perfect for de-stressing from the busy city life. The rooms are very well-ventilated, truly suited for an island resort.

The pool, with tall coconut trees standing surrounding the area, is an eye-candy.

The resort's chef grilled us some tasty, fresh fishes, making our lunch one of the best.

Island Activities:

Aside from diving and snorkeling, we also visited the famous Big and Small Lagoon, an altar and a cave within the island.

We also got to see the Pacalsada’s Balete Tree. It’s famous for an old tale in which three young men serenaded the tree and two women in white appeared from the trunk. The women told the men they have such a wonderful voice and invited them to sing with the women inside the tree. Out of fear, the men ran off and said to be speechless for a month.

The balete tree was said to chime in sounds of different kinds, including ships passing, airplanes flying and bombs exploding which lead people to think about the World War II.

Not only that, we were able to paddle board under a very fine weather, too. We're so lucky to experience this paradise under the bearable heat of the sun, knowing Philippines in this time of year has a rainy season.

Our island hopping experience turned out to be very special because of the beautiful hymn of the ocean's waves.

Highlight of the Trip:

What I like most about my weekend escapade was the  early morning sunrise cruise.

From our resort, we sailed to another island and stayed there to witness the beauty of the sun coming out, alive and bright. Watching this magnificent view beside my beautiful wife and with a cup of coffee on hand was the time I thought to myself, what a terrific life I have.

Waking up as early as 4:30 AM was really hard but totally worth it.

Until next time, I’m your friendly global traveler, Johnny, encouraging you to step back, relax, and enjoy the wonderful gift our nature has to offer.

Kathmandu, Nepal

Over a year after the earthquake shook the country of Nepal, many of its areas have recovered, and the life of the city continues to fascinate.

Photo credit: fotolia.com

Kathmandu, its largest and capital city, remains to be its most visited and significant destination. It has been referred to as the gateway to the Himalayas, and home to a number of temples, palaces, important festivals, and solemn rituals.

Photo credit: fotolia.com

Many medieval temples are scattered around the city.  Here, Buddism and Hinduism take place, making it a hub for worship and meditation for both locals and tourists.

One of its popular attractions is the Boudhanath Stupa,  a dome-shaped structure that is believed to be the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple in the city. 

Photo credit: fotolia.com

Built in the 14th century, people come here to pray, search for peace and happiness in hopes of finding meaning in their lives.

Though in other traditions goddesses are considered mythical or only exist in the spiritual sphere, in Nepal they are real, selected and highly respected. They are called the Kumari, considered to be the earthly revelation and reincarnation of the goddess, Taleju. They are worshiped on several festivals, clothed in gold and scarlet fineries.

In Kathmandu, the most famous young goddess resides in the Kumari palace, located in the Durbar Square. This area is among the popular destinations in the city and a prominent UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Photo credit: fotolia.com

If you want to discover the city's take on food, shops and daily life activities, head to the Thamel District. Here you will find shops offering souvenirs, fabrics, and dishes. Busy streets are crowded with local finds. Several restaurants are also there to provide you with sumptuous dishes, though some of them may be new to your taste.

Nepal, just like any countries in Asia, has prominent rituals. One of which is the cremation of the dead on the banks the Bagmati River. 

In Hindu tradition, the body must be dipped into the holy river thrice before the cremation. 

After the cremation, the chief mourner, who is often the first son of the dead, is the one to light the pyre and take a bath in the holy river. He is joined by his relatives. Hindus believe in reincarnation; This means that death for them is the end and that life is an eternal cycle.

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Until next time, I'm your friendly global traveler, Johnny, inviting you to explore the mystical and spiritual world of travel.