"Where the flying fishes play!" Mandalay by Orchid

The Road to Mandalay, when attempted these days, is extremely bumpy!
It took about 10 hours to make the journey into the dry heartland of Myanmar, and its second city.

Thanks to Allied bombs in the closing days of the 2nd world war, little remains of the once glorious Palace, though its surrounding moat and walls are a centrepiece of the pagoda studded city.

Fat Mahamuni

Did I mention pagodas? Myanmar may be short of many thing, but places of worship is definitely not one of them.

A highlight is the Mahamuni pagoda, a few kilometres to the south of the centre of town.

Amongst the peaceful courtyards is a pavillion containing the amazing Mahamuni image, coated in inches thick layers of gold leaf, applied over the years. You will probably be asked to add your own little contribution whilst you are there.