Albert at the Shwedagon Pagoda. The main zedi (in the background) is covered in gold, but unfortunately, it's also currently covered in scaffolding. This is the first place we've been with prayer flags, like you see in the picture. Shwedagon is the holiest place in Myanmar.

Procession at the Shwedagon Pagoda. We're not sure what the occasion was, but they had some horns and drums playing, and we watched them circle the zedi at least twice.

Shwedagon Pagoda. In Myanmar, the day of the week you're born on is very significant, like a zodiac. Each temple has eight birth day shrines. (Thursday-Tuesday, Wednesday morning, and Wednesday afternoon.) These people are leaving offerings at one of those shrines.

Shwedagon Pagoda. This tree was supposedly grown from a cutting of the tree under which the Buddha was born or gained enlightenment. Can't remember which.

Albert at the Shwedagon Pagoda. (This picture really amused the locals.)

Sule Pagoda. Albert and I had never been to a temple where electric lights are part of the religious décor - but the lollipop looking things behind the statues heads are blinking colored lights. This seems to be quite the rage in Myanmar.

Betsy at a stand selling religious offerings.

Betsy at a little café. (Two "Lemon Sparklings" and two bottles of water cost us about $.50.)

What we found after taking a wrong turn.

This was the only thing we saw to indicate a less than warm and fuzzy government. If you can't read it, it says:

People's Desire:

• Oppose those relying on external elements, acting as stooges, holding negative views.
  - Oppose those trying to jeopardize stability of the State and progress of the nation.
  - Oppose foreign nations interfering in internal affairs of the State.
  - Crush all internal and external destructive elements as the common enemy.

This is a really, really, really big Buddha. Not a particularly attractive temple, but really big.

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