31st March 19 - Sangaing and Ava/Inwa

Watching the 1000+ temples from the top deck as we arrive at Sangaing. Then visits to the many local schools. Finishing the morning in a Buddhist Nunnery where we gave alms.

In afternoon we went on a ferry, then horse & cart to the 1818 monastery at Ava.

Up on the top deck at 7.30am to watch the 1000+ temples as we approach Sagaing. Another amazing sight.

Visit to the local Aung Myae OO Monastic Education School where Buddhist Monks educate locals including many orphans. 3168 on the roll this year. The school exists totally on donations.

They sang to us and we sang Old MacDonald to them!

Sagaing is home to many schools and a university. Here Buddhist Monks are having a computer class. Looked pretty well equipped.

On to a Buddhist Nunnery where we gave alms to the nuns.

Lunch time. The nuns had to eat before 12.00 noon and then fasted until breakfast at 4.00am the following day.

Afternoon visit to Ava

Took heavily overloaded ferry (with no lifejackets etc) across the river

Then (another) horse and cart. Nanmyin is a watchtower damaged in the 1838 earthquake and leaning at an angle. Myanmar's Leaning Tower of Pisa!

More goats

The Maha Aungmye Bonzan monastery was built in 1818

The monastery has been badly damaged by earthquake and fire over the years. It is reputed to be haunted...

Cultural Show in the evening where Elizabeth took part!