The goal, Two water fingers on the marble floor. The tool, dozens of brooms led by young volunteers who, disciplined, The instructions of the director of his particular orchestra follow. To their son and in a perfectly synchronized show, They corner the liquid pushing it from either side until they get the sewer to be smelled, Where a clueless rat is fleeing abroad. A sweeper raises his eyes: Monks, Turistas, Police and devotees swarm between temple and temple, training in the art of drawing the umbrella.
It is the monsoon making theirs in one of the most famous corners of Burma: the Shwedagon pagoda de Yangon, Dozens of temples ordered in a circle around a solid central stupa. They serve as a water refuge, prayer, of contemplation and, also, of protest. Were the scenario of the saffron revolution seven years ago, when the monks rose up against the dictatorship by barrier between the military and the people. Today walk calm and smiling to the traveler protected by their umbrellas to match the habit.
The monks of the saffron revolution today walk calm and smile at the traveler protected by their umbrella
One afternoon in the rain in the big pagoda provides the opportunity to stop, look, Feel and try to understand something more from Burma, one of the poorest countries, friendly and fascinating from Southeast Asia that attracts more and more tourists.
The first thing you feel is the cold of marble under your feet. Shoes, Straps and shorts are vetoed in these spaces. Within, Centennial statues and Buddha relics coexist with LCD and neons screens in a curious mixture somewhat horta for the unwanted. Dorado is the predominant color, shiny gold that contrasts with dusty streets, garbage and half houses make the capital. And it is that in Burma only the temples shine, Pride of the country.
The first thing you feel is the cold of marble under your feet. Shoes, Straps and shorts are vetoed
Under his roofs, Seeing the rain to wish, A monk is approaching. Close the umbrella and start talking in English. Country, age, profession… Take out the mobile, A last generation smartphone, and shows the photos of his trips: Malaysia, Singapore, Hotels of many stars and foreign company. Does not travel to give lectures or teach Buddhism. «Visiting», answer. More contrasts.
Monks processions travel to dawn to the streets of all Burman peoples with an oval vessels hanging around the arm. They receive the people's food. They lead a simple life and can only have a few possessions: umbrella, three robes, A belt, A blade to shave the head and needle and thread. The smartphone is not on the list, But some, As the, They hide it in an inner pocket and use it with impudence.
Centenary statues and Buddha relics coexist with LCD and neons screens
Among the saffron habits, a river of nuns dressed in pink stands. They are girls and adolescents samneris that, in perfect row, The temples as if a game will be fun.. Burma has almost half a million monks and nuns -more respected than in other Asian countries- in a population of 53 million, almost one in a hundred people.
All Burmes spend some period of their life in a Buddhist monastery, Peace and Nature shelters even in the lightest in cities. That is why his presence is constant and his power, also. They are a social reference, highly respected by the people and feared by a doubtfully democratic government fresh out of decades of dictatorship.
The sunset arrives and the lights of the lampposts are reflected in the water, Granting to the place an aspect if possible more mystical
The sunset arrives and the lights of the lampposts are reflected in the water that covers the marble, Granting to the place an aspect if possible more mystical. Green neons ask for the time. They make a strange game with the golden and blue gold. It's time to go to the bustling streets of Yangon. Six million inhabitants in a city that grows exponentially at the rate of crane and oil. The temples are behind, Ahead a world of experiences always at the blow of smiles and kindness. ¡I was thick!».
