2011, DEC 18: MYANMAR, INWA-B, Bagaya Monastery

Our next and the most important stop of the afternoon was the Bagaya Monastery. It was built, in 1834, entirely of teak wood. Left happily un-renovated, one has to be careful not step bare-foot on raised nails.

It is supported by 267 posts, some measuring 60 ft in height and 9 ft in circumference. The cool and dark interior feels old and inviting.

The monastery has ornate exterior. Peacock motif seems to adorn everything.

The steps leading into the pagoda has wood pieces carved in the shape of half-woman and half-peacock.

The monastery has a Buddha shrine, and...

...a monk’s office.

On the way back, on the other side of the river, we were confronted by the young hawkers again. The youngest one even called Kundan, by her name, which she had remembered from our earlier encounter with her. Everyone wanted her to buy something. She was able to pacify them with candies. And then they happily posed for a picture with Kundan.