SG-422641

Don't you love it when you get something new in your mailbox? A few weeks ago I've received this official card from Singapore depicting a pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar. This isn't just a pagoda, it is a symbol of Myanmar, known to enshrine the hair of the Lord Buddha along with other precious holy relics. I've just found out that Shwedagon Pagoda is on the UNESCO tentatives list. 

I almost forgot to mention that this is my 2nd card from this asian country.

SG-422641, sent by Kylie.

Located in the north of Yangon, Shwedagon Pagoda is located at the highest point of Yangon and it can be seen from most places of the city day and night as the golden roof illuminates the city. It is one of the most worthwhile tourist attractions in Yangon.

According to some, the pagoda is 2,600 years old, making Shwedagon the oldest pagoda in the world.
The main gold-plated dome is topped by a stupa containing over 7,000 diamonds, rubies, topaz and sapphires, the whole giddy concoction offset by a massive emerald positioned to reflect the last rays of the setting sun. 

There is little wonder that the Shwedagon is referred to in Myanmar as "The crown of Burma."As Myanmar's most revered shrine it has always been customary for families, mendicants and followers of the Buddha to make the pilgrimage to the Shwedagon in much the same way that Muslims feel compelled to visit the Kaaba at Mecca at least once in their lifetime.

Such is the potency of the Shwedagon that Myanmars generally hold it to be indestructible. Despite a major earthquake in 1769, several smaller quakes in the 20th century and a major fire in 1931, it still stands imposingly on the top of a hill. - in: http://www.theshwedagonpagoda.com

Bagan - Myanmar

Myanmar is 1 of the 3 new countries i've received this week, so far.... i'm still waiting for a 4th one ;)

"Bagan formerly Pagan, is an ancient city in the Mandalay Division of Burma. Formally titled Arimaddanapura or Arimaddana (the City of the Enemy Crusher) and also known as Tambadipa (the Land of Copper) or Tassadessa (the Parched Land), it was the ancient capital of several ancient kingdoms in Burma. It is located in the dry central plains of the country (...). Although an application was submitted, UNESCO does not designate Bagan as a World Heritage Site. The main reason given is that the military junta (SPDC) has haphazardly restored ancient stupas, temples and buildings, ignoring original architectural styles and using modern materials which bear little or no resemblance to the original designs." - in: wikipedia