Near Mandalay Hill is the historic, wooden Shwenandaw Monastery. Built in traditional Myanmar style, how this old wooden building has survived to this day, I can’t fathom. The intricate and delicate carvings were astonishing, but the old wood just gave the … Continue reading Shwenandaw Monastery near Mandalay, Myanmar
The Kuthodaw Pagoda in Mandalay is often known as the World’s largest book. Now in my world, a book is a object you hold in your hand and flick pages, virtual or otherwise. I wouldn’t have to put the book … Continue reading Kuthodaw Pagoda – The World’s Largest Book – Mandalay, Myanmar
Mahamuni Buddha Temple, also known as Mahamuni Pagoda in Mandalay is a major pilgrimage site with a fascinating history. The Buddha image is huge and growing… say what? And its not due to eating too many burgers so let me explain! Every … Continue reading “Super Size Me” Myanmar Style at the Mahamuni Buddha Temple
In Arequipa, Peru is a fully functioning convent of Catholic nuns of the Dominican Second Order called the Santa Catalina Monastery. Nowadays, they only occupy a small portion of this huge monastery and the rest is open for the public … Continue reading Santa Catalina Monastery – Arequipa, Peru
In Yangon is one of the largest reclining Buddha’s in the world. It measures 16m high (approximately 6 stories) and 65m long. The Buddha is beautiful, with a white porcelain face and blue eyeshadow. Particularly lovely, in my opinion, are … Continue reading Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda & Reclining Buddha, Yangon, Myanmar
The most holy place in Myanmar is the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. We got to see it in all its magnificent, scaffolded glory when we visited. During the cool season, they refresh the gold plate to keep it in tiptop shape. … Continue reading Visiting Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar
Last week I visited St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and this week is the Anglican Church of St. Peter’s turn. Don’t worry, I’m not converting, I’m still a devout atheist who just happens to like religious buildings 🙂 While St. Joseph’s is up on the … Continue reading Church of St. Peter – Anglican Church – Queenstown, New Zealand
As I’m literally staying next to this church, I thought I’d pop in and visit. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Melbourne Street in Queenstown was built in 1898 to replace an earlier one on Church Street. I can only imagine … Continue reading St. Joseph’s Catholic Church – Queenstown, New Zealand
