Page 109 - Experience Thailand and More

MANDALAY

Once the City of Gems

Myanmar’s second largest city, Mandalay was Myanmar’s last royal capital
and remains the country’s cultural center. It’s not very old, established in
1857 by King Mindon who chose to move his capital from nearby Amarapura
to below the watchful gaze of Mandalay Hill. Known then as Yadanabon,
i.e., “City of Gems”, it still has the largest jade market, gem trading and
lane grinding out marble Buddha images. Set along the eastern bank of
the Irrawaddy River, the port is still quite active. Not as romantic as Kipling
made it sound, the British laid out the city in a very organized grid once they
made it their northern colonial seat; however, most of it was laid to waste by
aerial bombing during World War II.

Rebuilt after the conflict and now bursting up and outward with new
construction, particularly from Chinese investment, the city remains dusty
and clogged with motorcycles, cars and trucks. Still, it has some of the most
sacred ancient teakwood monasteries and glittering gold pagodas as well
as Hindu temples and mosques. Small theaters for traditional puppetry and
dance provide wonderful entertainment while teahouses and restaurants
welcome you with smiles and delightful drinks and dishes.

109