Yangon

Take a short walk through the historic streets of Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon as named by the British. Modern times are coming to Myanmar, slowly. Life is changing and many of the old relics from colonial past are slated for an update. For now the city still holds it's charm, and photographic appeal.

On a cloudless afternoon the sunset turns orange and the magnificent golden chedi of Shwe Dagon changes colours from yellow to gold to pink. Parasols on the tips of spires muffle the last rays of sunlight. Yangon's shining pinnacle is not just the Shwe Dagon Paya itself but hundreds of shrines, intricate statues of Buddha and a village of prayer halls that cover the hill-top in gold and white. Shwe Dagon is a sanctuary from the concrete and steel of the city below, a peaceful place where monks and residents offer blessings to images of the Buddha.

Shwe Dagon is a sanctuary of calm in the chaos of Yangon. Years ago I met a monk at this temple, a man who convinced me that tourism can lead to change in his country. So far his prediction have proved right. I enjoy sharing my insights into Myanmar with photographers, and I enjoy the gentle neature of the people. Above all, Shwe Dagon Pagoda is a place of peacefulness, where prayers are offered in kindness to others.