Termed as the 'Master of all Guides', our hotel host told us that many younger guides would go to Mr Universe if they had questions on history, culture or the English language. He was also mentioned in one of the Lonely Planet guidebooks.
We were lucky to get Mr Universe to give us an overview of Bagan and it's history.
Mr Universe is a serious Buddhist who dedicates his entire being into learning the teachings of the fourth Buddha, living it out and spreading it. Naturally, much of what he shared was on Buddhism.
His warmth and sincerity was overflowing. Not only did he invite us to the annual celebration where people paid respect to the retired teachers, he also invited us to his home for dinner.
Zedis, or centres of worship, and other attractions we saw today included:
- Shwezigon Paya - the prototype of many pegodas to come
- Buddhist-regulated Orphanage - headed by one of the descendants of the Kings who has the original and rare crystals from the Buddha's blood
- Htilominlo Phato - a 46 metre tall red bricked Zedi
- Amanda Phato - the best-preserved temple with the two face of Buddha
- Shwesandaw Paya - where we watched the sun set at the peak of pyramid-style pagoda
Thoroughly enjoyable - to spend the day exploring Bagan on the back of a horse cart with a knowledgeable and passionate local guide.
Cost (US$1 = 750 kyat):
- 15,000 kyat - horse cart for a day
- US$25 - One day tour by Tourist Guide Mr Universe
- 11,300 kyat - lunch for Mr Universe, Bun and I at Golden Myanmar in Old Bagan
- 6500 kyat - dinner for two at Fuji which serves pretty authentic Japanese cuisine
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