January 21, 2002
MarkBernstein.org
 

Shwe Dagon

If you're looking for a fantastic narrative environment, a synthetic world filled with complex story, skip DisneyHK and deserted islands and take a look at Shwe Dagon.

At sunset, this vast hilltop complex in Yangon (Rangoon) is literally incredible, a synthetic faery world of gold, sunfire, brass, and tacky LCD halos. There's a story around every corner: myths, mendicants, tour guides practicing their English, relatives of army officials praying for promotion.