Maha Bodhi Ta Htaung

So, we spent the morning in Monywa visiting Bodhi TahTaung (see Bodhi Tahtaung) and viewing the giant Standing Buddha statue (see Lakyun Setkyar Buddha). And then, Kyaw Thin Latt from WCS (see Growth Bands), who was leading the excursion and is a devout Buddhist, suggested that we visit the Maha Bodhi Ta Htaung monastery. This is where the Venerable Sayadaw U Narada was abbot when all the bodhi trees were planted and the giant statues were built. I thought this was a fantastic idea. Next thing I knew, we were in the bedroom of the deceased abbot sitting on the floor with the head monk flipping through photo albums of the statue construction and looking at pictures of all of the dignitaries (e.g. Senior General Than Shwe) that had visited.  I still can't believe this happened (thx, Latt).