Myanmar's capital city is a mixture of urban decay and buddhist glory. The crumbling British colonial buildings and Hong Kong-like apartment blocks reflect the country's recent turbulence. The temples, however, tell the story of Myanmar's ancient roots and continued dedication to a spiritual empire that once rivalled its neighbours.

The crown jewel of the empire, the Shwedagon Pagoda, cannot be done justice by photographs. The golden stupa towers 30 stories above a broad plaza packed with buddha shrines and religious relics.