Around 10 a.m. each day, tourists gather on the side of the road at Mahagandhayon Monastic Institution in Amarapura, Myanmar, waiting for the appearance of the monastery's monks.
Big tourist attraction —
Around 10 a.m. each day, tourists gather on the side of the road at Mahagandhayon Monastic Institution in Amarapura, Myanmar, waiting for the appearance of the monastery's monks.
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The same road is usually quiet during other times of the day.
Same place? —
The same road is usually quiet during other times of the day.
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Tourists come to see the monks lining up and eating lunch at the unusually early hour. The monks aren't allowed to eat from noon until breakfast time the next day.
Early lunch —
Tourists come to see the monks lining up and eating lunch at the unusually early hour. The monks aren't allowed to eat from noon until breakfast time the next day.
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"Some tourists very nice, some very bad," says a monk named Ashin Pannadhaya, "They take photo crazily and extremely."
'Tourist paparazzi' —
"Some tourists very nice, some very bad," says a monk named Ashin Pannadhaya, "They take photo crazily and extremely."
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Some travelers keep their hands off their cameras, their heads slightly lowered, seemingly embarrassed to take part in the picture frenzy.
Embarrassed tourists —
Some travelers keep their hands off their cameras, their heads slightly lowered, seemingly embarrassed to take part in the picture frenzy.
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One monk says lunchtime is a private time disturbed by the arrival of tourist throngs.
Not-so-relaxing al fresco area —
One monk says lunchtime is a private time disturbed by the arrival of tourist throngs.
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The monastery relies on donations from the public. Food and money are donated mostly by locals.
Donations —
The monastery relies on donations from the public. Food and money are donated mostly by locals.
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In the afternoon, the monastery is peaceful and quiet.
Different atmosphere —
In the afternoon, the monastery is peaceful and quiet.
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Ashin Pannadhaya (left) and Ashin Zavana (right) hope tourists will respect their lunch hour.
Monks' reaction —
Ashin Pannadhaya (left) and Ashin Zavana (right) hope tourists will respect their lunch hour.
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There are an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 Buddhist monks among Myanmar's population of 53 million people.
Buddhist nation —
There are an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 Buddhist monks among Myanmar's population of 53 million people.
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Founded in 1914, the Mahagandhayon Monastic Institution monastery complex is home to more than 1,500 monks. Visitors can walk the grounds freely and attend talks and lectures.
Home to 1,500 monks —
Founded in 1914, the Mahagandhayon Monastic Institution monastery complex is home to more than 1,500 monks. Visitors can walk the grounds freely and attend talks and lectures.
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Living quarters, study rooms and eating areas are usually off-limits to the public.
Off-limits —
Living quarters, study rooms and eating areas are usually off-limits to the public.
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Tourists are asked to dress appropriately when visiting, including long sleeves and covered knees for women and "smart dress" for men.
Dress code —
Tourists are asked to dress appropriately when visiting, including long sleeves and covered knees for women and "smart dress" for men.
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