GOLDEN STUPAS, ANCIENT TEMPLES with Olivier Bernier
RT T HE M ETROPOLITAN M USEUM OF A RT STD u G OLDEN S TUPAS, A NCIENT T EMPLES u The Treasures of Burma u With Olivier Bernier u January 11 to 24, 2012 T HE M ETROPOLITAN M USEUM OF A RT Dear Members and Friends of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, u Burma, in spite of its political problems, is a country of great fascination. Its ancient monuments and unbroken traditions speak of a rich culture and complex history. Deeply imbued with Buddhism, Burma has pursued a unique artistic path. Its temples have evolved their own singular shape, and its welcoming people have not forgotten their traditions. Today still, there is much to see—antiquities, of course, but also the creations of local artisans. Traveling with us to this captivating land will be noted author and art historian Olivier Bernier, who has accompanied dozens of Travel with the Met trips to rave reviews. His lectures and insights will enrich our journey. We begin with an overnight in Bangkok, and then continue to Yangon, Burma’s largest city. During a two-night stay at a landmark Victorian-style hotel, we will explore this historic city, which has an interesting mix of British, Burmese, Chinese, and Indian influences. Flying on to Mandalay, the country’s cultural heart, view exceptional examples of traditional art and architecture. See the 12th-century Khmer bronze statues at the Mahamuni Pagoda, as well as the Royal Palace, Golden Palace Monastery, and the U Bein Bridge, the longest teak bridge in the world. In Bagan, we will spend four nights in bungalows set in a subtropical garden on the Irrawaddy River.
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