We are joined this morning by Ellen and Prun for our journey up river to H'pa An. Its a lovely long tailed boat with plastic seats in rows of two. I sit at the back near the pilot and all our luggage. We we stop for a quick visit to a riverside village and then head north through beautifully scenic countryside. As the river nears H'pa An the wonderful mountains come into view. Sarah lives here and is keen to take me to be kitted out in Kayin national costume...

This afternoon is one of the most bizarre travel experiences of my life. Situated an hour or so from Mawlamyine is the site of the world's largest reclining Buddha with an even larger one under construction. The drive along the entrance road includes hundreds of huge monk sculptures each with a different face. They certainly understand the word 'excess' here that's for sure. The first sight of the reclining Buddha brings a 'Wow' or an 'OMG' or even a 'WTF'! ...

Having seen the Burma death railway on the Thailand side at Kanchanburi a few years ago, I am keen to see the war cemetery at Thazambuyat in at the start of the railway in Myanmar (Burma) The war cemetery is yet again beautifully kept by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the land is being restored following the wet season. Places like this always bring about an emotional response. Young men, some younger than my own sons are buried here. The inscript...

Its an early morning start for a six hour journey to the capital of Mon state, Mawlamyine. It's situated on the river and has many colonial connections including being a part of George Orwell's life story. I am staying at the Breeze Guest House on the Strand which has a good position overlooking the waterfront. The owner, who has kept the hostel open through the 'no foreigner' years is delighted to announce that there are 43 foreigners here tonight. I have a ...

It's my last day in the office at Akhaya Women today and so I am able to leave a little early to see tonight's football international between Myanmar and Cambodia. The venue is the Thuwanna stadium which holds over 30,000 spectators and the fixture is a qualifying round of the Suzuki Cup for Asian countries. After a lengthy taxi journey across the city, the night time atmosphere is just like a football match back home. Hot food sellers, scarves, t shirts and ...