For the first time in Myanmar's recent history and maybe the first time ever, the local population is given a chance to see the circus. It is the branchild of a Frenchman who has been a regular visitor to the country over many years and it is an ambitious project. I feel so sorry for hm as attendances have been very low and tonight is no exception. In a venue which can hold hundreds, only 50 people are here to watch the show. I am here with Chris, Melani and E...

This has been a wonderful weekend break at the beach resort of Ngwe Saung on the Bay of Bengal. Its a five hour car journey across the Ayeyarwady delta region through small villages and along narrow bumpy roads with many cycles, motorbikes, buses and cars. On the way, there is an opportunity to see a long schoool procession from the school to the monastery as this weekend is Tazaungdaing festival of full moon which includes the offering of gifts to monks. Ngw...

It is estimated that there are 500,000 Buddhist monks and novice monks in Myanmar and a further 75,000 nuns. It it is seen as a rite of passage for young boys in particular and monks are a social force and widely revered. They are part and parcel of life here in Myanmar and a daily sight for me where I live in Kyaik Waing Pagoda road. Buddhism, following the Theravada tradition here in Myanmar, is deeply engrained in cultural norms and practices. For my women'...

Today is my birthday and the tradition within the office is to take in a cake. So, I went to my local bakery in the City Mart shopping centre near my home and bought a large white cake. I requested that they write the words 'Happy Birthday' but in Myanmar language so that I could enter into the cultural spirit of the day. As I walked back to my home, I couldnt resist sneeking a view of what the wording might look like in Myanmar language. When I saw that they...

It's been a slow day at work and I still have energy to burn so I head down to the Institut Francais for a yoga class. Afterwards I join Ellen and Kathleen for a bite to eat and a drink in the bar area nearby. We sit and chat and listen to some jazz and then... Suddenly, with no warning, an enormous storm unleashes its awesome power and the lights and the electricity go down. The winds are ferocious and the noise deafening as huge claps of thunder and great f...