This is an amazing experience,living and working in Myanmar as it takes the first steps in its transition to democracy. I am witnessing things which are so encouraging and bring hope and at the same time, things which are disturbing and bring despair. It is a case of constantly living in a state of yin and yang - and having to navigate myself emotionally through this set of contradictions. Whilst I am here, I have decided to learn more about eastern philosophy ...

I've finally got round to writing some notes about food here in Myanmar. There are three options for me - to cook at home; to eat in a restaurant/cafe; or street food. Cooking at home can be fun especially using the great variety of vegetables available from the markets. I have only a one ring electric cooker and so getting rice and chicken and vegetables to be ready at the same time is a challenge! Street food is available everywhere and on many street corn...

The French have done it again! If ever there was a great example of 'soft political power' this is it. The French Institute puts on fantastic events in Yangon, including music and film festivals and this weekend is the Mingalabar festival. In conjunction with the Yangon authorities, they have created a fun festival series of events culminating in a pop music festival and firework display near Shwedagon pagoda. Intially today it is getting to the venue for th...

Golden Rock pagoda is a great gathering of people from all over Myanmar and beyond. I visited a few months ago in the wet season and now it is a completely different tourist and pilgrim destination. Many people bring blankets and food to stay on overnight, I had hoped to sleep out tonight with the pilgrims but foreigners are not allowed to do so. There are are so many mobile phone cameras and selfie sticks now that the character of the place has changed fore...

I love travelling when I don't know what happens next but know that it will all be OK - in the great line from the film 'The best Exotic Marigold Hotel' "It will be all right in the end, and if it's not all right, them it's not yet the end"! Leaving Mae Sot, I walk a couple of blocks and find a motorbike rider who gives me a very odd shaped helmet and I jump on for the five mile trip to the border. Once on the other side back in Myanmar, I am directed to a taxi...