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 ...

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'...