Woke up around 8, went to book bus- cute bus boy present. Then headed up to golden rock via 3000 KYT truck- sounds expensive but life insurance was included. Got VIP seats at the front at first. Rock standard, had photo taken with Burmese nationals as standard. Got down via open top truck with 40 other people. Excellent journey. 6 HR bus back to yangon.- so boring! Stayed on chan myaye guest house for £5- interesting 28 bed dorm. Met gent of nightmares- english ...

Awoke after 4 hours interrupted sleep. Sticky mess. Accosted by pack of taxi men before even stepping off JJ in yangon. Took on walking tour of bus station by some punter. Finally stumbled across (not so) elite express. Worst mistake so far. Bus unbearable. Physical and mental hell. Bus hostess dropped ball somewhat ended up God knows where in highway bus station 3 hours passed stop. No signs ever. Ditched at roadside. Nice Burmese chaps helped but English not re...

Woke up late, went to inle palace for Internet and strawberry juice. Spent 5 hours in the french touch with sub parr pizza. Returned home via weird child- horse parade. To get in express to Yangon. 12 hours on bus! Passed big Forrest fire on side of road, watched Lord of the rings- lol.

Woke up at ridiculous O clock and met nelin for boat tour of inle. Boat cold. Gab tired. Bum sore. Arrived at 5 day market wanted to buy everything, Laura said no. Then went to lotus silk factory. Whistles scarf nicer than anything on offer. Then attended lacquer/cigar factory on stilts. This was followed by visit to 'floating garden '. Not many flowers but funny vegetable ?what. Last stop jumping cat monastery. Sadly cats no longer jump, but do however eat rice ...

Arrived by night bus to inle. JJ freakin express insisted on making us disembark for 30 mins just as I was falling asleep. Minimal sleep occurred thereafter. Staying at sandalwood hotel, flies everywhere, a timeless classic. Had a nap and wandered around to find wifi and inform individuals at home that we are still alive. Ate a delightful chocolate pancake at inle palace. Then made way to red mountain winery via excellent tuk tuk. View from vineyard fab, reminded...