Today was the day we had both been waiting for... We were finally heading to Myanmar, we were so excited. I woke up early at six thirty and got up and changed. As we were leaving some stuff at the hostel for a couple of weeks our bags were lovely and light so packing was a breeze. I woke Steven and then met him downstairs where I was sipping a lukewarm coffee and writing a quick update so our parents knew we were okay.

We then munched our bananas, grabbed our stuff and headed off towards the metro where we caught the train to Chattachuk Park where the huge weekend market usually lives. By now it was about eight am and we were planning on getting a taxi the remainder of the way to the airport. The guy seemed nice and said he would put the meter on (a lot of taxis won't take you if you want the meter and not a haggled price), we then paid an extra sixty baht for the toll on the express highway and bypass city traffic... We were pleasantly surprised to see that sixty baht was also the actual price of the toll and it hadn't been inflated, that was nice. Soon enough we were at the airport and so thanked the driver and headed into the departure lounge. The check in queue moved quickly (for once) and we were soon bag free and heading through immigration and security, which was also a breeze. We then went in search of some food but everything was stupidly expensive ...a Maccy Ds breakfast was nearly four pounds just for an egg muffin meal so we munched our mentos sweets instead and ate the free tasters in the duty free shop.

We headed to the gate and sat waiting for the flight... The window had an awesome view of the runway, which kept Steven occupied (he's becoming quite the plane spotter) while I did the blogs. The airport randomly had two runways with a golf course between the two.... Was so random but also quite amusing. The time for our departure came and went but eventually our plane was called and we headed to board, on board we sat and chilled on the brief flight anticipating what we would see and experience at the other end.

On landing we walked out and straight to immigration which was a prompt and very friendly, we then went to collect our bags. This was also quick and it wasn't long before we were in the arrivals hall, where two young boys were waiting for us with huge friendly grins. The hostel we booked is one from lonely planet (something we normally avoid like the plague) so there was a couple more people there waiting. Five of us in total including an Asian chap who was taking pictures of everything and I mean everything... He wasn't even looking at the view finder half the time. He was quite sweet though and obviously very excited about being here... As were we all. We climbed into the mini van and sped off into the dry Burmese heat where we enjoyed a good half an hour ride through the city of Yangon which I always really enjoy. The place was not what I expected given what other travellers had told us, it was very clean but dusty and hot... They also drive right hand drive cars in the right hand lane which took a bit of getting used to.

Once we arrived at the hostel we were again pleasantly surprised with how big and spacious it was, we were expecting a pretty ramshackle place as we had heard you get very little for your money here in terms of accommodation. We were staying in 'Motherland 2' and it was very nice. We were given a welcome drink on arrival which was delicious and then shown to our room which was lovely. It was big and airy with two big windows and very clean, the bathroom also had a window and was very spacious with a hot shower (luxuries I know). We also had a tv which was nice but only had three channels... One in French and two in Burmese. We unpacked our stuff and headed back downstairs, Steven was starving so we headed out to explore and find something to satisfy his hunger.

The streets of Yangon were amazing and very lively, it reminded us very much of India in respect to the sights and smells. All around you could smell that familiar aroma of jasmine and incense infused with street food and dust. We felt at home straight away and it was like returning to a well loved destination. There were people all around us and everyone was so open and happy... the guys here all seem to wear longis, which is basically like a long loin cloth similar to those worn in india. the women wore beautiful long fitted skirts and fitted blouses that were a mixture of the structure thai dress and an indian sari. We seemed to have a similar effect on the locals as we had in India with most either staring or smiling at us. The roads were free from tuk tuks and motos (which are banned after a government official hit a Moto and scratched his car), instead replaced by a type if rick shaw and numerous small cars. We walked a couple of km down the street enjoying all these new but familiar smells and sounds until we found ourselves at a small area of stalls.

We obviously stood looking lost as an elderly man invited us over to sit with him and his friend, the man on the stall was, with his wife selling both fresh and fried spring rolls. Steven said he would have some and within a few minutes two fresh spring rolls were placed in front of him with some chilli sauce, they were very fresh and healthy and were soon gone... The man then offered him some fried rolls and they were delicious. The guy next to us was showing us how to eat them buy putting a bit of side cabbage on them before dipping in the sauce and he also poured me numerous cups of Chinese tea.

They were trying their best to chat with us and asked where we were from... We said near London as it is always easier but they weren't satisfied and wanted to know the town. We told them and like expected they had no clue where Milton Keynes was located. The older guy said 'I know Manchester... Rooney!' To which we burst out laughing as everyone knows Man United lol. We carried on chatting and then said our farewells before wandering off down the street and to the supermarket where we purchased some water before heading back to the hostel. Here sat most of the hostel guests drinking beer and chatting. We headed in and ordered a fresh lemon drink each and planned our couple of days here before going online to let everyone know we where safe and sound. We did little else as the Internet was so slow and thus our hour was up pretty much as we had checked our mail.

We then thought a freshen up was in order and we were beginning to realise that like India there will be an overwhelming need to shower here all the time as its so dusty. The hot shower was amazing and the first of one I had experienced in ages... It was very welcome and I felt amazing after. We chilled out and before long it was time for dinner, we had succumbed to the likelihood of eating in the hostel as it wasn't that easy to find food when we saw the receptionist meal. She was tucking into a big plate of rice with veggies and fish... We were literally salivating and enquired as to where she had obtained such a feast. She explained it was on the corner and left so we we headed out... By now it was dark and not that easy to navigate but we found the corner, however the were numerous places around and none looked like they would be easy to order. In Myanmar you tend to point at something and hope for the best, we tried this in one place and the poor guy had no idea of what we wanted so after a couple of attempts we agreed to just eat at the hostel and be brave tomorrow.

We arrived back and I ordered a vegetable noodle soup and Steven the vegetable fried rice. The soup was nice but very much like a noodle broth at home and Steven's rice was pretty average. It was all a bit bland really... We ate up and then headed upstairs for an early night. The last few days had taken their toll and we were shattered, within minuets of climbing not our twin beds Steven was asleep and I was blogging. Soon after getting to bed (wasn't even nine pm) a train came by very loudly and Steven didn't even stir... Half an hour later another came by and he suddenly sat bolt upright and said what's that. I told him and he fell back down and went straight back to sleep. I was anxious it would be a noisy train filled night but I was wrong and fell into a very deep and satisfying sleep.