Our first experience of a bus in Myanmar was very positive. The chairs were roomy and comfortable and although they didn't go right back, both of us managed to get some sleep. The tourist buses are all new, so who knows how long this high quality will last! The driver was distinctly asian as we careered around the mountain roads at 100mph in the dark!

We arrived in Kalaw at 3pm, the exact time we were told - not very SE asian - we were greeted by a happy chap who took us to our hostel - Golden Kalaw. We went straight to sleep and woke to a delicious breakfast of chapati and veg curry - ahh India!

We spent our day in the tiny mountainous town of Kalaw wandering the market and small streets, enjoying a leisurely drink with our new friend (and future trekking partner) JayJay (JJ). We organised with Kajaw (Joejoe - urm, how do you say?) our trekking guide what our plans were for the three day two night trek. Once we had all agreed on the price and itinerary James and I enjoyed lunch at Pore Pore and later with JJ, dinner at a Nepalese restaurant for more curry.