Bagan is just fabulous. We have been here 3 days and for two of them we just hired bikes and pedalled our way around the area.

There are supposed to be 2000 temples here and we have seen them all!! At least that is what it feels like.

For the first day we just got on the bikes and followed the main route through the temples taking side roads whenever we saw something interesting. Many of the temples are being repaired. This means the local people have to collect enough money to do the repairs. They then put an umbella over the temple (a bamboo frame that protects the structure while the repairs are being done).

Yesterday went on an organised trip to Mount Popa. When we arrived we climbed a mountain in bare feet. It was just about the only time I can say that it was not worth the climb. From a distance it was great, a golden temple on the top of a mountain. When we got to the top it was dirty, had no atmosphere and very disappointing. The monkeys and whatever they left behind were everywhere and although the view was good I have seen better. The journey to and from the 'mountain' was lovely and made the day well worth it.

Today we got back on our bikes and just followed our noses. It was lovely. We found several temples that are not visited by other foreigners because they are a little outside the area where the majority are.

We made friends with a group of girls who are at university studying English.

I really feel that Myanmar is worth a longer visit. It is very easy to get around, the night buses (VIP) are very good and comfortable. English is not spoken much but you get by with a smile.