Foreigners were not permitted in this area until 2015 because of the conflict between the military and Karen armed groups. Thandaungyi is a hill station founded by the British colonials in 1854 and is a major Christian pilgrimage place. But, let's not get ahead of myself. First stop after a six hour train journey is Taungoo, arriving on the back of a motorbike in the dark to the grandly named Hotel Beauty 2. Very good it is too with lovely fresh fruit picked fro...

This has been a tough time for many in Yangon with the brutal killing of a highly respected lawyer outside Yangon airport at the weekend. As he returned from a visit to Indonesia, U Ko Ni, a Muslim lawyer who advised the NLD governing party on constitutional matters, was shot at point blank range and died instantly. A taxi driver who gave chase to the 'shooter' was also shot and killed before police apprehended the assailant. I saw graphic images on social med...

Soccer and golf provided the backdrop to this weekend's activities in Yangon. First stop is Yangon sports complex and a home match for Yangon United versus the 'delta boys' from Ayeyawady United. It's a tight game until two second half goals from the home side keep their unbeaten start to the season going. Its all based on the premier league and is very professionally run as a sports event. I hang around afterwards to see the post match interviews and players...

Today is the lunar moon new year festival and across the city, the Chinese community is celebrating the year of the rooster. In the office on Friday I hear the sound of drums and symbols and go downstairs to watch the dragon dance.Later that same day, I spot another dance performance in the grounds of the Novotel hotel. Its colourful, skillful and full of vitality which is a real tonic for me! The costumes are white, red yellow colours and I see several truck ...

Many experienced volunteers tell me that it is normal to experience a dip at around the six month stage. This is the point at which you need to dig deep to maintain perspective and to manage your morale effectively. It is easy for a blog to showcase the highlights and I want to record the struggles too for when I look back on my time here. I have been here since July and perhaps, for a couple of days, I am feeling a little of that 'six month dip'. I have a rep...