I'm back in Yangon and taking it easy after my operation in Thailand. I am staying at Melani and Chris' flat in midtown, where they have a wonderful view of Shwedagon pagoda. During the early morning I watch the sun rise whilst listening to meditation music - mystical and magical. On Saturday afternoon, I meet up with Ben and we watch the Chin United vs Hanthawady United match at the Aung San stadium - old rundown but full of character. It's free to get in and...

I decide to take things easy today and continue my recuperation from my abdominal surgery, which I need to remind myself was less than a week ago. I take the skytrain to the ferry jetty where I buy a ticket for the tourist boat up and down the river which cuts through Bangkok. The waterway has changed so much over the years and now huge modern appartment blocks and offices dominate the skyline along the river banks. There are still occasional reminders of wood...

So, where was I? Oh yes, as I was saying, a spontaneous day emerged and it has been a memorable few hours. Leaving Lumphini Park, the 'green lung' of the city, we walk up to Silom district where we hit upon an amazing exposition of Japanese culture including food, dance, music and costumes. Many of the Japanese here are dressed up in comic book costumes and it is a colourful and bizarre sight. I think of my nephew Rob who has been teaching English in Japan n...

Thailand is currently spending a year in mourning for the King who died recently. There are many huge portraits on towering buildings and black and white drapes to commemorate his passing. Many Thai people also wear black ribbons as a mark of respect and today a new era begins with the investiture of the new Buddhist patriarch by the new King. It's Sunday and this morning, I decide to take a skytrain to Lumphini Park which is what Central Park is to New York....