LobsterCheeks

The next part of my journey would take me through the wind-swept plains and snow-covered mountains of Patagonia, and down to the End of the World. I had signed up to a 34 day overlanding trip with my favourite company, Dragoman. We'd be covering thousands of kilometres in a giant truck laden with camping equipment and outdoor cooking gear. The truck was called Elle, and she was a tough lady capable of driving over rough terrain. Our trip would take us into the true wilderness of Chile and Argentina. Our crew consisted of eighteen people of varying nationality, age and background. It was an interesting and eclectic mix of personalities, and over the coming 34 days we would get to know each other very well. We would become a small community where everyone has to work ... read more

It's official - I'm now a time traveller! I flew from New Zealand on Friday afternoon, was in the air for eleven hours, and arrived in Chile on Friday morning! I effectively landed six hours before I took off, and including flying time I had travelled 17 hours into the past. This wreaked havoc with my body clock, but also meant I got to eat six full meals in the same day, which is an unprecedented level of gluttony. Using this flight route, it would be possible to celebrate New Years Eve twice, once in New Zealand and once in Chile! Ten days ago I had been in Burma. On my way to South America I meandered through Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. A whirlwind visit in each country to catch up with old friends. A ... read more

In Burma, they love their temples. In fact, that's probably the understatement of the year. It's like saying that McDonalds sell the odd burger or two. The golden stupas are EVERYWHERE. On tops of hills, deep in caves, perched on rocks. Anywhere is fair game, and it's rare to find a hill or mountain without a temple on top. Imagine a conversation between a group of Buddhist architects: "quick lads, I've found an empty hill over here. Let's get a stupa built before someone else does". Some of the stupas are easy to reach. Some of them require hours of strenuous hiking, as a means of proving you're a dedicated Buddhist. I'd like to see the same principle applied to a restaurant in the UK. A Michelin-starred restaurant on top of a mountain like Snowdon. Instead ... read more

Whilst Yangon was entirely unremarkable, Mandalay seemed to be screaming out to be noticed. The posher districts had gone neon crazy. Why have a small sign saying Shoe Repair when you can have a five-metre flashing neon sign declaring SHOE REPAIR!!! Even the banks had a piece of the action and were lit up like Vegas casinos. Our hotel district on the other hand was all grime and dust, filled with old buildings without any style or charm. However, this brought certain benefits, because at night this area exploded with street food stalls. But these weren't just any street food stalls. These were major operations, with entire kitchens brought onto the streets, and chairs and tables laid out on the pavements. The food was also predominantly Indian. There were enormous vats of biryani, huge pots of ... read more

Burma, a country shut off from the outside world for decades. Filled with the most gentle and friendly people, yet ruled by a brutal military dictatorship for over sixty years. A country rich in natural resources, yet one of the poorest countries in South-East Asia. But now Burma is coming out of isolation and opening itself up to the world. Embracing technology and change, and hoping for economic progress, world recognition and a brighter future. The question of whether to visit Burma has been hanging in the air for years. The Military Government has a history of serious human rights abuse including conscripting children as soldiers, kidnapping civilians for forced labour, and using prisoners as human landmine detectors. Back in 1996, the government looked at the tourist industries of neighbouring countries such as Thailand and decided ... read more