Also in Myanmar
Thanks so much for your blog, Siewch. I am about a month behind you on my travels and doing them in a completely different way. I was a backpacker 30+ years ago but due to limited time and worries of my fitness, I booked it all through an agent. I am loving it all!

“workers on their own account"
Excellent blog! Really enjoying the insight into the people, culture and food. I knew they used ration books, but didn't realise how it worked. The organic farm and other quirky eateries sounds amazing, as did the mojito making session. Lucky you to be ignored by the lady of the square, or should I say lucky Jeff? ;)

Colourful Cuba
Happy to see you travelling on an Intrepid trip :) It's a Melbourne company that's close to my heart as I used to know people who helped to set it up (although it's a much bigger International beast these days), they hire local guides and focus on local economies, and as you said, it's a company with a social conscience. Their Intrepid Foundation partners with fabulous grassroots organisations too. I checked out the People to People trip you are doing and I have to say it's a very different style to their usual trips...with everything being provided? I'm guessing it's because of the travel restrictions Americans face? The Grand Cuba trip we *nearly* booked with them was structured very differently. Lovely to hear that the food is good! Safe travels for the rest of the trip :)

Well done!
Well done on completing your amazing travels! I've really enjoyed reading about them and following them on here. Further inspiration here also for my potential summer travel plans for next year, thank you again :) What a lovely way to spend your final day, in a Japanese onsen! I imagine that by now you are in the process of processing such experiences - one of my favourite parts of travel too. Enjoy your time at home :)

At travel's end
Wow I can't believe your 'Midlife Crisis Flashpacking Series' has already come to an end! It seems like I read your first blog from this trip not that long ago... I love Japanese food and your descriptions of the machine ordering and hole in the wall serveries fascinate me! Safe travels home and I look forward to reading your reflections on this trip :)

Train travel and reflections
Trains are our favourite mode of transport when travelling, for all the reasons you mention...you seemed to have got a real sense of local life on that circular train. I enjoyed reading your reflections and it's awesome that you had a great trip. Of all the things you are anxious about, I think you need to really focus on modifying the house for those two more kitties! Kitties make everything better :)

Off-the-Beaten-Track Myanmar
Wow, what an amazing read, and what an adventure. Although you mention a Planning Fail at the beginning, I can't help but notice the spirit of travel adventure in this blog entry. Hiking through rebel territory, and crossing a 117 year old rail bridge in a rust bucket of a train. A great read, and a great adventure - well done :)

Who expects to find a winery in Myanmar???
There is something quite charming about Mandalay Airport being non-computerised, but a part of me also worries about human error...even though this was how it was done for decades! I know lots of people who lose the power of not just English, but language in general, when they drink on rooftops! There is something about open air drinking that seems to exacerbate the issue :) How fabulous to find a local winery, however no amount of wine or cheese could ever compensate for evil little mosquitoes :( Safe onward travels!

Blobs
I believe the guide mentioned there were some small Buddha statues under their somewhere, misshaped by years of gold leaf additions...!

Inle Lake
Great blog on Inle Lake, and glad you were able to enjoy the hostel vibe again, albeit with your own room and comfort - nice! Again, I think we followed pretty much the same itinerary! I also visited a winery, some hot springs, and lots of handicraft workshops on the Lake...! Oh, and the gold-leaf-covered blobs in the Lake Temple too - I believe my own gold-leaf addition is in there somewhere...!

Inle Lake
Almost missed that flight! Glad you made it and yes new questions will be asked in the future. Smile. We loved our time in Inle lake and your blog reminded me of the long neck women that I had forgotten. Thanks for the memories of a good trip. You made the best of a rainy day.