Busuanga Island
I’ve followed his instructions and quickly swim 20 meters away from the boat. I don’t see the point. The water’s crystal clear – this won’t leave much to the imagination. I’m in another rabid rush as round two approaches. At least I can breathe here, I think. Not a bad view for it too.
Laos
The boat’s only been moving for five fast minutes when we see children, smiles stretched wide, waving from the shoreline. You can’t help waving back, their infectious enthusiasm getting the better of you.
Inle Lake
Leaving Inle. Leaving the lake and its shitty tourist tours. Locals like lights-camera-action, put on their showing of tired attraction. Sleepy spectators click cameras and grin, sleepy again when they sneak past the giftshop.
Bagan
It’s a sight that you know will be etched in your mind forevermore. Sunrise in the Land of Temples. Bagan. Pagodas and stupas, steeped in history, more of them than anybody could ever comprehend.
Myanmar
Turning from 14th street on to Anawratha Road, we aim for the Chinatown market. Amazingly the narrow pavement still splits in to distinct sections; see the timber zone; the lighting zone; the soft-toy zone and the clothing zone; there’s a boy not 12, with his hands oiled up dirty and all alone.