Remind us, please.

Yes, dogster, remind us. Or point us to a link.

I should read Strachan's book. But someone should write a really good biography (Redmond O'Hanlon?). What a remarkable book! Unlike Somersault, I gather you think Paul wrote that essay.

Speaking as someone who knows a wee bit about journalism, the foreign press (esp. in the U.S.) has a really hard time getting into the complexities and wackiness of a place like Burma. The government is opaque. Journalists aren't welcome. Sources are either suspect or nil. News outlets here don't much care (because readers don't care) about foreign news, except when there's, say, a cyclone or, much sexier, a tsunami. Then reporters are parachuted in for a few days to skim the surface, then rush back out.

This story has more twists and turns than a trip down the Rajang! But, alas, I'm growing tired of this cruise and may have to get off.

I don't really have any insights to add, just wanted to say how much I've loved the ups and downs of this post. The well-written analysis you've all done on this matter is honestly riveting, and visiting this post has become a daily pleasure for me over the last couple of weeks.

I so appreciate all the time you each take to respond to things you are passionate about. If anyone were to ask me why do I love Fodors so much I would point the person to this post (in addition to a couple of my favorite dogster sagas, of course!)

Leslie, ,I have two of Strachan's books on my "Burma Bookshelf." Once I've finished collecting and reading Burma books for this trip, I'll post an annotated list.

Dogster, I think there are plenty of us who want more of the Burma story. I'm interested in whatever you or Paul or anyone else has to say... not that I will swallow it whole, but because I think it will augment my perspective on Burma.

Thanks Kathie, that would be helpful. I look forward to hearing about your adventure too.

Paul Strachan's thoughts on the Ganges Maiden Voyages

Now both the upstream and downstream voyages are over, I am taking stock and trying to work out if they were a success or not. My own feelings are mixed as are the evaluations and reports we receive from the intrepid who came with us. Some say it was brilliant and others are asking for their money back. Where do I begin? For my full report please refer to the Pandaw website and our blogs page.

Is only Paul allowed to comment on the trip? Will our own secret agent be muzzled?

I didn't see your last comment, Marija - lol lol lol.

Not being one to bite the hand that fed him, it's an exercise in EXTREME self-restraint. However, additional salt having recently been poured into the still gaping wound, I do feel a trip report coming on.

Tine to change your screen name to tantalus, maybe?

Fabulous name, thursday. Perfect. What a story tantalus could tell.

This thread is too good to let it quietly disappear into the ether. Thanks Dogster for reviving it. I'm not so sure Paul would agree.

Well, all the credit should really go to Marija. I can add one final, definitive clue. The Walrus was Paul. Goo goo gajoo.

I was always convinced the walrus was John. Imagine all the people living their lives away...

'I told you 'bout the walrus and me, man
You know that we're as close as can be, man
Well, here's another clue for you all;
The walrus was Paul!

The Beatles, "Glass Onion"

I seem to remember a large question of identity concerning the walrus that reached epic proportions. This may be another part of my memory loss from the 600's, but it's a distinct memory. Perhaps one of our elderly non-mammalian posters can chime in on this.

I'm assuming that you did play some of their tunes backwards.

Speaking of walruses,

The time has come
To talk of many things:
Of Pandaw ships--and deadly fumes--
Of lethal chickens--and disease--
And why the Dog was boiling mad--
And why imposters us do tease...

Now Gpanda, the more you ramble on about the Beatles, the more you subtract from the brilliancy of my clue. You should just leave it, hanging there like a diamond in the ether, ready to attract those with eyes to see.

And yes, Marija - I quite agree.

Okay Dogster. Forget the fly-by-night Beatles, let's move on to a really influential group like the Monkees. In "The Last Train to Clarksville" who is meeting whom at the station?

On January 1st 2010 Paul Strachan officially retires and removes himself from the relentless daily horror of dealing with all things Pandaw. I think it only correct that we wait till Elvis has left the building.

So let's not distract from the bulk of this remarkable saga by this gibber. This is one of those posts we should all be proud of. Come back tangata.

Yes, please come back to us Tangata.