I leave late tonight for the airport to catch a 2:10am Christmas morning flight from Vancouver to Hong Kong on my way to Burma with an arrival in Yangon on Jan 5th.

I will try to provide trip notes as I go along but of course that will be dependent upon reliable internet access. I found Kathie's "on the ground" reports really valuable in fine tuning my itinerary.....so I hope to return the favour to benefit other travellers. I will be in Burma for a full 28 days.

Before Burma I will be spending 3 days in Hong Kong, followed by 8 days in Penang, Malaysia.

Merry Christmas everyone. Special thanks to Kathie in Seattle and hello to live4today, a fellow British Columbian who is leaving for Burma in a few days and will get there before me....perhaps our paths will cross while we are there!

Stephen, have a wonderful trip! I envy your 28 days in Burma. Do report as you are able - I love reading on-the-ground comments.

Have a wonderful trip. I'll be looking for your on the ground posts. Any and all observations/tips are appreciated. We arrive in Burma 10 days after you do.

We are 2 more Canadians leaving Toronto on Dec.26th, arriving Yangon Dec.28th. Perhaps our paths will cross at Mandalay City Hotel. We're there from Jan.2-6. Have a safe and interesting trip!

Happy Holidays to all you Burma travelers!

Looking forward to your report. We arrive Yangon Jan. 24th.

Gives me joy just to think about reading your upcoming report!!!

Would love to run into you Stephen! We leave tomorrow for Vancouver for the night then fly off to Bangkok on the 28th. Glyntor we are in Mandalay on Jan 2 - 5. We are staying at the Hotel Queen Mandalay under the last name Patterson. Maybe our paths will cross.
I hope to post from the road as well if internet allows.

Debbe.

Thnx for the good wishes everyone. I'm currently in hong kong...leaving for Penang this afternoon (Dec 28)....luv. My hotel... The Mercer... in Sheung Wan....literally 1 min to MRT.....it's a brand new boutique hotel....very sexy decor...alas I am traveling alone. On day of arrival I went to the Peak BY FOOT!!....I've done it by tram and bus before...a strenuous climb but I felt very accomPlished for a 65 year old fogey!
Yesterday I spent the day in the Mong Kok markets...... was a holiday and crowds were intense. Glad to be moving on today to Penang.

Debbe I'll be in Mandalay Jan 7-10 and Bagan Jan 10-15 and Inle Jan 15-19. I have feeling we will miss each other though.

Happy travels!

Excuse my typos....I'm pecking away on an iPhone with my big clumsy fingers....

Enjoy Penang! Best hawker food anywhere.