From Yangon to Darwin

It's been a long long time since my last blog entry - I just haven't had time to write. I will therefore split my blog into two parts - so firstly, here is the journey from Yangon to Darwin.

The flight from Yangon to Bangkok was problem free. Me and Axel signed in to our lovely air-conditioned rooms at Happy House, my favourite Bangkok guesthouse. This was followed by a fun night out on Khao San road - a strange time in which I somehow found myself supporting Manchester United. As an Englishman surrounded by many foreigners, it only felt natural to follow the English team in the Champions league final. However, I clearly wasn't too bothered when they lost 2-0.

The following day I hopped onto the long train south to Hat Yai. From there I caught a bus across into Malaysia. My time in Malaysia was very limited. I had a plane to catch on the Wednesday. In fact my original intention was to visit Teman Nagara National Park, but quite simply I didn't have time. My new plan was to go straight to Kuala Lumpar, but after over 24 hours travelling, I had to take a break in Penang. Penang unfortunately seemed quite dull, but maybe I left before giving it a proper chance.

Kuala Lumpar, on the other hand, seemed quite good. It was probably the most modern place I'd been to on my travels - and I gladly tucked into a McDonald's after yet another long day's travelling. My short time in Kuala Lumpar was mainly spent strolling around the place with Becky from my dorm, plus a trip to the cinema to see Angels & Demons. In hindsight, Kuala Lumpar was quite a good platform for jumping back into the developed world.

On the Tuesday I took a bus down to Singapore. With just 24 hours before my flight, I once again spent my time just strolling around. What struck me immediately, however, was how clean it seemed. After spending four and a half months in South East Asia, even the air in Singapore smelt clean. It felt very refreshing.

On the Wednesday I continued my rapid journeying and took my flight to Darwin, Australia. By now I felt like an experienced traveller, and I was actually worried that Australia might just be too easy for me. I was scared I may find the whole experience too dull. I didn't have a hostel booked for my first night, and I didn't know really anything more than the average man about the country, but I didn't really mind.

At the exit of the airport I met Jasper from Holland, and on the airport bus we met Lutz from Germany. This would comprise of half of my friendship group for the next week - and the next part of my blog.