Saturday 26 / Sunday 27 November: YANGON to home

Our flight is not until 4pm so we have some time to kill this morning. We take a taxi with Linda and Paul to the National Museum and while away an hour or so exploring the 5 floors. Highlights include the Lion Throne of King Thibaw from the Mandalay Palce: a massive raised ceremonial doorway sumptuously gilded with ornate carving. There are a number of beautiful Jewel-encrusted and filigreed courtly regalia on display although we are sad to read that a significant proportion of them still remain displayed at the V&A rather than being returned to their homeland. We also see a display of musical instruments, puppets and local crafts but decide we have had enough when we reach the Buddah display!

Alex takes us to the airport where we say our farewells. A short flight to KL, all on time, before a rather tedious 3 hour wait in the transit hall. We are on the top deck of the Air Bus again and do manage a bit of fitful sleep before our arrival at Heathrow 13 hours later, 5.30am local time on Sunday morning. We have to get a bus to Reading as Paddington is closed this morning due to Crossrail construction. Then the train to Topsham, home in time for a late cup of coffee, a lot of washing and time to reminisce about our adventures.