A Land Like None You Know

by Patrick Forsyth

Burma (or Myanmar as it now called) is in the news for all the wrong reasons. It has been ruled for many years by a ruthless, repressive junta, it suffers regular earthquakes and the cyclone of May 2008 left more than a hundred thousand people injured, homeless or dead. Yet this is a magical a country of contrasts with a rambunctious history and a culture that is both awesome and fascinating. Largely on a whim, prompted by sitting next to the neighbour from hell on a long-haul flight, the author decides to visit Mandalay, the Golden City foreseen by ancient Buddhist prophesies. Despite controversy there are campaigns suggesting you do not travel to Burma on the grounds that doing so supports the government - he makes a trip, flying to Bangkok and on to Yangon (previously Rangoon) and makes much of the journey on the river cruiser Road to Mandalay sailing along the famous Ayeyarwady. Along the way he encounters taxis pulled by oxen; rings the largest bell in the world; learns how to wear a skirt, the difference between a stupa and a pagoda and why florescent pink tiles are used in temples. In this lively and light-hearted account of his journey he watches the best sunset in the world on the plains of Bagan, and as the sun sinks behind the towers of pagodas stretching in countless numbers to the horizon, concludes that this wonderful country is worthy of everyone s attention, and perhaps help too.

Paperback

First published July 17, 2010

About the author

I have written many books for business, but more recently I have had what my daughter calls "proper books" published. Three novels: "Long Overdue", "Loose Ends" and "A Rather Curious Crime"; also three books of light-hearted travel writing all set in South East Asia. "First class at last" features a journey on the Orient Express of Asia, out from Singapore, through Malaysia and into Thailand, "Beguiling Burma" features a river trip, and "Smile because it happened" is about things that make you smile in the land of smiles: Thailand.

I am active in the writing world, am a Fellow of SWWJ and a member of the Society of Authors, I write regularly for "Writing Magazine, give talks about my writing (especially the travel writing) and have also conducted writing workshops.