Voters in Burma go to the polls on April 1st for by-elections that promise to be the most open contests in decades, with Aung San Suu Kyi among those standing. Her National League for Democracy (NLD) is contesting all 45 seats, vacated when politicians joined the new, military-backed civilian government.

This is very important to Burma, its people and the stability of the region in the long run.

When I headed towards the Iran border, through Turkey, I had to research the most likely border crossing into Pakistan. [I have done this for every border along the way.] This threw up a number of issues, like, do I go through Afghanistan or not? Remember, as a virtual traveller, I can sample all of the history, culture, architecture etc., but avoid all of the problems of being shot, kidnapped or being blown up by a road bomb. I am a British citizen with a British passport, so I also consider what the British Foreign Office say for travellers, so missing out on Afghanistan made sense. There is only one official border crossing from Pakistan to India, so my route had to get me there. You may have followed my route into Nepal, which shows up the route issues I am starting to see.

I am now in india, about to pass into Bangladesh. I have already had to put some time into researching possible restrictions and routes in Burma, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and China. Having my lovely camper is both good and bad, and I will explain these issues as we move on. Before Nepal, I only really plotted my next day. Nepal has taught me a good lesson, so I have now had to plot the next week or so, as Google maps only has very specific data on getting through to where I need to be.

One of the best sources of real information has been the many, many blogs I have read by people who have travelled these roads or crossed these borders, by foot, by bus, or by motorcycle. Something ‘European’ in me, assumed that you can go anywhere with a smile and a backpack. You can’t. If you are considering a real trip somewhere, and you live in a free country, do your research.

Be prepared - The very first entry.
(Use the top right link above each entry to move forward.)

Alternatively, you can check on my progress and review all of the past maps in The story so far. Or just check on why in my about page.