Lost in Asia: March 19th - 21st National Museum and Chinese Street Markets

I spent a couple of days wandering the streets around the Chinatown area of downtown Yangon. Its a fascinating warren of narrow, crowded streets with vendors selling all kinds of food on the pavements in the blistering heat, while other vendors sell hot food at small stands at the roadside.

There was an incredible energy on the streets, with deals seemingly negotiated at every turn, yet there was also underlying sense of calm about the place with people negotiating the crowded space without bumping into each other. I hadn't had the opportunity to visit a Chinese market before, and it was a fascinating experience. The produce looked fantastic, and my fondness for the succulent yellow mangoes intensified.

I also spent an evening in a downtown bar watching United beat Middlesbrough 3-1 in the Premier League over a bottle of Myanmar beer and in the company of an Anglo-Indian United fan. In the UK, its often reported how popular the Premier League is in Asia, but its only when you come here that you can really appreciate this. There were times when I told Burmese where I was from and their eyes lit up, and on some occasions people wanted to shake my hand, such is the adoration for Manchester United. Another desultory performance by United, however. I hadn't watched them in a while, but the 3-1 winning scoreline flattered them, with the usual defensive failings. Has Phil Jones really played 160 games for United? Not good enough i'm afraid.

I also visited the National Museum of Myanmar, an attraction that did not receive the most glowing report in my guide book, but a place that i found really enjoyable. The section on the origins of Burmese script, and its development from Pali and Mon script was very interesting. The highlight was the astonishing Lion Throne, a massive and ornately carved piece of work made in the 19th century. It was once one of a series of nine, but the only one to survive the turbulence of World War II. The gallery showing elaborate costumes worn by the royal family was also very striking, as well as the exquisite royal regalia of gold caskets, jewellery, urns and other ephemera. I also quite liked the watercolour paintings and portraits from Burmese artists.