THE GOLDEN LAND

Dear Mr Strachan,

Having just completed the Upper Mandalay to Prome cruise, Oct 16-26, I have the following observations:

- The boat, crew and general amenities were exceptionally well maintained and presented.
- Service too was exceptional
-The activities could have been a little more varied, and, at times, more comfortable (horse carts)

- The guide was the drawback: he needs to learn more about flora and fauna, and to be willing to engage in conversation about everyday life and social history and not just politics. He was not skilled in delivering his information in the most comfortable of circumstances, several times speaking at length in hot sun. He repeated constantly, to an unusual extent for such a guide. The briefings in the evening could have been more conversational instead of dictatorial, as we were all comfortably seated and ready to hear. He avoided answering questions which questioned his voew of events.

I am sure with more experience, he will relax and preach less and share more, but he does need immediate guidance in how much to talk and when.

- The lack of cool dining and relaxing space meant that pur group retreated to their cabins rather more than was good for community. When the boat is still, more fans would alleviate the worst of the heat, but air-con would tempt people to stay up longer in the evenings.

Overall a wonderful experience on a lovely vessel.