Maymyo, Burma

George Orwell's life and work became an important theme for us during our travels. In the 1920s, a young Orwell was posted as a colonial officer to this breezy hill town. We peeked in at his old 'chummery'.

Candacraig Hotel, with its manicured gardens and tennis courts, may look unmistakably English but is now fully government-owned. It's a striking reminder of Burma's wealthy colonial past when its valuable teak forests became one of the jewels of the British Empire.