Adolf Bastian

Quite a thorough narrative by a traveller who comes across as a bit fussy and set in his ways. Must have chicken every night! Must have eggs every morning! The highlight for me was finding a mention of my great great (possibly one more great) grandfather in the book. He generously offers Mr. Bastian hospitality in his house, the centre for the Armenian and other merchants, but Bastian churlishly declines, because he wants to see the "real" Burma and practice his Burmese. Bastian trails all over town trying to find other accommodation, only to go back to Mr. Ter Minas's house well after midnight, admitting defeat.
Bastian carries on, constantly exasperated by locals badgering him for medicine, his cooks and boatmen quitting, delays with hiring boats, etc. He chronicles as much as he can about the habits of the people, their lives, their religions, the countryside, flora and fauna, artworks, monasteries, the lot! As I said, he was thorough!… (altro)