Armed guards escorted the Drive Around the World convoy through Imphal and Nagaland. When asked whether has killed or would kill anybody, the man on the right replied, "Why not?"

[Photo by Nancy Olson]

Journal by Todd Borgie

This is one of the biggest days of our expedition. Months of planning and research have gone into this day. If all goes well, we will successfully pass from Myanmar into India; if things do not go well, we will have to drive to Yangoon and ship our vehicles to India, or maybe something worse. A glitch here would cost us a lot of time and a lot of money. Success here will truly make our expedition unique, as it is very difficult, if not impossible, to find people who have driven their vehicles across Myanmar.

After one of the most strenuous drives yesterday, on the brand new road, we finally went to bed after the unstoppable Nancy Olson pulled numerous vehicles to freedom after their incarceration in mud. Team members also helped rebuild a bridge that had been washed out; wow what a day. We believe a concept called travel karma, helping people out, always comes around. Perhaps helping that little boy in China turned the scales on us and allowed us those extra days in China. Maybe, we will get a little help at this next border.

Although weary, the team awoke, packed u, in a rainstorm, and made their way to the border that was located about 2 ½ hours away. The drive was gentle, on good roads, but the stress meter was recording readings. Problems had been going on in Manipur, and the border has been open and closed intermittently. Our original paperwork stated that we would be here four days ago with only four vehicles; now it is four days later and we have five vehicles. Despite the amendments to the documents, we just want to avoid any glitches today.

We made it to the border, and border-crossing procedures commenced. Knowing the system, our Myanmar guides had us park as they went to work. We sat and drank tea and ate biscuits while we wondered what was going on. In order to even approach the Indian side of the border, you have to have all your I’s dotted and your T’s crossed. Apparently, too many people had tried to cross without the proper paperwork, and India had turned them away, leaving the Myanmar officials to be responsible for them.

I am glad to say, despite the border being closed, we made it through! After some final paperwork on the Indian side of the border, and seeing one of the most beautiful girls I have ever seen, we received an escort of armed guards and we were heading the final 110 kilometers to our resting point for the night, Imphal, the capital of Manipur.

Although the distance didn’t seem too far, it was already 4:00 p.m., and we were in a hurry to beat the moon to Imphal. We were all on our guard here, as there has been a lot of unrest in this area, all based on the fact that this seven-state area (Manipur being one of the seven states) is not particularly happy being under Indian rule. Back in the late 40’s, when the British turned over their colonies in this area, for independence, this area was thrown under India’s jurisdiction. Due to the continued unrest since the incorporation into the empire, India has enacted some very controversial policies that have continued to fan the flames of discontent. At the end of the day, neither side is free from bloodshed; but from the looks of things, there is a long way to go before there is peace in this valley.

We were whisked up and down through the hills before finally entering the valley (and straight-aways) towards Imphal. Police seemed to be everywhere as David Burlinson and I (the fifth car, who had once been refused admittance into India with his vehicle, and whose advice was invaluable in the planning of this leg of the journey) thumped down the road listening to techno music. I am not sure what was going on, I just knew that I was a bit uncomfortable with all the guns around.

We finally made it to the hotel about 9:00 p.m., checked in, stripped everything off the vehicles that wasn’t locked down, and went in for the night. What will tomorrow bring?

--Todd

The Drive Around the World team drove north along the India-Myanmar Friendship Road during the final stretch to the India border. We're the first team to complete a continuous overland journey through this former country of Burma since 1953.

Photo by Nancy Olson

Help support our cause: The LONGITUDE Expedition is the longest journey ever attempted with a focus on Parkinson's Disease. The Drive Around the World team aims to raise money for Parkinson’s Disease research by driving four Certified, Pre-Owned Land Rover Discoverys around the globe following lines of longitude. Readers are encouraged to pledge small amounts of money per expedition-kilometer via a pledge form that can be found on our Parkinson’s page by clicking HERE. One hundred percent of donations received go directly to Parkinson's research, and all who donate $10 or more will be entered into a raffle to win an expedition-equipped Land Rover Discovery.