A MEMBER of a group of Americans who are driving around the world to focus attention on Parkinson’s disease said the highway between Lashio and Mandalay had been the highlight of their trip so far.

“Driving along the highway was the most fantastic trip since we started our journey; the views were majestic,” said Mr Justin Mounts after the group arrived in Mandalay on August 12.

Mr Mounts said the group had also enjoyed taking part in rice planting with villagers near Hsipaw and sight-seeing trip in Pyin Oo Lwin, where they also gave a presentation about Parkinson’s disease, an incurable disorder of the nervous system.

The group also gave lectures about the disease during the visit to Mandalay.

The eight Americans, who are travelling in four Land Rovers, left California on November 1 last year on a 50,000 kilometre journey that will take them to 34 countries.

Myanmar is the 22nd country they have visited. They entered the country at Muse on the border with China.

The group left Mandalay on August 16 en route to India.