On the street in Yangon.
Kitty don’t play that.
At least when we tried to pick up the bill.
She refused to let Kelli our I pay the bill for dinner. Or for the taxi.
So we just accepted these generous gifts from a kind, loving woman from beautiful, rich and vibrant Yangon, Myanmar.
Our First Day in Myanmar
After stumbling out onto the street – 20 minutes sleep after about 20 hours of travel – Kelli and I strolled around Yangon.
First impressions: Walker’s town! I felt the throngs of briskly walking Burmese overtake me on hitting the pavement. And if I moved too slowly that pavement hitting seemed like it may literally happen.
People here are nice. Genuinely friendly. A kindly woman smiled at me as I peeped her corner stand. Another lady wanted to see what photo Kelli was PREserving during one of her legendary snap shot frenzies.
Roasting meats tantalizing your taste buds. Buses hustling down main drags. Brilliant architecture. Friendly folks. Shops galore. People! Lots of people. But in a One-ness/warm/loving/strong living presence kinda way. Like….The Force is strong with these folks. Because of the love.
Kitty Kitty Bang Bang
Bang!
Within 2 seconds of meeting Kitty we were off to tea. Like she had a loving vice-grip on us. She asked. We accepted the offer. 5 minutes later we were off to dinner. Tea is not enough, she felt. Her treat.
This whirlwind of kindness runs consistent with what we heard about folks in Myanmar. They care. They love. They enjoy helping you learn about their land, which began to open up more to the outside world in the 80’s.
This is still largely unexplored territory to the masses of tourists who flock to neighboring Thailand. A bit mysterious. Not too many Western influences. Just….Myanmar.
Dinner….OK?
We enjoyed dinner at a Nepalise restaurant named….”OK?” Okay?
Kitty frequented this haunt regularly.
Sampling some fine fried chicken.
One of those off the beaten path spots a tourist would rarely frequent.
The mix of mild and spicy hit the spot, with a rich platter of curries, vegetable dishes, breads and rice going down smooth.
We wrapped up with 3 cups of hot ginger tea which were incredibly phenomenally delicious.
Wandering and Learning
As we wandered around town Kitty shared her storied past, leading tours in Yangon. Working with embassies and various organizations to show the real Yangon, the real Myanmar, to the individuals visiting this wonderful land.
We saw the Yangon Stock Exchange (had no idea it existed). The shipping terminal (had no idea it existed, although the old pier guard in me wanted to check numbers on containers). A few large pagodas, (I did know these existed) most notably the brilliant Sule Pagoda in downtown Yangon.
When we wanted to duke her some kiyat for whatever, Kitty would not have it. All she wanted was to spread love, to give what she could offer and to do what she could to make our journey to Myanmar special.
Box ticked in all 3 categories.
This is the legendary Burmese Love we heard about from travel bloggers and tourists. Love never asks. Love gives. Kitty epitomizes this real, true love and the genuine nature of the Burmese beautifully.
The Traffic
We *did* get from Point A to Point B a few times here, yesterday. That’s all that counts.
Never mind how traffic lanes are mild suggestions. Or how every 3-4 minutes you WILL feel like you’re being wedged between buses or cars in a claustrophobic, Dagwood-like sandwich.
But hey….it’s Myanmar. Part of the game. Which I find charming, fun, thrilling and fascinating because amid the seemingly dangerous situation on the road and the illusion of recklessness these folks have a sense of order, certainty and confidence which ensures virtually all rides end without an accident.
The Buildings
Kelli and I both admired the intriguing architecture of loyal buildings.
Sule Pagoda.
From grand temples to stately government buildings we dug the rich mix of old and older amid the vibrant scene in an energetic capital.
Walker’s Paradise
Pedestrians in Yangon are what motorbikes are to Hanoi; they are everywhere.
Coming from car-obsessed and pedestrian-allergic Qatar this is a full 180. An appreciated 180. Because with boots on the ground you enjoy the feel of a place. The vibe.
Food stalls dot seemingly every corner. We even saw a Burger King. Not sure if it’s properly franchised. Props to this lady for being blunt. Much more honest approach than the “Stereo’s” sandwich cookies I enjoyed in Cambodia, a knock off of Oreo’s.
BK. Where’s my crown?
Roast meats. Fragrant smelling breads. Broths.
Then, fruit stands. Vegetable stands. More pedestrians. More pedestrians. More walkers. Hustling by; some at a more leisurely pace, some more frenetically barreling along.
Folks crossing the street at non intersections. Old dudes riding old skool bicycles in the middle of heavy traffic.
Smiles. Free lunches. Free taxi rides. Free tours.
This is Yangon.
Your Turn
Have you been to Yangon? Or Myanmar?
