Myanmar
by DR. MARAL YAZARLOO - PATTRICK
It was 7 am at Moreh (India-Myanmar Border) and
we were all packed and ready. We went through a
mix of feelings, as we both knew that once we
crossed into Myanmar, there was no returning to
India for a very long time.
We went to the Indian Immigration to get our exit
stamps in our passports. The Immigration Officer
walked out with a bag on his shoulder and set his
table out side the building itself. The atmosphere
was very friendly and happy. he stamped our
passports and we proceeded to customs to stamp
our carnet (Note: This is a very crucial endorsement
that travellers on bikes or cars should not miss out
on, as it's very important to have proof of which
border you got your vehicle out of the country).
With one more check post right at the border, we
left India - with just a bridge connecting the two
countries. and we were met with an absolutely
different world on the other side - a different
language, different currency and a different way of
living! It is hard not to wonder, how a simple line can
divide people and their way of life. Our agent met us
on the other side. It took us a mere 20 minutes and
we were through! This completely invalidated the
stories that we had heard about crossing into
Myanmar and how tough it was. our experience was
very positive. A source of habit, as soon as I have my
helmet on and got into my world, I do what I am
used to, which is to ride on the left side of the road.
Hence as we crossed the border and I kept repeating
in my head 'RIGHT, RIGHT', as Myanmar follows a
right hand drive.
We stopped at the first little city right after the
border to eat our first meal in Myanmar. there was so
much that my eyes tried to take in - the people, their
faces, their clothes,
photographs of their family and graduation handing
on the walls of the restaurant.
The young lady who owned the restaurant came to
take our order. Our agents helped with our food order -
'a little portion of everything'. The dishes kept coming
one after another and soon the table was laden with
an impressive array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian
dishes - floating in oil.
I heard the click of a camera and the sound of
laughter. I turned back and saw partner chatting with
the restaurant owner and clicking away! After days, I
finally saw him happy and content. Over the past
weeks, I often saw him quiet and even depressed. I
resigned myself to the fact that this is how it would be
for the next one and half years.