his time during the
pandemic is full of
restrictions.
Traveling, which many of us were used to and that was a part of our lives either for business or leisure, has become scarce. Sometimes in a quiet moment, I lean back in my chair, open my photos on my computer, scroll up and down in my albums and try to engage my memory and fantasy, which virtually takes me to all the special and beautiful moments, spots, smells, colors and experiences which touch my soul and my heart again.
One of those destinations which keeps a special place in my life is Burma, or if you prefer, Myanmar. This controversial former British colony of 51 million people in Southeast Asia has been isolated from the world for 60 years and is infamously known because it was one of the world’s longest- running civil wars.
In 2011 the first foreigners were allowed to visit this country and I was thrilled about it. I visited Burma in 2016 when locals were still not used to foreigners evident by their staring at me with curiosity and respect. Some parts of the Burma were still closed and not allowed to be visited. I was given permission to travel only with a local Burmese guide. I was excited and ready to go and explore this mysterious country and also a bit nervous, but when I landed in the capital of Yangon, I was fascinated by the cultural and ethnical diversity. On one side I loved to see the British legacy in the bustling capital where you can enjoy sipping your five o’clock tea in the British tea house. However, this amazing British colonial architecture unfortunately suffered from the wet and humid climate and was patiently waiting to be noticed and repaired. On the other side I immersed into a spiritual atmosphere of the world famous Sule and Shwedagon Pagodas. In the moment when I left the frenetic capital, I instantly felt relaxed and at peace. There were Buddhist temples filled with monks and nuns who decided to give up their secular life and dedicate it to the Buddhist religion. I met many young boy monks and girl nuns who were interested to interact with me and willing to share their cultural beliefs and values.
When I visited the countryside, I was surprised by the slow pace which ruled there. No rush, no hectic. Every morning farmers and fishermen filled the local markets with fresh fruits, vegetables and fish freshly caught in the local waters. The children played loudly in the river while women did their laundry there. People lived in a happy community and symbiosis with the nature. I was fortunate to spend 3 weeks in Burma traveling around and captured unforgettable life-long memories. I can’t deny that this country has acquired my heart forever!
T