The Burmese In Me

I find it hard to convince anyone that I'm actually a very Burmese person. Despite the way I dress, talk or deal with things, I find it quite hard to ignore the best things about Burma. We had a meeting today, to which I was sure I should not have been invited since it has hardly anything to do with me, but after the meeting, my Boss took me to Shwedagon Pagoda. I never knew the night market down the pagoda was actually Bahan and it was fun to walk around, given I was surrounded by Burmese food and fruit vendors; there's something about markets that make me smile.

So, while we were up at the pagoda, Boss pretended to be Craig to practise my 'tourguide' ability, which was an epic fail cos I suck at Burmese history, or any history might I add. So, I guess it's back to my studies with a huge book of Burmese history. Despite the fact that I'm not an almighty Buddhist, it's always a good feeling to be able to go to the pagoda. Serenity at its best and nighttime breeze are just one hell of a good combo to make my evening awesome.

The climb up the stairs was pretty interesting since there was this kid who was begging me to buy this plastic bag off him so that I could put my shoes. I didn't want to. I don't even have small notes and I would've given the notes to him regardless of the plastic bag, which was going to be in the way anyways. I took my shoes off and he grabbed my shoes and put it in his plastic bag. I asked him to give it back, at first politely then I started to yell. He got all freaked out and gave me back my shoes. I told him "I told you already that I would give you the notes if I've got any small ones"

The way down was just me pigging out. We stopped by at the pigs' insides vendor. I was so hungry I had to eat while my boss watched while sipping on her sugarcane drink. Then, she started asking questions to the vendor, which automatically set me up as a translator.

Me+Boss: how old are you?
vendor: 21 (btw, it's a girl vendor)
M+B: Is there a cow's version of this shop?
vendor: Yeah, but it's not as many as pig shops.
M+B: Why not?
vendor: cos people enjoy eating pigs more.
M+B: How about chicken?
vendor: Yeah but that's even more rare than the cow's.
M+B: So, do you end up using all the pig's insides?
vendor: yeah.

Then I got in between..

Me: How about pigs' dicks and vaginas?
vendor: Yeah but I don't sell it.

Then, Boss got interested.

M+B: So how do you eat the pig's penis?
vendor: *giggles*
M+B: Do you slice it or eat it whole?
vendor: sliced
M+B: How big is it?
vendor: *awkward chuckle*

Then, while buying some other food, I found my old friend. Mr shoe snatcher. Now, he was scared to make a move on me. He didn't talk but he looked at me. Then, he kept following me. I took out a 200 kyats note and gave him that. I told him "See I told you I'd give it to you when/if I get it. Stop asking for things repititively .. it'll piss people off. But I'm gonna give you this for your persistence." I had one rose in my hand as well, the unused flower of boss's since she was putting some nine roses to the pagoda. I gave it to this little kid and she tried to break it. Then her mother grabbed it from her and smiled at me, looked at me and asked me if she could wear it in her hair. I smiled and said 'if it makes you look better, go for it'. She smiled back.

Burmese people.. despite their poverty and whinges, I love their smile. It makes my day.