Random hits on the keyboard

There’s something unexpectedly magical about running in Yangon. It’s not just a physical activity, I feel and see a lot. A bit of hidden corners and allies, and daily life. For me, Yangon is, quite simply, runnable. Sure, now and then, a heavy vehicle exhausts, but for the most part, the air feels fresh. The abundance of green is appealing. Parks, lakes, and open spaces call out to me in the early mornings. I’ve grown strangely fond of the humidity here. The sweat keeps me cold, and it forces me to run a little harder and further. The only caution is that it is not always possible to be on the footpaths. Slippery algae can turn a casual run into a skating attempt. And it is normal to walk/run on the tarmac road, ignoring the speeding car.  But honestly, sleeping in late feels far more dangerous to me than algae or a car. Running through Yangon is lively. I pass crowded marketplaces just waking up, keeping myself away from stray dogs, and observing vegetable markets and tea shops, v...

The beauty of this city continues to fascinate me. Every day feels like a quiet discovery. It has been a week since I arrived, and I’ve been exploring mostly on foot. It often rains—sometimes heavily—but the streets don’t show it. There are no muddy roads or puddles to wade through. The city seems to know how to handle the rain with grace. Food has been one of the highlights of my time here. Every afternoon, my colleague takes me to a different restaurant, often quite extravagant. The meals are rich in flavour—soups, spices, textures. Myanmar food feels like a beautiful mix of South and East Asia. I sense Indian influences, and then there’s a clear Chinese and Thai touch too. But everyone here insists that Burmese food has its own unique soul. I agree. And it’s so affordable! A full meal usually costs just 10,000 to 12,000 Kyat—about 2 to 3 US dollars. Sometimes we treat ourselves to a fancier spot, but even then, it’s reasonable. Good food and warm company make every meal memorable. T...

Earlier this week, as soon as I landed in Yangon, I flew to Myitkyina, the Northern city. The city appears historical, with many pagodas and temples. I was told that there are many Nepali in the town. To my surprise, I encountered a Nepali community while visiting a restaurant for dinner. They include me at their table. They had so many questions about Nepal. They were curious about the places in Nepal, food, politics and many more. I see their love for Nepal. They have a desire to know more about their ancestors. They are third generation here. One thing I was pleasantly surprised by was that they could speak Nepali with native fluency.  They also have disdain towards politicians. Balen is seen as the young, energetic mayor who will transform the country. I had no comments for them. I see how social media plays a pivotal role in creating a perspective about the people and context. All and all, Myitkyina is the world in itself.  As soon as I am back to Yangon, I can not wait t...