Home in Yangon and Already In Love

It happened - as soon as I arrived in Yangon, stepped outside into the muggy air, I was finally excited. The streets were empty and dark as we made our way to the hotel, shops, cafes, and signs illuminating everything within distance of the glow, reminding me of a mix of Ho Chi Minh City, Nairobi, and a little bit of Panzhihua (minus the constant throng of people that can be found at what seemed to be most hours of the night, unless it was past two in the morning).

While checking in and getting my temporary room, I was given a welcome sign in Burmese from Richard, a new teacher and the only person I've kept in touch with from the school, of whom has shared hopes, nervousness, and lists of what to bring with me.

After having strewn things about in search for small and needed items, fresh fruit of the tropical yummyliciousness kind being delivered as a welcome from the hotel, I crawled into bed and fell fast and deep into unconsciousness.

There was a point or two in the middle of the night that I wondered where I was, but it was vague and let go of quick enough to go back to sleep with in seconds of pondering.

When I finally did wake up I scurried to the windows lining the end of my temporary room and threw open the curtains, unveiling my new home and life. I feel in love instantly, my heart beating, excitedness waking me faster than any alarm ever has. I looked out the windows, unable to peal myself or my fascinated eyes away.

Later, Kelli, another new teacher and my new found friend, ventured downstairs for breakfast. Windows housed us as we sat and ate, sharing who we were, sipping coffee and tea while pretending that this was all common and normal. Our smiles gave away everything.

Breakfast finished, Kelli and I headed into town, where every turn provided wow's, pinch me moments, both of us taking turns saying, "I can't believe this!" We walked for hours, till we suddenly tuckered out, and came back to our new home, both to the shaking of our heads in disbelief.