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India and Nepal 2022
I thought that I would make a note of my first impressions before I am absorbed into life here in Yangon.
The first thing I notice is the things which aren't here! Very little western influence although to be fair, I have yet to visit the downtown area. But it's refreshing not to see the usual western multinationals on every street corner. I get the feeling that things are going to change quite fast here - there is money to be made and markets to be opened up.
Yangon is an ancient city and has a population of about five million. Many of its buildings are old and in need of refurbishment and renewal. There are some signs of new high rise luxury condominium blocks and new money being invested in the city's infrastructure. It's definitely a good time to be experiencing life here in Myanmar as it begins its development journey.
The other feature which isn't here much is traffic lights and drivers do the most incredible manouevres across oncoming traffic. I just keep calm and carry on! Many taxi drivers chew the beetul nut which stains their teeth a rich orange/red colour.
The area near to my office is home to many displaced people from the cyclone a few years ago and many live in makeshift shanty towns along the roadside. My office building is located within a secure compound with security guards at the gates.
I am learning my first few words in Burmese although the script will always remain a complete mystery I am sure. I have asked the young women in the office to teach me a new word each day and so by the end of my placement, I should be able to put a sentence together!
The office working week is Tuesday through Saturday and so I am looking forward to a couple of days to explore the city. I also need to find somewhere to live!
The first thing I notice is the things which aren't here! Very little western influence although to be fair, I have yet to visit the downtown area. But it's refreshing not to see the usual western multinationals on every street corner. I get the feeling that things are going to change quite fast here - there is money to be made and markets to be opened up.
Yangon is an ancient city and has a population of about five million. Many of its buildings are old and in need of refurbishment and renewal. There are some signs of new high rise luxury condominium blocks and new money being invested in the city's infrastructure. It's definitely a good time to be experiencing life here in Myanmar as it begins its development journey.
The other feature which isn't here much is traffic lights and drivers do the most incredible manouevres across oncoming traffic. I just keep calm and carry on! Many taxi drivers chew the beetul nut which stains their teeth a rich orange/red colour.
The area near to my office is home to many displaced people from the cyclone a few years ago and many live in makeshift shanty towns along the roadside. My office building is located within a secure compound with security guards at the gates.
I am learning my first few words in Burmese although the script will always remain a complete mystery I am sure. I have asked the young women in the office to teach me a new word each day and so by the end of my placement, I should be able to put a sentence together!
The office working week is Tuesday through Saturday and so I am looking forward to a couple of days to explore the city. I also need to find somewhere to live!
- comments
Pam Wow! Far cry from Colchester! Hang in there. What an adventure. Look forward to reading more soon x