Day 10- The Richer Side of Myanmar

Note: I really don’t remember what day it is, but we will just stick to that.  I will write once weekly when school starts and do a week-by-week account.

Faculty meetings- the same everywhere!  Our principal goes through the information we need to start school and then a lively, long discussion about students using the elevators.  Professional development is handled on a "seek your own" policy with a $600.00 travel budget to pay for it. Sweet!

The day ended with being invited to see the more affluent side of what’s offered in Myanmar.  We were driven to The Strand Luxury Hotel to have a drink (yes, I asked to keep my wooden stirrer with the ornate topper) and then off to the Union Bar and Grill (where a really long conversation ensued about the things I have to look forward to—flying roaches, snakes, giant frogs, gray whites—I guess the honeymoon is over).  Picture expats talking over drinks- we spy two blonds in their thirties, dangling cigarettes off of their fingers, hashing about the day's events like they have no cares in the world while outside, the street vendor is hoping his day's sales will be enough to support his family. I just want to know everyone’s story.  Why are they here?  Are they all diplomats, or teachers?  I am sure one of my favorite things will be to become an observer in situations like this and make up my own story about their lives.  Best of all—I had a hamburger and fries! (Have had no processed foods since arriving- ok- I have had a few Pringles, but… cold turkey).  It is nice to know I can learn about the culture through my neighborhood and escape to Western ways when the need arises. 

Reflections so far…..

1.   Expectations-- I have heard many comments about how well the new group of teachers are doing (me included- imagine that!) Alexander Pope once said, “Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.”  I think I expect a lot of people and of my students, but for this situation, Pope’s philosophy has served me well. Lesson Learned.

2.   This week, as I was waiting to get on the elevator to go to the 8^th floor, one of the housekeepers at the school gestured at me indicting I was “robust” and then how she admired my beauty. Her sincerity and sweet demeanor touched me so I could not be offended at her first comment. Life is full of contradictions.

3.   No matter how cheap something is, people still love to haggle.  When a 20 something year old saw what I paid for some cut up pineapple (50 cents), he told me to go to the stands- I could save money.

4.   Technology—I found myself frustrated this week because I had to wait for one minute for something to download. Gosh- how ridiculous is that?  I am so spoiled with immediate gratification.