In early March, I (David) had the opportunity to go to Lashio, the largest city in the north of Shan State. It’s a special city since it is very close to the Chinese border. It plays an important role in the trade and transit of goods between China and Myanmar. On the road to Lashio, the trucks were almost bumper to bumper driving towards the border. “You see these cows in the truck, they are for China. They love this meat there… ”, said my Burmese colleague.
During the trip, I discovered mountainous landscapes and winding roads. I felt in my element because I love mountains. However, the horizon was foggy, accompanied by a strong smell of smoke. This came from fires that are started everywhere to “clean up” the grounds. “Yes, it’s the season”, I was told. On the road, from the window, I watched people trying to get away from a fire that was coming dangerously close to their bamboo house. I admit that the meaning of this “season” of fires escapes me completely!
In Lashio, I was very interested to meet another expatriate who has created his own company, an agency that offers tourist excursions in order to support isolated communities in the region. He has already received a prize for the best adventure agency in Myanmar. If you’re thinking of one day visiting and discovering Myanmar and you like adventures, do not hesitate to check out their website: myanmaradventureoutfitters.com.
Being in the process of starting our own company in orthopedics with my colleague from Taunggyi, I was really grateful to have the opportunity to discuss the various challenges related to the opening of a company with the founder of that agency.
I also was able to go on an excursion to a Palaung village with this agency, to visit a minority ethnic group in Shan State, located on a mountain. Departure was by motorbike, which we left in a village at the foot of the mountain. Then we continued on foot with our local guide, who opened the way for us. Another surprising guide invited itself on our expedition, a dog that we named “Yellow” because of the colour of its fur. A very particular dog, which, as soon as we arrived in the village to drop off the motorcycles, immediately came to us looking for a pat in a way that it was impossible to refuse. Even I couldn’t refuse, and I’m not a dog person!
I was very happy to have the chance to walk on the path which went up into the forest in the direction of a Palaung village. Being in the open air, crossing small streams, discovering the landscapes gave me a very special joy. I smiled when I saw Yellow, who was all excited, sprinting back and forth towards us on the steep path. I realized that I would be incapable of expressing my joy like he did! Apparently, the dog was also happy to stretch his legs!
A few hours later, we left the forest and discovered a magnificent Palaung village on the top of the hill. The houses are built of bamboo, and I saw that the village was very clean. No garbage, not even animal droppings could be seen on the roads even though some had cows and pigs. I was told it was because there was a monastery in the village so people were being mindful. Suddenly, we were the attraction. People stared and smiled at us.
We were welcomed by an older couple and spent the night with them. However, impossible to practice my Burmese because they spoke… Palaung, one of the many languages of the country. Here is a trivia question: Do you know how many languages Myanmar has? It’s a true paradise for linguists since the country has more than 100 different languages!
During the evening, our guide took his ukulele out (a kind of mini-guitar) and began to play and sing. Immediately, it attracted the neighbours who came and sat down to listen to it. I saw wrinkled faces all smiles, captivated by the moment. They discovered this instrument, watched it, tried it out, laughed, then we joined the guide again to sing another song. I was touched to see this joy in the eyes of my new friends. What a gift to be able to marvel at such simple things in life! It was an example for me and a simplicity that was inspiring.
The next day, after a short night, we discovered the village at sunrise with magnificent colours. People were busy, one bringing his cow out of his pen, surely the one who tried to run away during the night because in the middle of the night we heard a lot of mayhem with the sounds of bells and shepherd’s cries. Others were going to the stream to fetch water. Thankful for the moments we spent with our hosts, we left to go back with our special guide Yellow, always happy to lead the way.
During the day, we also discovered waterfalls, and our visit ended, filled with nice memories. Ready to take the motorbike, I saw Yellow sprawled on the porch of the house, sleeping like a log. I said to myself: wow, finally he’s not a super dog! I smiled and couldn’t help but think of my bed that was waiting for me and looked forward to imitating Yellow!
The following days allowed me to discover other ethnic minorities like the Wa, the Lisu and to see even more of the diversity of the country. Through these experiences and several discussions, I got to know a little more of Shan State, the largest state in Myanmar, where we live.
