It was noon and there we were again at the main bus station of Yangon named Aung Mingalar Highway Bus Station. As we were quite early and because our stomachs started to growl, we looked around and aimed for a small “restaurant” close to the departure gate, which serves typical local food.
On the sign outside, we could see many delicious choices. However, when we finally ordered, there was only one choice, the dish-of-the-day, which wasn’t even on the menu. Good opportunity to practice the language though. In the end, we were served with rice, some meat in an oily sauce and a plate full of leaves and herbs of which we didn’t know the name nor how we were supposed to eat them. We looked at each other and realised how much more we still have to learn.
Time to leave and we departed on a 5-hour bus ride from Yangon to Taungoo to visit an orthopedic workshop. When we arrived there, what a huge contrast from the city. Everything is green with almost no cars which are replaced by a multitude of motorcycles. In fact, motorcycles are not allowed in Yangon city.
Getting off the bus, we were surrounded by a dozen taxi drivers who offered to take us wherever we wanted to go on their scooters. It was funny to see the surprise on their faces when we started to speak Burmese. We declined their insistent proposals, explaining that after 5 hours sitting on a bus, we would appreciate the walk to the hotel.
On our way, people looked at us, said hello or stared. It was impossible to blend into the landscape and for a short while, we felt like movie stars who couldn’t go anywhere anonymously.
The next day, the workshop leader came to pick us up on a motorcycle to bring us to the orthopedic workshop.
We began by meeting several patients and the leader explained how the centre works. We watched them take measurements for a new patient’s plaster in order to make a prosthesis, as well as seeing orthopedic shoes being made for two little girls.
Some patients were trying their new prosthesis and were walking to and fro to test it in the training room. The reasons for amputations are varied: road accidents, landmines, diabetes and vascular problems. All this reminds us why we’re here and reinforces our desire to be of service to disabled people.
At the end of the day, we were invited to a birthday party for one of the employees’ little 1-year-old son. It was a big celebration with about 30 people, songs, a cake and a meal for everyone. Later, we also participated in a surprise birthday party for one of the employees who just turned 31. It was less formal than the previous birthday party, and once cake was served, it turned into a cake fight.
All these encounters just confirm the privilege we feel in being in this country, and we are very thankful for the amazing workshop team who took us in and included us in their day-to-day work. We felt really welcomed and it allowed us to discover a little more of the Myanmar lifestyle.
