The Enigma of Love

LEGEND.

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1. The Game Commences

2. Love Is

3. An Island Never Cries

4. To Be Or Not To Be, That Is The Question

5. Epilogue

1. The Game Commences :

“ The shipping business is similar to any other businesses and are affected by the forces of supply and demand. Here, one thing we can safely say is, its forces are ‘derived’ rather than ‘direct’ for goods and services. For your guidance the number one commodity traded globally today is crude oil, and thus the demand for moving that product is also created in conjunction. With the abolition of single hull tankers in 2015 according to UNCTAD code, demand for double hull tankers will be increasingly sought after, to be sure. In the short term, chartering would be the answer to satisfy that demand. This is where I come in. I will be lecturing you all on the understanding of chartering and its terms. ”  This was part of a lecture by U Hla Myo (Mr. Beautiful Tribe), voicing during an early morning lecture in one of the classroom of Institute of Economics to post-graduate students reading Diploma in Shipping. 

To U Hla Myo, lovingly known as ‘Myo Gyi’ by his associates and students, nicknamed after a well-known Myanmar rock singer, this was just an ordinary lecture, which he dishes out after a long career in Shipping. Now well retired after reaching the designated age, wishing to pass on his wealth of knowledge secured from four decades, to the next generation willing to listen and carry on the torch. Most of his students are matured and conducting some sort of international businesses and wanted to understand the chain of events till reaching the customers.

U Hla Myo lectures were only conducted during weekday mornings for three hours commencing at seven thirty. Two classes of one and half hours each does drain his energy but enjoys passing on his vast knowledge. The course was for one and half years, and he being part of a dedicated teaching team coaxing the matured students, towards a better understanding and grasp of the subject.

Nowadays he would spend his spare time reading at the university well stocked library, and making short notes and also surfing the Internet at home when the system was up and running. This was his passion next to cars that he also loves. He’s got one grown up son, well educated abroad in the theme of Electrical Engineering with a Master’s Degree from the respected University of Singapore. At home, his loving and caring partner of a wife Mary, for more than forty years slaves to upkeep his castle, maintaining all administration matters and also looks after his health in his golden years. She’s fighting fit, eating the right food, a devout Buddhist with regular bouts of meditation and brisk walking to the market every morning. She declares that it’s a good workout while also satisfying the cooking needs. What’s there for complaint he thought?

These days, ‘Myo Gyi’ and his wife looks forward to their regular visits to be united again with their son in Singapore, while Mary does a spot of shopping there, needy or otherwise, but always making a case that her actions were a real necessity. As long as she was happy, peace do prevails. U Hla Myo and his son have to eat whatever she markets to prove correct her case. Never ending shopping sprees or window-shopping was her passion. A good buy and a case of sound economics was to be sure her reasons. Rightly or wrongly those were her thoughts and as U Hla Myo mother use to say ‘King can do wrong’, thus useless to make a case due defending becomes a chore and a lost action. Mary enjoys a good dialogue, while her husband and son found it rather taxing. She does not realize that winning a round was not a gospel truth, view both of them let have her way for a peace of mind and non-stop nagging. Such were their compromises, however they do love her dearly. This was the price for securing some peace and quiet around the house.

The only cases in question U Hla Myo tries to prove was in the lecture hall where the only subject was Shipping Economics. He would join in with his students during tea breaks to make them more comfortable and gauge their intake of the lectures. The atmosphere was more casual and the discussions during the fifteen minutes interludes were passionate and fiery and he wished they would voice out the same in the class.  This year it was his turn to lecture on Shipping Contracts, Chartering Terms and meaning of assorted clauses plus many standard Charter Parties, this being one of the disciplines of Shipping. It was easier for him as Chartering Terms and Clauses has not changed much since the fifties till date. Most were variation of the theme, which means little to update his lecture notes. Today, there are few instances of chartering in and mostly conducted by the National Line. Again, chartering out was also non-existent, as Myanmar does not have sufficient tonnages to get involved in such exercises. It is more prevalent in London, Europe, Singapore and Japan, thus a challenge to make the students appreciates what they have not experienced.

The student ages during this intake varies from above thirties to fifties. A wealth of experiences there, majority were males and a few of the opposite sex, however each intake differs and vibrant are the discussions with different views depending on which industry they came from and the academic qualifications they secured in life. The course classes were around fifty to seventy each, then dwindles down to around thirty per class, only the hard core remained as their businesses and firms demanded competence, for their increase in salaries and/or their status calls for it. Whatever, it was interesting for U Hla Myo. Even though he lectures, he also learns something new at every intake. It reminded of his student sojourns while in London. There were lawyers, bank managers, traders, brokers, from the insurance companies and some from the fields of oil and gas and a few pure students. Greeks, Germans, Italians, Cypriots, Indians, Chinese and roughly only half were British, trying to better themselves in their crests of advancing their careers. U Hla Myo was the only Burmese then.  Looking back those were fun times. 

Even though lecturing was only three hours, he would spend time after classes with his fellow Lecturers discussing on statistics and the latest developments in Shipping. Most of the Lecturers were Academics or Lawyers by education, and he was the only one from the Shipping Industry. At least age wise they were roughly the same, all over fifty and pushing on to sixties. The young ones, twenty plusses were not really interested in the subject, due the Shipping Industry was quite small in Yangon. Their appreciation and love for the subject was somewhat sparingly to say the least. After all, the bulk of the money was elsewhere and most chases for that rainbow, understandably. In Myanmar most wishes to sail the seven seas as deck officers and engineers or ship’s crew and to the best of U Hla Myo knowledge, no greenhorns likes to enter the commercial side on account the money was not there. This to his mind creates a vacuum and he still loves to pass his knowledge, especially to Myanma Five Star Line, the National Line view commercial know how would still be an added asset there. This was his first line of work, being also his true mentor establishment. But regretfully, economic and commercial values are at times superseded or compromised by political or social considerations. No one dare points out for fear of rocking their chairs, quite rightly too, he was one of them. You see, no guts!  

2. Love Is :

In another part of Yangon’s suburbia in the district of Insein, there works a beautiful maiden under the name of Naw Phyu Phyu Kyaw (Miss Renowned Fair Beauty), age twenty eight, university educated, a fair slim Christian girl, blessed with beauty coupled with an articulate voice, which can be overbearing at times, practices her work as a clerical staff for the Myanmar Post and Telecoms (MPT).  ‘Naw’ in front of female name signifies that she is of Karen stock, which makes 7% of our Union. She left her family in Pa-an, a town in southern part of Myanmar, now living with her three girlfriends, earning money to be one of the three breadwinners for her family. About five foot six, well proportioned by Mother Nature was well desired by all. However, ‘Phyu Phyu’ as she was known, was somewhat choosey. Trying to measure whether the suitor meets her stringent requirements, thus remaining still unwed. One day she met a man at the Insein MPT struggling to open an account for his mobile telephone, facing trouble at the counters and was his fourth time around being turned down there due to incomplete papers, so he declares.

Ko Saw Dylan sat by the benches, fully drained of energy and at a total loss, sweating under the mid-day humid heat was thinking seriously of employing a broker, to speed up the process to secure his Subscriber Identification Module Card, (SIM Card). Phyu Phyu saw the man with sagging shoulders gazing onto the single ceiling fan, on return from washing her lunch box before making her way inside. The sight took pity on him and enquired, “ Any problems? It’s not that hard satisfying the requirements, don’t look so down. ”

Ko Saw Dylan replied, “ Judging from your uniform, you work for MPT. Yes? This is my forth trip here and being turned down at the counter every time. I know no more what they require, the sign says able process by oneself, but it seems brokers are having the upper hand. ”

Here ‘Ko’ means male gender of respectful age in Burmese and ‘Saw’ denotes that he is from a Karen stock.

Phyu Phyu said, “ Show me your papers.”

Securitizing his papers, she soon realized that photocopy of his rightful ownership was missing, so also was copy of his Identity Card (IC). From the papers at hand she deducted that he was thirty two years of age, a company director and lives in Mayangone area of Yangon. Other requirements were in order. From his name she also noticed that he was a Karen. Fair looking chap and did not have the rough edges and sounds to be fairy well educated from his conversation. Smartly dressed, handsome, soft-spoken and pleasant all round she thought.

After a few minutes Phyu Phyu commented, “ Your papers are in order except photocopies of your ownership and IC are missing. You can get those done across the street, cheap and fast at that. Remember that the counter people are faced all day long with never ending queues and does not have the luxury of time to explain to each customer, after all, it’s all clearly posted. In future please read the instructions carefully on the notice board. Get those done, I’ll wait here and hand them back to me. You just sit here and I will see to it. It should only take a few moments. ”

Ko Saw Dylan promptly ran across the street and returned after a couple of minutes. Sweating profusely, he handed her the case file, full of papers and said, “ Thank you. ”

A few minutes went by and he thanked his lucky stars for this kind gesture from her. It was not that he could afford services of a broker, but rather to prove to a point that it could be done by the lawful owner as the encouraging signboard says.  If she had not shown up, he was seriously thinking of employing a broker at any cost. He said to himself thank God there are saviors and no more hear say anymore, as he actually experienced it himself.  He asked himself in his mind why was everything was so difficult when dealing with authorities? This cannot be no more, should Myanmar wants to compete in the region he wanted to yell. Then he saw her approaching towards him with only a few sheets of paper in her hand.

Phyu Phyu said, “ Here you are, your SIM Card and your receipt. Your mobile telephone should be working in 24 hours. ”

Ko Saw Dylan much relieved, smiled with gratitude and said, “ Thank you very much, may I be permitted to buy you a meal at your convenience? ”

She replied, “ Not necessary, I do not want you to have a wrong impression of us. Just doing my job, enjoy your mobile phone. ”

Ko Saw Dylan commented, “ All the same, thank you again and may I know your name? ”

“ It’s Naw Phyu Phyu Kyaw, my friends calls me just Phyu Phyu. ”

“ Well Phyu Phyu, nice to make your acquaintance and my impression of MPT is now not as bad as before. Oh, I take it you are also a Pwa Ka Nyaw (of the same  Sagaw Karen stock), Yes? Thank you again. ”

“ I am not a Sagaw Karen, but a Pwo Karen, however still of Karen stock though. All at MPT are decent working folks, doing thankless jobs that others may benefit. ”

All the same, whatever, Ko Saw Dylan shook her soft hand as a gesture of gratitude and left Insein MPT, a satisfied man at last. He drove back to their company ‘Agri-goods Pvt. Company Limited’, which deals mainly in export of beans, pulses and sesame seeds to India and Japan mostly. In actual fact, the company is a partnership with his best buddy since school days, Ko Khine Win (Mr. Shining Strong). While he takes care of buying the agricultural products for export from middlemen, Brokerage firms, and warehouse owners, his friend was in-charge of all things export documentation and combing contracts. They do secure import permits after exports, which they sell back at a healthy hefty profit and no shortage of takers at that. Their company is situated at down town, no.47 (3^rd Floor) Bo Aung Kyaw Street with twelve personnel and has been in business for more than eight years. He’s happy with his now personal private mobile telephone, which he keeps totally separate from business. Being one of the eligible bachelors in town, which does make heads turn wherever he ventures into, with prospective in-laws licking their lips to win over such a prize. He’s one of those men, a girl would like to call as their husband due he fits most of their bills. His availability status also helps in his business, but he only treats them with humor, being a happy go lucky guy and his only goal was always to be showered with money for the rest of his life with no worries. However he was not hundred percent content as something was bugging at the back of his mind which he could not pin point. He believe that a wife will come his way if it was so fated, otherwise he was happy to prod along as a single man with his loving parents for the rest of his life.

One day while he was negotiating to purchase 36 tons of pulses for export to New Delhi buyers, through the Port of Nava Shiva from a well-respected Brokerage firm on Sule Road, it hits him that he wishes to see Phyu Phyu again. A beautiful dame with black long hair, a Karen too, but not too young, he wondered why his attention was to her. After all, she was just another working girl, dishy though, with charming features and a magnetic voice plus a cool and attractive smile. This was the culprit, which was bugging him since he last saw her about two months back. He told himself that it should not be as there were many fishes, younger and well to do, waiting to be cast. However, he found himself one rainy late afternoon marooned inside his car, waiting to catch sight of her outside Insein MPT that resulted negatively, and that was his third day. Maybe she does not work there anymore, and it seemed stupid to be waiting for someone whom he just spoke for a few moments, who showed no interest in him. Next afternoon he found himself anchored outside Insein MPT again waiting to catch a glimpse of her. But then, eureka at last, she was shielding from the rain under her automatic Beige umbrella, walking swiftly towards her waiting staff ferry parked outside the Insein MPT behind him.

He got out quickly from the shelter of his car without an umbrella and posed a question to her, “ Hello Phyu Phyu, terrible wet day, may I have the honor of driving you back home, and on the way may be stop at a place to your liking for a bite and something warm to drink. Scouts honor, no funny business, a promise at that. For what’s it worth, this is my forth day here. ”

“ Ko Saw Dylan, a surprise to be sure. Yes, I’ve been away for a week, visiting my father’s birthday at Pa-an and to catch up with the family. For your efforts, I suppose you may drive me back, do share my umbrella, you are getting wet.”

“ You seem to remember my name, that’s a good start. Where to Phyu Phyu? Do enlighten me your favorite food joint and preference to meat and abstinent, if any? ”

“ Dylan being an usual choice and as such your name stuck in my mind. I stay in East Yankin housing complexes and as to meat I consume everything eatable, and do not have any favorite food outlets view I rarely dine out. You don’t have to on my account, and really not necessary. ”

“ I want to really, and not patronizing or paying you back for your kindness a few months ago. For your information I don’t know why my parents choose Dylan as my Christian name and never did asked. Since you don’t have a particular choice, may I take you to ‘La Opera’, they serve good authentic Italian cuisine, hope it’s alright and not too far from East Yankin too. ”

“ I’ve never eaten Italian food, suppose always a first, so you do the ordering and I’ll just follow. For you to know Dylan Thomas was a famous Welsh poet and author during your parents’ time and may be they chose your name after him.  ”

Ko Saw Dylan knows a few good restaurants as one of his duties included dining with clients, but this was out of his own pocket. This restaurant was the first that came into his mind, quiet, serene and not crowded. He still do not know what compels him to pursue Phyu Phyu, good looking and beautiful maybe, but there were a lot of younger and more beautiful girls with fat bank accounts from well to do families, dying to pass on their wealth to him. He was sure she was none of those. He drove the car slowly in the pouring rain, concentrating on the road ahead and soon he was dry from the car’s air conditioning. He kept to the small lanes to escape the late afternoon traffic, no more words passed between them. On reaching ‘La Opera’, Phyu Phyu passed a comment.

“ It looks like an old house, are you sure this is a restaurant? Seems too quiet for an eatery place. Besides, not on the main road either, wonder how can they can survive and make money. ”

“ Well Phyu Phyu, you may get out now, no need for your umbrella as only about twelve steps into La Opera. Besides, should the rain be heavy, the doorman would meet you with his umbrella. ”

Phyu Phyu was awed by the ambiance of the restaurant inside. Never judge a book by its cover seems to apply here. She has never been to such a posh restaurant, which took her breadth away to say the least. As they were non-smokers, the young attractive waitress guided them to a small table by the miniature green palms and poured iced water with a dash of lime into their crystal clear goblets. It was truly an experience for her. She was then passed a leather bound menu together with a wine list. Phyu Phyu also found the soft guitar music being strummed by a man in the hallway soothing too, not that she recognized the music.

When the waitress walked away, wide eyes Phyu Phyu commented, “ Wow! What a place, beautiful, nice and cozy to be sure, cool and dry too. Please do the necessary ordering I don’t understand the menu a single bit. ”

“ Will you join me to a glass of wine? ” Ko Saw Dylan enquired appreciating the atmosphere.

“ Only a few drops please, I have yet to sample and taste. Besides, I don’t want to be drunk. ”

When the waitress came back to take the orders in her cream silk blouse and black long skirt, she commented with a smile, “ Welcome back Sir. ”

Ko Saw Dylan smiled back in return and announced, “ Two Spaghetti Bolognese, beef is fine by us and two glasses of Red House Wine, thank you. ”

Phyu Phyu enquired, “ She seems to know you. What did you order? ”

“ To cut a long story short, Semolina noodles with beef tomatoes sauce and two glasses of Red Wine. Should you not like it, you may leave it. ”

“ This will be my first taste and let’s see the outcome. Meantime, although I don’t understand the menu I do have a feeling that it must be expensive. ”

Ko Saw Dylan just pressed a smile in return.

He knows a diamond in the rough when he sees one, after doing business for a few years, these things come naturally to him, correct and precise judgments were one of his talents. In Phyu Phyu, he deducted that after a few short conversations that she was honest in her views with no airs of pretence, or does she portray what she was not. Thus the reason for his attraction to her, a rare gem in this day and age, where wearing a hat of chameleon was a way of life. Furthermore, judging from her left hand first finger, she was still single. Looking at her features, she must be in her late twenties or early thirties, which told him she also have been a stringent profiler, otherwise she would have been married earlier on with her stunning dimensions. No doubt about it, she was last of the Mohicans.

When the food came, she was indifferent to the taste. The Red Wine, she did have a few mouthfuls but she said it was not for her. For deserts, she chose a chocolate cream double layer cake and coffee with milk, which he joined in. This she enjoyed and cleaned her desert plate.

“ I think you enjoyed the chocolate cream cake more than the main course of Spaghetti Bolognese, which I agree is somewhat different to the normal Chinese cuisine flavor. ”

“ Being a Karen Christian woman, to be honest, the Italian food must be a sort of an acquired taste. For the money, I would have gone for a Chinese meal, cheaper and tastes super. The cake was good. Coffee? Maybe a bit too strong and bitter for my taste. No offence intended, are you a Christian too?  ”

“ No, I am a Buddhist by birth and still living with my parents, being single which allows me to be free of household chores, cleaning, washing, ironing and those kind of mundane monotonous things. A big grown up baby, too lazy to do it myself, hope being of different religion not a problem with you, as I am not.  By the way, no offence taken and thank you for being honest, a rare thing these days. ”

“ No problem, I’m not too religious either, just a born Christian and do regret not that westernized or modern, being a country Karen girl at heart.  Shall we make a move? My girlfriends may start to worry soon. ”

Ko Saw Dylan settled the bill and made their way to East Yankin, smiling and feeling pleased with himself for finding Phyu Phyu, four days was a mean feat in his books. She guided and navigated the drive to her building no. 214, right entrance.

“ I live on the first floor, apartment no.3 with my three other girlfriends, cheaper that way and split the utility bills squarely. Two girls to a bedroom with common sitting room and cook separately. We rarely have male guests unless family, so I will not ask you up, hope you do not mind. ” 

“ No problem, I enjoyed the outing, hope you did also. Much regret for the spaghetti, as La Opera was the first restaurant that came into my head. May I see you again?  ”

“ It was an experience to be sure. Thank you for taking me to a posh restaurant. Give me a call, my mobile is 9127 2218 and we shall see. ”

“ I’ll do that, thank you for your company which was most enjoyable. Sorry for keeping your girlfriends worry for you unnecessarily. ”

They bided their goodbyes and Phyu Phyu stepped out of the car and made for her apartment. Thank God the rain gave a slight reprieve. Ko Saw Dylan was a happy man and drove with full contentment back to Mayangone, to his parents house. He has never felt like this, and he was not new to dates either. Many a girl he has dated and conquered, but this was something else to him. After parking his car in the garage, he walked into the house with a beaming grin.

His mother and father from the settee were watching television and she questioned, “ Why the grin on your face? Strange I must admit, won the lottery? ”

“ Must be the satisfying day. By the way Mother, why was I christened Dylan? ”

“ Those days your father and I read poetry and we enjoyed ‘Do not go gentle into the good night’ so very much, that we named you Dylan  after the poet and the name was more unique compared to John, Simon and Peter etc.  Why ask now? ”

“ Oh! Nothing, just wanted to know. Good night Mother, Father. ” 

So disappearing into his room. He took a long hot shower and feeling satisfied, dried and steped into his pajamas and slowly sank his bottom onto his easy chair in front of his laptop on the study table, which has been his contemplating center as long as he could remember. After surfing the Internet, checked his mail and Facebook, his stare settled on his mobile telephone.  After much deliberation   with himself and hearing the news from the television below, must be past nine thus he pressed the keys 9127 2218 on his mobile.

A sweet voice answered, “ Hello? ”

He replied, “ This is Saw Dylan, just checking whether everything is alright with you? ”

“ Why should it not be? Got home and one of my girlfriends had moakhingar for dinner bought from the top of the road which they shared with me, thus my stomach is also full. ”

“ By the way, the number you see on your screen is mine, 9281 3116 which is open to you 24/7 and you were right about my name, my parents named me as they enjoyed the poetry by Dylan Thomas. How did you know?  ”

“ An educated guess. I may be a country girl, but I do read you know. May not too versed in the finer things in life, however literacy wise, I do read some works in English and Burmese that I like. ”

He enjoyed her cool assuring voice, with no pretence and it was confirmed what was troubling him all this while. He would like to see her again and she seemed to be on the same frequency with him, a rare gem and Phyu Phyu was the missing link in his life.

Ko Saw Dylan bumbled out, “ May I see you again? I would like to pick you up after work this Friday? ”

“ No you may not, as I do not want the office talking behind my back. However, do give me tinkle Saturday morning and check whether I am free or otherwise. ”

“ I’ll do that and have a good night rest for tomorrow. ”

“ Bye, Ko Saw Dylan and thank you for your call. ”

Phyu Phyu cut off the line but he was overjoyed, and like a little boy who could not stop smiling from side to side. He looked forward to his call on Saturday morning. After an hour or so going through the office papers, he called it a day and had an early night. At work, he continue to buy beans and pulses plus sesame seeds and sold it to Indian and Japanese Buying Houses in Yangon, when in season. He does make a few trips to Singapore, New Delhi and Tokyo and visited the end Buying Houses there, who were their clients, as Ko Khine Win wishes to be in the background view winning confidence over dialogs were not his strongest points. When Saturday came, he was shaking with nervousness and anticipation, still he called Phyu Phyu all the same. She informed him that due to her outstanding laundry woes, can be only available by 1800 hours. Whatever, he accepted it and would take her to a Chinese Restaurant in Mayangone, near the new cinema. The food there was accepted to be above par, complimented by many authentic Si Chuan cuisine supporters.

Ko Saw Dylan took her there and let Phyu Phyu do the honor of ordering from the variety of well-presented menu. The atmosphere was not too crowded and was able to conduct a private conversation and also dine in peace. 

“ I don’t know anything about you and yet I am going out with you, not too correct in my books. I think it’s high time you enlighten me about yourself so that I can make some kind of assessment and right my questionnaire. Forgive me for being blunt.  ”

She can come down like a ton of bricks and straight as an arrow, but it’s all for the best he thought. Better than playing a waiting game, beating around the bush. One will knows where one stands and not waste time.

“ Well I am a Buddhist Karen, age thirty two, single, with Bachelor of Science, BSc Degree, working in our own private company owned by me and my best friend Ko Khine Win. Our company is by the name of Agri-goods Pvt. Company Limited, situated on Bo Aung Kyaw Street and we exports beans, pulses and sesame seeds to India and Japan mostly, and been in business close to eight years. Being the only son, live with my retired parents in a house, situated in Mayangone, Yangon.

An eligible bachelor in town with all the right qualifications one might say. How am I doing? ”

“ Rather well actually. As far as I am concerned, should you be not wanted by the law, a drunkard or a drug addict, responsible with a stable job, of good family, are that matters of my yardstick, others not too worried or has any weight or bearing and of no interest to me. For your information, even though Dylan Thomas was a renowned poet and author, he was known to be drunk and a rebel rouser. ”

“ Please rest assured that I am not a drunkard or drug addict, does not even smoke for that matter. Names may be similar, but characters totally different. Just a simple Working Man in our mad world, trying to earn money in an honest way. ”

“ I see, thus you are not doing financially too bad either, born and bred in Yangon? ” 

Ko Saw Dylan answered, “ No, not always. According to father, they were from a small town of Myawaddy, a family of businessmen and landowners. Their small border town is in Karen State, southeast of Myanmar with Moei River demarcating our Myanmar side with Mae Sot Town in Thailand. Apparently my grandfather owned quite a bit of land with paddy fields and after numerous fire fights between Karen National Union Army (KNU) and the Burmese Army, which claimed quite a few lives both from my father and mother side, they sold everything and immigrated to Yangon when I was a little boy. Understand only very distant relatives are still remaining in Myawaddy today. My father purchased a plot of land in Mayangone Township with all the money they had and constructed a brick-knocking building, which we are still living in since then and educated me. Thus here I am. ”

Phyu Phyu commented, “ What a sad story and your parents lovingly brought you up in Yangon. It’s only fair that I lay down my life history too. I have a younger brother, married with two girls, working in the Myanmar Customs and now stationed in Taunggyi and another youngest sister, also single, age must be twenty four now, a middle school teacher, living together with my parents in Pa-an town. We all chip in monthly for the up keep of my parents. They no more conduct in any businesses but do undertake some church activities, when called upon. After passing out from Mawlamyine College with a Bachelor of Arts, BA Degree in History, I joined the MPT there. Insein is my forth posting and second in Yangon. I still pay a yearly visit to Pa-an when they can spare me leave. ”

The conversation was good and the meal was excellent. Phyu Phyu and Ko Saw Dylan enjoyed the presentations, and all the plates were thoroughly cleared with their hearty appetite. He sent her back around ten after spending some time over the Pazundaung Creek road bridge, taking in the cool breeze of the rainy season. They spent most weekends exploring sites around Yangon and also took a ride on the small boats known as ‘nhet’ or ‘bird’ if translated directly into English on the Yangon River. There, he held her hands to steady her and did not let go ever since. He would also steal a kiss or two under the cover of the nights and should they be sheltered from prying eyes too. To break the monotony, he also introduced her to his parents. Phyu Phyu was the only girl he took home to meet his mother and father. A few Sundays, she insisted to see his parents and she would offer fruits or literatures to their liking. She even bought Buddhist religious books recommended by her office. She never called on his parents without a token of gift. His parents and Phyu Phyu were like hands in gloves from their first meeting. Some Sundays were movie days watching a Burmese picture on Digital Video Discs (DVD), which she bought, together with his parents, eating fermented tea leaves salad with assorted condiments, a Burmese delicacy accompanied by pots of green tea. On those days he was the odd man out and would attend to his emails and paperwork and took her home to East Yankin afterwards.

A week before Christmas, Ko Saw Dylan asked, “ My parents requested you to join our annual Christmas dinner at home. Please say yes? ”

“  You all are Buddhist, I don’t understand? Why celebrate Christmas?  ”

“ We have done that for donkey years. I suppose this tradition was brought back since the old days at Myawaddy. Will you please join us? It will make all of us very happy. ”

“ If you put it that way, alright then. I shall be most honored to join in. ”

That year, Christmas day was a Wednesday. Ko Saw Dylan picked her up around 6 p.m. and drove to his house. Phyu Phyu gave a longyi to father, two Thanakha barks for mother and a small diary for him as a token of Christmas gifts. It was kisses on the cheeks all around and dinner was surely memorable. Tar-la-baw hin-cho (traditional Karen soup), three layered belly pork dish, roast chicken drumsticks, fried leafy vegetables with small prawns, a Burmese style fish balls salad, balachaung (fried pounded dry prawns with fish paste, chills and other condiments) and also Burmese style mango pickle. Rice was as usual, steamed.  The dining table was full and hardly any space left for the plates. He was surprised as his mother prepared the feast, like no other, fit for a king.

After the sumptuous dinner, desert was assorted fresh fruits, including sanomakin (sweet Burmese cake baked with coconut cream and sesame seeds plus sago). Stomachs full, his father and himself sank into the sitting-room settee trying to focus their eyes on the television screen. Phyu Phyu did the washing up and helped mother stock away the leftovers into plastic containers and be chilled in the freezer. She also cleaned and dried the plates, washed the pots and pans, stacked them back in their rightful place. The washing up and cleaning took twice as long to the sumptuous dinner. After sometime, they all joined sitting down in front of the television, waiting for the daily dose of Korean soap oprea.

After a while, mother got up and brought back a small velvet case from her bedroom and handed to Phyu Phyu.

“ This is from all of us for you. Merry Christmas and hope you like it. ”

Phyu Phyu opened the velvet case and found it to contain a diamond necklace, a solitaire diamond pendent on a thin white gold chain. Her face sparkled and tears of joy from her eyes rolled down her beautiful face saying, “ Thank you, but no thank you. This is too much and expensive and I could not possibly accept this Christmas gift. Knowing all of you is gift enough. ”

Mother commented, “ You have brightened our family and please wear this necklace as a symbol of all our love to you. Let us be close to your heart, for always. ”

Ko Saw Dylan was surprised with the generosity of his mother. She had never given him such expensive gift in his life. What she said was true though. After much persuasion from the whole family, Phyu Phyu accepted her Christmas gift. Later he found out that the diamond came from part of her five pieces diamond blouse buttons set handed down through the generations from his mother side. The diamond pendent was made at a Chinatown goldsmith with the concurrence of his father, while he was not part of the consultation. Whatever, he was happy for all. After the sumptuous dinner, he drove her home. On the drive back home, he said to himself what an enjoyable dinner in the cool of the evening, with Phyu Phyu and his parents by his side. A remarkable way to celebrate Christmas to be sure, funny he and his family were not even Christians.

Now that Phyu Phyu accepted him as her boyfriend, his work was more fruitful in his purchases and businesses were done with a smile, a contented man. All concerned at the office were also happy with their work, a good bunch. Ko Saw Dylan continued to see Phyu Phyu both on Saturdays and Sundays and telephoned her daily each evening. Things continued positively and by July he was posed a question by her.

“ I would like you to join me for my annual trip to Pa-an for nine days to celebrate my father’s birthday and be with my family and return to my roots. I intend to leave by coach next Friday evening and return the week after on Sunday, for arrival here in the evening. Pa-an town is pretty small and the stay will be rather basic. Willing to take a chance? ”

“ Why not. I need a break and also give me a chance meeting your parents and also your little sister. Okay, confirmed and thank you for asking. ”

That settled, he ordered a chocolate Birthday cake with the words ‘Happy Birthday’ engraved on top, from Sedona Hotel. Next he bought two U Gyan cotton longies for her father, three yards of the finest white cotton material for her mother and a school green htamein for her youngest sister. He also bought the coach tickets. On that Friday, with a small overnight bag plus a plastic carrier bag of Birthday Cake took the evening coach from Yangon to Pa-an. Their seats were on the first row opposite the driver, so that they can enjoy the extra legroom. They left at ten in the evening, and the ride was around ten hours for arrival at Pa-an at eight the next morning. He held Phyu Phyu hands throughout and stole a kiss or so on her cheek in the darkness of the night, when the coach was not playing a Burmese movie DVD.

At Pa-an town center bus station, met by her father and mother looking forward to their daughter’s return. By their faces, one could tell their true feelings. She introduced them as U Saw Phyu and Daw Kyaw Kyaw, a handsome couple even in their golden years. Now he understood the reason for her name. They took a motorcycle pulled taxi, all four squeezed into the passenger section, thank God it fitted them all. Their home was a wooden structure on the most northern part of town over looking Kan Thar Yar Lake and abundance of paddy fields view from their windows and each house was a sparsely distance apart. After putting down his overnight bag, he handed the Birthday Cake and the presents to her father and mother. They were grateful and overjoyed. Her youngest sister Naw Hla Hla Kyaw (Miss Renowned Beauty) returned in the afternoon after teaching and he handed the green htamein to her. She liked it and thanked him too. They all sat in the front room talking in Karen, Burmese and English now and then. Ko Saw Dylan smiled and enjoyed the dialogue unfolding in front of him. After sometime, lunch was served on the low round wooden table, all sitting on the floor in the traditional way. The food was simple but really delicious and as desert, chocolate Birthday cake was served with hot green tea, not coffee.

Phyu Phyu said, “ The toilet is at the back in the yard and bath can be taken by the well in front. I will sleep with my little sister and you sleep in the front room. Okay? ”

“ No problem. Pa-an is much cooler than Yangon and I did not expect that. I thought it would be as hot as Yangon, if not hotter. If you all don’t mind, I would like to explore by myself your Pa-an town from tomorrow morning. No need worry about breakfast and lunch, I’m a big boy now and can manage.  ”

Phyu Phyu replied, “ Please do that, you cannot get lost here. We have no car, so walking or taking a ride on the motorbike taxi should assist you. The town is not that big and not much to see like some of the Shan State towns. I aim to spend all my time with my family as this is once in a year affair, hope you understand. ”

All laughed and they continued their non-stop dialogue. Ko Saw Dylan enjoyed their talks. He was able to pick up a few words in Karen, otherwise he was totally lost as only Burmese was spoken in his household. Rain pounded non-stop and the sound hitting the galvanized tin roof made him yearn for more sleep. He felt it was rude of him to lie down on the floor, thus sat up and smiled continually not to be rude. Around five the conversation moved to the kitchen while the business of cooking the evening meal was in progress. He took the opportunity to take a bath by the well at the front of the house. He had to fill the small drum with the well water and by God it was cold. It did wake him up and the thought of eight more days ahead and did not know how to fulfill his time. He only joined Phyu Phyu this trip for his love for her and nothing else, thus must bite the bullet and bear.

When the sun was no more and around seven, dinner was served. This he looked forward to, as the simple dishes were so delicious, mostly consisting of vegetables and a large pot of nga-pi-yae (fish paste sauce) in the middle. Soup was pots of green tea and he had to control himself after his second plate of rice. Under the bright florescent tube light, he read the newspaper for the second time again and prayed for bedtime. Around ten, the girls put up the mosquitoes netting and laid a cane mat and a small pillow for him to sleep. Even though no mattress, it was heaven able to lie down, and soon sleep stepped in and nothing else mattered anymore, nor he knows anything.

For the next two days Ko Saw Dylan walked the streets of Pa-an with an umbrella in hand forfeiting home cooked breakfast and lunch, from morning till dusk familiarizing the new scene. All the same, breakfasts and lunches were galore,  coupled with reasonable prices at the market and the choices were second to none. The people here were simple and one could see their real selves, ladies with little or no make-ups and men dressed for their chores. Your smiles were returned with true sincerity unlike Yangon.  The baths at dusks were cold by the well, but he accepted it as a fact of life. Sunday morning saw him tagging along with Phyu Phyu and her family to church even though he was not a Christian. The service was interesting and the devotees were friendly. He took extra care to show respect at all times which U Saw Phyu appreciated. By Monday he was joining in the conversations and dished out his two cents worth when called for. Phyu Phyu was true to her word, spending time only with the father and mother, shunning any extra curriculum activities other than to be with her family. They got to know him and he with them and soon became one of them, undertaking chores he normally does not do at home. He was a brother to Naw Hla Hla Kyaw and would take pains to answer all her questions and even escorting her to school now and then where she teaches. His love for Phyu Phyu grew stronger as he witnessed her undying love for her family and being strong for them like an eldest daughter should. The family’s gestures towards him were true and unselfish also. Willing to forego their usual rituals that he be more comfortable and tries to satisfy his wants within their means. Soon, he did not realize how the days passed and before he knew, it was time to head back to Yangon. This trip was by no means enjoyable from the angle of amenities, but more a self-realization. Phyu Phyu actions towards her family and theirs towards her and him were priceless. Pure self-scarification, unselfishness, tenderness and kindness were all around which he unable capture on his camera and now he knows now how his parents sacrificed for his well being and their unconditional love for him, while he just accepted as a matter of fact and must sure amend his ways when he gets back after witnessing how Phyu Phyu went about with her family. There was much selfishness, non-appreciation and too much taking things for granted on his part, which he would make sure that it was a thing of the past and value his parents more.

The trip back was uneventful but his parents saw and felt the changes in him, much kinder and showed more respect, love and affection towards them. A definite change on his part, his parents could not believe the transformation. By October he secured the blessing from his parents after just a hint and accordingly proposed to Phyu Phyu.

“ Now that I am sure of what I want and being together on the same page, will you marry me? For your information, I already secured the blessing of my parents. I see the goodness in you, which I really appreciate and would like to fend and cherish you till my dying breadth. ”

“ There is nothing more that I want, but to marry you too. After all, you do fit my bill on all counts, but I think you should approach my parents, they did made me and do have a major say in this. ”

“ That’s a fair comment, all shall be taken care of My Princess. ”

By early November, his parents and Ko Saw Dylan took a ten hours coach ride to Pa-an, but lodged in a guest house, not to trouble Phyu Phyu’s parents. Official request of her hand in marriage was carried out to her parents one evening, which they accepted should she be in the same frame of mind. They wished for a church wedding in Pa-an and thus so decided to have it on the auspicious Christmas day. They stayed a total of two days there and as agreed, he and his parents together with Phyu Phyu proceeded down to Pa-an two days before Christmas for necessary preparations. He wore a Blue Black light suit and she donned on her mother’s white wedding dress and vows were exchanged in front of the Priest in their small Pa-an Church with her family’s close relations and friends, total around fifty.

After the weeding U Saw Phyu remarked, “ Now that you are now my son-in-law officially, please call me Dad and my wife as Mom. I would like to address you as Son. Love you we shall for always unconditionally and hope you can return the same. I do mean it from the bottom of my heart and can vouch the same from your Mom. That’s a promise and you can bet your last dollar on this. ”

The statement touched him deeply while his father, mother, wife and sister-in-law watched for his reaction. He was speechless and words somehow became lost.

After composing himself for a few minutes, Ko Saw Dylan replied, “ I now have two fathers and two mothers and you all can be certain that my affection will be the same and shall love Naw Hla Hla Kyaw as my kid sister. ”

With tears welding in the eyes of his now new parents, they hugged him while his new bride held his mother hands. Father was all smiles while his sister-in-law clapped with appreciation and concurrence.

After the wedding they returned to Yangon and Phyu Phyu wished fond farewell to her three friends sharing the East Yankin apartment and moved in with Ko Saw Dylan. To his father and mother, Phyu Phyu was their missing daughter and she treated with undying love to them, same as her parents. They did have a second civil marriage in front of the Mayangone Magistrate with only the very closest few friends in attendance. A grand reception was also held in Trader’s Hotel with over three hundred guests, on New Year’s Day with her family beside her. They all put up in their Mayangone house, with Phyu Phyu parents taking the guest room and she and her sister slept in their room, while Ko Saw Dylan kipping on a mattress in the sitting room floor with his brand new brother-in-law. Ko Saw Phyu Kyaw (Mr. Renowned Sincerity) did attend the reception and left the very next day by plane, back to Taunggyi as it was a special leave, non extendable. He did not have a chance to see his brother-in-law’s family but they intended to go up to Inlay for their week’s honeymoon and hoped to catch up there.  His best friend Ko Khine Win was the best man at all three occasions.

3. An Island Never Cries :

Ko Khine Win was a different kettle of fish. Same age as Ko Saw Dylan with the same kind of academic qualifications, but their similarities ended there. Ten years ago, while his parents drove to Naypyidaw from Yangon, they suffered a crash, their car overturned while cornering and paid with their lives. It was said a full enquiry was conducted, and the only conclusion the authorities made was, they must have been speeding with no fault of the concrete roadway. At their time of death, the weather was clear, daytime with no on coming traffic. Strange he thought???

He was the youngest, out of three sons and his brothers were family men with children, residing in Mandalay and Tavoy, businessmen in the fields of acquisition of estates and oil palms plantations. Since the demise of his parents, he himself became a businessman and set up shop with his long time best friend buying beans, pulses and sesame seeds exporting to countries such as India and Japan. He sold his parents house in Shwegonedine Township, not to reminded of his deceased parents, and the brothers concurred for him to keep all of the sales proceeds as he was an up and coming struggling businessman.  

Ko Khine Win has always been a secluded man, finding solace in his small group of friends spending his spare time reading, playing golf, immersing in the world of automobiles, religion and in philanthropy works especially for down and out orphaned street children. He shuns the high life and keeps away from ladies who yearns and leaches to secure their five ‘Cs’, (car, condominium, cash, credit card and cash).  After some time, trust in the opposite sex became a scarce commodity and neither was he gay. He’s a type of man unwilling to bond new friends for fear of taken advantage of him. He also does not seek temporary affection in the arms of ladies of the night, as buying love was not his scene. Thus not wanting attachments, Ko Khine Win kept a low profile, alone in his small world, his belief being no body gets hurt.

With his proceeds he has built a small bungalow in the posh neighborhood of Than Lwin Road, with only two bedrooms where he occupies one and the other serves as a guest bedroom. His guests were normally his brothers or their families on their various trips to Yangon, otherwise he was happy doing his own things. He has been looked after by a manservant, and a very distant relation serving as a lady cook, plus his trusted three years old German Sheppard dog, completely to the hilt with unparalleled loyalty they all were. They all shared and live in his small compound with a large garage, home to his sixties icon 1965 E type S1 4.2 Jaguar, imported from Thailand, through the border officially even though on trailer, that has still to be on the road worthy condition, a 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser, a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) which he drives on trips to the countryside to buy or view agricultural products or attending to his charity works and also a 2012 Honda Fit, a small dark blue hatchback, powered by 1.5-litre engine that he uses daily to office and drives around Yangon. The small car does not attract attention which he likes, economical to run, and not too interested by the car thieves and can be left by the curbs without being tampered as being quite a cheap common car. The restoration of the E Type Jaguar, an on-going project that requires much work and its spares comes at a steep price. He enjoys working on the old girl and at times assisted by his mechanic friends, knowing full well that his project would take years and more of a hobby and the love for old sport cars, not too suitable for Yangon roads.

On some weekends, he would also walk the hundreds of narrow alleyways in the Bayint Naung car spare parts market, shopping or just sight seeing, enjoying the abeyance, similar to ladies shopping for materials, clothes and slippers. He kept a sharp eye for a good buy. The market was full of Japanese automobile spares, old and new, but he was only interested in old nuts, bolts and copper wirings salvaged from scrapped British bangers, such as Humber, Bedford, Vauxhall and Austin etc. The stall owners were eager to sell away his interests as not much takers and that made him happy. He tries his best to restore his E Type with authentic British parts. Friends visiting his garage commented it looked like a dustbin, which he returns with his smile, as the spares were worth its weight in gold. The price of a restored E Type was in the region of over U$350,000/-, however it was not for sale but for his sheer enjoyment rebuilding it. He knew the leather seats and interior plus the carpets will be a challenge view none were available in Myanmar and must be ordered direct from England. It was still very far off, thus were not stored in his head, not yet anyway.

In the office, he was nicknamed ‘Big Ben’, not for keeping good time, but due to thoroughness and his fine tooth combing of all papers reaching his desk, in short, sure of his work and to be relied upon. He goes through all company purchase and export contracts and well known for striking a fair bargain. He does not believe in securing an upper hand as this would be an one off affair and not too good for the well being of the company. Anything that he was unsure, he would take pains to visit companies and or to persons of knowledge and be a student willing to learn. Not a good communicator, and does not friends easily, which he leaves to his partner Ko Saw Dylan, but a fair gentleman on business ethics that sees him through with customers and suppliers. He was also well known for keeping his word, and at times businesses would be concluded on a handshake without any money actually being changing hands. Win or loose, profited or lost, he was trusted and his word was as good as gold.

He does at times listen to songs and music he that liked on his hi-fi, such as  Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, Simon & Garfunkell and Dire Straits songs before turning in, but should he has the time, he preferred go to orphanages set up for down and out street kids and assist to their health matters, educational schemes, a shelter and meals. During his two weeks vacation period, he would travel to difficult to reach Chin State and set up orphanages catering to all creed and genders, making sure they have a shelter and access to education for their betterment in life. He would also arrange groups of doctors of various disciplines to make trips to those places, paying for their trips, places to stay plus medical stock. Should the burden of expenses be too heavy, he lobbies the companies that he knows, monasteries and institutions with sound finances. He was not shameful to beg or negotiate for their support. He met Dr. Doris Htay, (Dr.Rich) if translated into English directly. She is a practicing pathologist, age thirty four, single, with a academic qualification of post graduate Membership of Royal College Pathologist, M.R.C.Pathology from London, secured in one sitting. Working at the Yangon General Hospital, who actively champion for the betterment of orphans plus down and out children countrywide. Their friendship grew and both geared all their energy and resources they could muster during their free times.

The trials of life troubled him. He sees people struggling to survive, better their existence, tabulations, happiness, sadness, up and downs not barring genders. At times Ko Khine Win did not want to be a part of that and he did not want to trouble anybody and be free of the wheel of Dhamasetkya . He did not want any more feelings of happiness as he knows will turn to sadness at one point, hate turning into love and reversing before the end of its course and keeps on the cycle. Life, death and reberth and be not rinse of the cycle bothered him, thus he turned to religion for his salvation and be free of that. He started to read the teachings of Lord Buddha and became a devotee and disciple to Venerable Ashin Nyanissara and be taught and guided in the true path to Nevanna. The loss of his parents still haunts him and he could not let go the loss, which he knows he must. His best friend Ko Saw Dylan was happy with his wife carrying his baby in her stomach for a few months. He stills join them for a meal now and then and pleased to notice that Phyu Phyu was taking her husband parents as her own. Satisfying to see.

On Saturday mornings if not pouring down with rain, he would have a round of golf with his retiree friends at the Defense Golf Course where there were less crowds and the prices were reasonable. His golfing clan were all ex-military senior officers not interested in making a quick buck but rather enjoy a friendly game and a form of a walking exercise while the loosing team pays for the food consumed that was usually a bowl of noodle each, one or two bottles of beer and some fruit juices. Retired from very responsible posts, most surprised to notice they were humble, courteous and not interested in one’s position in society but just enjoying each other companionship, sharing a few jokes and steered clear of politics. Only then he realized that there were such men and honored to term them as friends.

Most early Sunday mornings were spent climbing the Shwe Dagon Pagoda hill and together with hundreds of girls an boys plus matured men an women, cleaning the Pagoda’s marble floor, throwing away the stale flowers offerings, cleaning the flower pots and chipping away the spent waxes from thousands of candles come rain or shine. Ko Khine Win found the work gratifying, offering their labour of love, free of charge. The organizers do offer some kind of breakfast after their chores. Here, he kept his mouth shut and no one knows what he does for a living, nor was he inquisitive about others. Sometime he would see his friend Dr. Doris Htay and he would acknowledge her with a smile and nodding his head. He’s most at peace when doing something for the masses at the grass roots.

Work wise, not much to trouble him but the sales were down, which was normal during the wet season as no new crops. New crops were still to appear in the market, however he buys from the warehouses direct and conduct a few transactions to keep the company going till season again. While buying prices were high with the rate of exchange for United States Dollars down, selling prices were hard to make a decent profit. He adhered a policy to sell one or two containers to various companies at various destinations, thus profits were not high as can be, but the risks for losses were somewhat limited. He told his friend that better to exist in the long haul, rather than think short term only. Soon the staff accepted his policy realizing that it was safer business wise and also their jobs were safeguarded. His well-repeated lines were ‘do not put all your eggs in one basket’.

Not really forecasted, but disaster did struck on a container of sesame seeds, eighteen tons sold to a Japanese buyers. The unexpected two days strike at the transshipment port of Port Khang affected their normal connections to Yokohama and when the strike was over, the backlog of containers caused monumental problems, that resulted the Buyers not accepting the goods due to its quality being compromised by the delays and not to quality contracted.  While they sold the sesame seeds on Free Onboard (FOB) terms, the shipment was reshipped back to source, Yangon, due to quality control and quarantine regulations at destination. They had a hard time to dispose as animal feed and suffered a loss. Many export companies were hit hard where their shipment sizes were substantial, some even had to close shop unable to compensate the losses, thus holding true his comments. This did not deter Ko Saw Dylan, who took it as an accepted peril of doing business.  Even though it was no fault of the shipping line concerned, Ko Khine Win wanted to learn more on the intricacies of shipping business as it was related to their work and enrolled in the post graduate course of Shipping Diploma conducted by the Institute of Economics.  He was that type of a man, interested to learn anything connected with their discipline. The course hours were in the mornings and did not affect his work at the company, except he shall have to be risen more earlier in the mornings. One more new interest to keep him occupied for another year and a half and looked forward to the new course. He understands that there would be around eighty matured students and there were eight to ten lecturers including the Head of Department. Courses would begin in October and the fees were minimal and did not dent his pocket. He also contacted his friend Dr. Doris Htay, who was interested to learn something quite different from her field and enrolled too. He now has someone he knows to talk and discuss.

4. To be or not to be, that is the question :

Charity works were their passion, and Ko Khine Win talked the same language as Dr. Doris Htay, better known plainly as Doris by everybody. A great looking woman, single, still got what it takes, but laid all her eggs to doing charity at grass-root level for the down and out, and also help out at AIDS clinics when help was called upon. Being single was out of necessity, as she would point out ‘still not yet found a man who is man enough’. She does not mean muscles by any means, but a man who would be kind, gentle, understanding, witty, funny, well educated, on the same wavelength with her, matured, be her knight in shining amour in times of adverse weather and would cherish her. The list being a tall order and quite comprehensive, meeting such a suitor was truly a challenge and winning the lottery would have been much easier. She comes from a well to do Shan family whose coffers were quite well filled for generations. She’s got three other family members, two boys and a girl, all doing rather well and second in line. The family are landowners in the Shan State with paddy fields and growing seasonal crops but does not get their fingers dirty, in short can be termed as money investors, just continuing what comes naturally for generations. Since young, Doris was a studious girl who went on to medical school in Mandalay and later practiced in Yangon, and was selected to do further studies in London and secured her M.R.C. Pathology in one go, within two years. That did took a toll on her eyes and these days, she dons on glasses, otherwise would be blind as a bat. Now a full fledge pathologist, already served at Mawlamyine and Mandalay hospitals and presently posted to Yangon and resides within the hospital compound quarters with a spinster maid, more of a partner, helper, sister and at times a nurse when she hold her clinic in South Okkalapa. Her weakness if one can call that was a love for clothes in fashion. Money was not at the top of her priorities, however being comfortable is.

Doris enjoys her freedom, away from the family businesses and doing things to her heart’s delight. A free radical one might say. She also dabs in Buddhism and does some meditation at the Venerable Shin Nyanissara’s monetary, just across the road bridge of Ngamoeyeik Creek in North Dagon Township. This was where she met Ko Khine Win and striked a friendship due to similar interests. Very much still a beautiful lady, slim, fair, well read but given up on men with no interest in the same sex either. Now she was venturing into a subject where no men would boldly go in their right mind. She has no idea of economics or shipping for that matter. The largest ships she seen were river paddlers while in Mawlamyine. It was more of a challenge and to test herself whether she was capable of picking up things from the other side as a figure of speech. Her colleagues did raise their eyebrows but was not particularly surprised view she was that type of a woman.

Before the commencement of the course she tried to get well acquainted with ocean going ships through the Internet, discussions with some old seafarers and also talking to Ko Khine Win, who may be a shade better than her. The Shipping Diploma was in no way to better herself professionally but to know some disciplines outside her scope as she also has Ko Khine Win, her good friend to hold her hand should she require same. An independent woman to be sure, driving a second hand 2006 Grey Hilux van imported from Japan, reason being right of way was more easily secured which she likes, even though the van maybe a bit big for her and seating for two only, if pushed three at the most. She drives to her class and everywhere that she ventures requiring transport. She also enjoys the looks bystanders gave and parking close to her was at their own risk, dare if you were willing park your car next to her. A bit of a fun loving girl, who tries to make the most of a given situation.  Regret to say the body of her van was not similar to her, as full of dents, scratches and small cracks here and there, but the engine was strong and good.

On her first day on the course, she went half an hour early to make sure she knows her way around and anchor a good seat in front of the class. However, after parking her van, sighting a canteen, she went inside for a spot of breakfast before the lecture. All seats were taken except for one near the exit with one gentleman occupying the other stool absorbed in his reading. She sat down and ordered a cup of coffee with a bowl of plain moakhingar, trying to limit her fat and cholesterol intake. While she ate and drank her cup of coffee, she noticed the not so young gentleman was fully engrossed in his old issue of National Geographic Magazine. She made a passing comment, “ Any good? ”

His eyes looked up and said, “ Quite, at my age I like to travel abroad to all the interesting places. This is a cheap way of satisfying my passion without spending big bucks. I travel to many areas depending on the issue, which I loan from a bookstall at Hledan market. ”

She smiled and he looking at his wristwatch said, “ Excuse me ” and suddenly got up and made for the exit. After her breakfast she made her way to her classroom on the first floor and found it was packed, but able to secure a seat on the last row with the kindness of a female student. It was stuffy and the humidity was well above the average, even though all the ceiling fans were whizzing.

After about two minutes the lecturer walked in. It was the gentleman she met few moments ago in the canteen. He was in his traditional longyi and placed his tike-pone (Burmese jacket) on the back of his chair.

He commented in not so loud voice, “ Welcome. My name is U Hla Myo, I shall be lecturing you all on chartering, its terms and clauses. There will be an examination at the end of each month, so your undivided attention will serve you well. I am not a degree holder of this fine Institute, but secured my Membership of the Chartered Institute of Transport, MCIT in London plus Diploma In Shipping coupled with Insurance qualifications there many, many decades ago. However that said, I shall walk quickly how demand and needs were created, commencement of international trade and the requirement for shipping and last but not least, take my time for more than twelve months on the subject of chartering, my main topic. My other learned colleagues will guide and teach   other disciplines of shipping. I was lucky and fortunate enough to work in the shipping industry all my working life and shall share with you my humble knowledge. For your information, I am still learning up till this very moment. ”

The class laughed in unison but Doris could sense they liked his style of lecture. Looking back, the lecture at hand had nothing to do with the magazine he was engrossed in few minutes ago. She was much interested in his opening lecture speech and found able to comprehend his message for now. After one and half hours, she spoke for a few moments with Ko Khine Win and made her way back to Yangon General Hospital to face another grueling day. Ko Khine Win also drove back to his Bo Aung Kyaw Street office. ‘Myo Gyi’ took another class before he also made his way home driving his 2001 Toyota Grande Mark ll. His thoughts were not on shipping, but his mind was on traveling. Phileas Fogg may have taken eighty days to go round the world as for him it was seconds, hopping from one place to another in his mind. Home was a different scene where there were chores to be attended as per Mary’s direction and be a driver, chauffeuring her to various supermarkets, not really keen in the different kind of foods, tins and packages of delicacies, which she found so very interesting. His interest were cars, basically 70’s and 80’s music and songs, literature on interesting places abroad and last but not least, ships and shipping businesses which he cannot have enough of it. Buddhist culture was to a certain extent, however still unable to master the art of meditation.

The next morning when Doris entered the canteen half hour before the lecture, she saw U Hla Myo comfortable on his stool, consuming green tea and reading his old National Geographic Magazine like the morning before.

Entering the canteen she exclaimed, “ Good morning Sayar! (Sir) ”

Myo Gyi looked up from his magazine and replied, “ Morning! Please do join me. Tea? Coffee? ”

Doris said, “ Thought I might find you in here, thank you but this morning I had my breakfast at home. Where are you now? ”

“ Ha Ha! Yes, I’m in Egypt, near Cairo, looking at the mummy tombs from inside the Pyramids. How’s your class thus far? ” said he, closing his frail magazine.

She placed her bottom on the stool in front of the small wooden table from him and said, “ Keeping my fingers crossed, fine so far. Being a novice and not from the business or shipping industry, do you think one will be able to follow up to the end of the course? ”

“ I should think so, the course is designed so that all can follow the lectures. Reading up literature from a well-stocked library would be a great help. I did not seem to notice you in the class yesterday, must be my eyes at old age. ”

“ Thank you for your thoughts and suggestions Sayar. You may not see me as I only managed to get a seat at the last row. Would you recommend any textbooks you are using? ”

“ Your question has been asked since the day I started teaching. I refer to various publications, some economic textbooks, shipping news and developments including the Internet. I hope that answers your question. Meantime, I better go otherwise I’ll be late for my class. Thank you for your kind words, it means a lot to me. ”

That said, U Hla Myo put his old National Geographic Magazine into his Shan bag and made haste for the classroom. Doris also rushed and did manage a seat due to some latecomers, however, not on the front row.

U Hla Myo opened his lecture by, “ Yesterday we discussed about how men achieved their needs and wants. We also discussed about bartering excess products between one set of population and another, to supplement their  essentials and the birth of trade during the Greek, Roman, Indian, Arab and some periods mankind did not even recorded. One thing is for sure though, where there is demand, supply follows at a price, thus satisfying the fundamental laws of economics. It has been said that the earliest known reference to an organization devoted to ships was in ancient India to the Mauryan Empire from the 4th century BC. Shipping developed because of the need for trade, thus shipping is said to be a ‘derived demand’ at a price, fluctuating with trade. Shipping demand in the long term are satisfied by new buildings. However in the short term, chartering are conducted. This is where I shall be emphasizing on. ”

For Doris Htay it was like listening to a radio program, except this was live, narrated by U Hla Myo. She thoroughly enjoyed it. So it went on for six months, tests and examinations were appeared and majority of the class managed to jump the hurdles. After the Thingyan (Myanmar New Year) holidays, Ko Khine Win made a proposal to Myo Gyi, “ Sayar, will you please join me and Doris Htay for a South Indian vegetarian dinner at Bharat on the corner  of Seinkan Thar and Mahar Bandoola Roads? I shall be honored to pick you up at your house on Saturday around six p.m., it’s a celebration to welcome in our Myanmar New Year. ”

“ Thank you Ko Khine Win. That would be nice. I’ll look forward to seeing you and your friend Doris Htay on Saturday. ”

The meal was good and satisfying, so was the excellent company. They chatted on various topics, and not concentrated specifically to the subject of shipping alone. The conversations were interesting and intelligent.  Ko Khine Win was more at ease with himself, and for the very first time, U Hla Myo noticed how beautiful Doris Htay was, he had not looked at her from that angle before. Her attire was not of the usual formal code she wore to classes and was dressed in a free flowing light blouse with distinct patches of Tanakha on her sweet face. He could smell her delicious aromatic scent when the slight evening breeze brushes his senses amidst the restaurant smell of Indian curries that floated around. While Ko Khine Win would be at times lost in his own thoughts, they covered many subjects and he found out that they both also shared a fondness for travel to various parts of the world sampling and admiring its particular culture and history plus heritage of their ancestors. Both were on the same wavelength and page, coupled with laughter and smiles.

Doris Htay has never shared her profession all this while attending the course and Ko Khine Win did not divulged it either, while many would share their experiences. As such, U Hla Myo posed a question to her, “ By the way, what is your profession? It will be good to know, I do not recall you shared this with the class. ”

“ I work in the Health Industry. I am a Pathologist by profession and a friend of Ko Khine Win, became acquaintances as we share the same interest of helping the orphans, the down and out street children, within our means of course.  ”

U Hla Myo persisted, “ Why attend the Shipping Diploma course? It’s so alien to your field. ”

“ Rightly said Sayar! I wanted to know things beyond my sphere and comfort zone. Ships and Shipping to me represents a mystic big question mark, a geography of many cultures, a journey and a business that I possibly cannot venture into, and understanding it is sort of a compassionate prize for me.  Purposely getting lost in its intricacies. Wonderful, is it not?  ”

“ I salute to you. Sort of understand your argument, it takes all sorts to make this world go round, does it not? You are the first such person who told me attending the course was for pleasure alone. Meantime, what is the story behind your philanthropy work? ”

“ Well Sayar, that’s me. I feel for those orphans. Do you know some of them are pretty smart and quick to learn? A few were and are misguided by their friends, peers and or their families at one point in time.  I enjoy nursing them back to the right track in life and taking care of their ailments, if any. Tender loving care goes a long way. ”

“ The more you tell me, the more I am so proud for you both, same time ashamed of myself for being selfish and not lifting a finger. ”

Ko Khine Win butted in and said, “ Sayar now you know and time to make a move before they throw us out. ”

That said, Rose bided her thanks and Ko Khine Win drove Sayar U Hla Myo back to his Parami residence. At home, U Hla Myo told his wife Mary about the work being undertaken by him and Dr. Doris Htay. She was truly impressed with their selfless contributions, and surprised at some of our younger generation of today what they would sacrifice. As days passed into weeks and month, the class took their final examinations and majority got through with seven cases of referrals and no failures. After three months they passed too.

One day just before Christmas, U Hla Myo received an unexpected call on his mobile phone early in the morning. The voice said, “ Hello Sayar? Merry Christmas, I could not call earlier on as I was drafted to go Taunggyi, it was a kind of blessing in disguise. At least I had the opportunity to spend time with my family and relatives. That’s beside the point, I really would like to host a belated private graduation dinner with you as guest of honor and my acquaintance Ko Khine Win too. Next Saturday 1900 hours, the venue is Oriental House, Myoma Kyaung Road, Dagon Township, please say yes? ”

“ Sounds like Dr. Doris Htay. I was actually thinking about you and wondering whether you were still in Yangon. I shall be honored and delighted to attend. Thank you for thinking of this old man. See you Saturday evening. Bye. ”

U Hla Myo switched his mobile phone off and continued to immerse himself back in the pages of the old issue of National Geographic Magazine, still very much robust, strong, teaching also dreaming of places to visit in the magazines. In reality, the closest he came to viewing a mummy was not in the sands of Egypt, but behind a glass case at the British Museum, London, during his younger years many decades ago. Still, archaeology holds much interest and a place in his heart, while visit to the Mayan ruins in Honduras, Belize and Guatemala realized only through the photographs in the pages of National Geographic Magazines. He often wondered why he did not feel much for the Dark Continent except for the South African shores and a few North African Countries. He much preferred to read about South America, the Middle East and East Asia barring Bangladesh no discrimination, just not his style. This passion cannot be shared with his wife, as hers was solely restricted to Buddhist sites, no more, no less.

The lecturer drove slowly in the cool of the evening. It was dry and fresh being December and the view of the golden Shwe Dagon Pogada, shining with its lights in full glory was truly majestic and a sight to marvel. Parking in front of the Chinese restaurant was not that easy being quite full. As he walked in, the waiter smiled and he mentioned her name. He was escorted to a small room and inside both Ko Khine Win and Doris were sipping green tea. On catching sight of him, Doris got up and showed him to his chair. Doris looked the same, fit, slim, beautiful and a handsome sight, cool and graceful as ever. Ko Khine Win poured and served a cup of green tea and thus the evening banquet commenced.

Doris began, “ Hope you found the way to the restaurant without difficulty Sayar. I would have invited you earlier if not for my trip to Taunggyi. Thank you for making it, and may I say from the onset that the course was enlightening which opened up my eyes and thank you again for the interesting lectures. ”  

Ko Khine Win also smiled and said, “ Must agree a hundred percent what Doris said and it also helped in my line of work. Even though we do not engage in any chartering, I appreciated the meaning, depth of the shipping clauses and terms, now more careful when concluding my contracts. Thank you Sayar. ”

Myo Gyi did not know what to reply, as he was embarrassed with their praises. However he managed to say, “ It was my job and happy to pass on my knowledge and grateful you all found it helpful in your own ways. ”

They chatted while they ate the delicious dishes. It was Doris who did most of the talking while he and Ko Khine Win listened with a few remarks in between. Soon the conversation turned to their philanthropy works. He did not realize that there were a few pure orphanages and some orphanages run together within monasteries by Buddhist monks. There were people dedicated to this line of work and Buddhist monks running such organizations too. There must be similar associations of the various religions, that he was not aware. Sad to admit but he now know how difficult to find donations and to make good their requirements and needs without disruptions. It truly was a monumental task and an education for him.

“ If I can be allowed a chance, I shall be grateful to accompany you all during weekends to look around for myself and see where I can be of assistance at my age to these poor, poor souls. ”

Doris replied, “ No problem Sayar, I shall give you a call the next time on my visit there. I also shall give you ample notice. ”

Ko Khine Win voiced out that, “ I shall be away on most weekends to the countryside to view the crops for our purchase, thus please forgive me Sayar. This is the season. ”

“ No problem Ko Khine Win, I understand your situation. ”

Soon, the wonderful evening came to a close with each party driving back to their homes. This time U Hla Myo was lost in thoughts about down and out orphan children and wanted to do something meaningful, a bit late but at least something and better than nothing. This was a new found interest and following it can only be in the form of his physical labour contribution view money donation was out of his league. Small amounts maybe. Doris was heavily involved in a monetary cum orphanage in North Dagon. There were about fifteen monks and over hundred orphans. Children ages vary from five to sixteen and a mixture of both males and females, so she said.

One morning before taking his class, U Hla Myo received a phone call from Doris Htay that she would be picking him up from his house on Saturday morning around seven for a drive to North Dagon monastery cum orphanage by the name of Aye Mya Kyaung, directly translated as Serene Monastery which he looked forward with awe.

Saturday morning came and the drive was somewhat hair-raising to say the least. Now he understood why she likes driving her Hilux van. On the road, most gives her a wide berth judging her driving skills. Her motto seems to be drive close to me at your own peril, as she does not care much about her van’s body. After reaching Aye Mya Kyaung, she held her clinic treating the children with her small case of medications. The queue in a single file was around a few dozens and should she treat the children similar to her driving, he pitied the orphans. That said, he walked alone around the orphanage monastery. It was well kept, neat and tidy but rather thread bare. When questioned, the kitchen staff told him that the meals depended on the food donations by various restaurants, mostly leftovers and unsold stuff. Should there be none or negligible, it was mostly rice gruel and alms collected by the monks, food was the same and no impartiality. It looked like their existence was hand to mouth. The more he saw, the more he marveled at the monks, staffs and donors. The whole compound was rather small, consisting of three main structures, one for the monks, one for the orphans and the main praying hall also serving as canteen, teaching place and below, the kitchen with a row of 6 toilets for all plus a well beside.

After his tour, he stood beside Doris while she attended the orphans in the main hall. When the hollow trunk was struck as a notification to the monks that food was being served, the ‘thud’ sound startled her and she jumped into his arms. He held her maybe a shade longer than necessary and she did not shy away either. Afterwards no one raised any comments and carried on as nothing transpired. However he did volunteer to tutor Matriculation English to three girls and five sixteen year old orphans from the monastery every other day plus interested pupils from around the area for a nominal fee to supplement their needing income till the State’s examination in June. The Head Monk was pleased with his tutoring donation and Doris Htay did express her appreciations. The monastery did offer to share their food, which they thankfully declined knowing full well all food counted to their wellbeing. After a couple more hours opening her clinic to  outsiders, at a nominal fee as funds for the monastery cum orphanage, Dr. Doris Htay called it a day.

U Hla Myo requested her to drive slowly on their way back for peace of mind and souls for all concerned. He was the first to break the silence, “ I’m sorry for my actions at the monastery. I stepped over the line, for that fleeting moment, I was enjoying holding you. Maybe my thoughts got the better of me that I was yearning since I first set eyes on you, about two years ago. The actions of an old married man like myself was uncalled for, I should have more control. It will not happen again, I’m sorry. ”

Doris returned his comments, “ Thank you for coming clean. Since you are being truthful, I think I should too. I also enjoyed the moment, which was also wrong. I had affections for you from the beginning of my Shipping course. Funny how one yearns for the impossible and do no not want what’s available. You are old enough to be my father, I must admit that my thoughts are uncalled for and wrong also. ”

“ I don’t blame you a bit. You are a free and single woman, while I am not. Besides, I should have acted my age. Furthermore, my faithfulness was in question. I asked myself how I would have felt should my wife do the same. I really should have not step over the line. ”

“ At least the consolation was we did not pursue to eat the apple from the Garden of Eden. For your information, being a medical doctor, I did a synopsis with an open mind to find out what the outcome would be, should we step further. I never got the answer. ”

U Hla Myo continued, “ I enjoy your company and like your attitude. Please note not many women fit my bill and I very much wish to continue our relationship as good friends, that is, if you so agree. ”

“ You can be quite blunt Sayar. I also find your acquaintance desirable and suited my requirements I looked for in a man, but it’s fated that I should be a spinster. The answer to your question is ‘Yes’, I also would like for us to be good fiends and continue do what we do. No harm done to any party. What say you Sayar? ”

“ I already told you that I agree from the onset, thus we shall leave it at that, mention no more and continue walk forward. ”

U Hla Myo felt guilty for his thoughts for Phyu Phyu, after all he could not have had a better, faithful and devoted wife as Mary and wanted to continue till the cows came home. To him, she was evergreen and ageless, dedicated and a good wife and mother to their son. He was of two minds but he was certain this was totally wrong and unfair to Doris too.

For the first time Doris smiled and offered her hand which U Hla Myo shook and nothing was further discussed from then on. She drove him to his house slowly and after he got off at the top of his road, she was her usual self again, a road devil indeed.

From Sunday seven p.m., he tutored Matriculation English at the Aye Mya Kyaung and pleased to notice that his starting class was nearly a hundred pupils.The Head Monk was also pleased to see the orphans were tutored and at the same time happy on the generation of much needed funds. U Hla Myo’s wife also at times would join in and did the books for them.

Sayar U Hla Myo also continued to lecture for the Shipping Diploma Course at the Institute of Economics, while also doing charity works at other Buddhist temples and monasteries. He also continued to see Dr. Doris Htay sharing his own thoughts, and at times eating a meal or two in town. They saw each other off and on, and laugh a few jokes and strike a meaningful conversation, but never did they cross that fine line.

From Dr. Doris Htay points of view, she shall continue to treat and cure people and also enjoy her relationship spiritually with Sayar U Hla Myo. Her karma does not will her to be a married woman, and single she shall remain till the end of her life. At times she thought how could life be so cruel and maybe paying back for something she did wrong in her previous existence.

For better or worst, life went on.

5. Epilogue :

It has been written in our heritage that all roads lead to Rome, while this may be true, the paths taken maybe different for each and it is on those various paths that many life experiences occurs. Love for sure is better than hate, but there are so many kinds of loves that one finds intriguing.

To start off and the most common was the love between Ko Saw Dylan and Naw Phyu Phyu Kyaw, which most understands and appreciated by all. Lovely and a storybook love affair enjoyed and accepted by all. There is also the love of Ko Saw Dylan and his parents and Naw Phyu Phyu Kyaw and her parents and siblings. Still love, but appreciation of it was somewhat different, but still in the category of love.

The love and affection showered by Ko Khine Win, Dr. Doris Htay and Sayer U Hla Myo upon the orphans were also surely to be commended, pure and selfless, to be sure. Their rewards being a feeling of self-satisfaction to observe their endeavors bearing fruits and successes in the orphans life, same as the monks and other donors of every kind. A Kind of accomplishment some might say.

The love between Sayar U Hla Myo and his wife Mary is also to be celebrated. For more than four decades holding true to each other, and channeling the same to their only son, that he may secure all the fruits of success plus a healthy and rewarding long life. Their river of love, all flows to the estuary of their son. Commendable.

However, when it comes to love between Sayar U Hla Myo and Dr. Doris Htay, it’s a glaring question mark. For most of us, such feelings should not have taken place in the first instance, and for your guidance, they did not pursue either. Which everyway one looks at it, it’s totally unethical in our books. Ethical or otherwise, is it not the views of our society, culture and so-called friends? Should Sayar U Hla Myo be a Muslim by faith, he could have taken up to four wives and our surroundings (society, culture and friends) would accept, maybe reluctantly, and also turn a blind eye in the process. However should Dr. Doris Htay taken a husband more than one, it would be unacceptable and unethical, of the Muslim faith or not. Polygamy, polygyny, polyandry, conjoint marriages or bigamy is illegal in our lands and is shunned and frowned upon. It is interesting to note our world differs in their opinion, depending on the country we live. Most countries in Africa, Middle East, Indonesia, Malaysia, The Philippines, Kalimantan and Papua New Guinea accepts, while some tuning a blind eye, for a few, its legal status unknown, but for majority, totally outlawed, abolished and criminalized. A bit strange how no general consensus on this matter. Somehow, it was similar to  ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy instituted by the Clinton Administration on 28^th February, 1994 till 20^th September, 2011 on Gays, Lesbian and Bisexual issues in the United States’ military. Burying the heads under the sand will give no clear answers.

In the case of Sayar U Hla Myo and Dr. Doris Htay, being devout Buddhists, pursuance was not an option and knew they would not be happy should they even if immigrated to another country, where they would be anonymous. While this would be on case to case basis, it was not for them.

As for Ko Khine Win, he took the path of self-denial, shunning love as we commonly know it, for fear of being hurt once again. Wrongly or rightly, being one’s own perspective and his view on this being ‘Once bitten, twice shy’. 

This gives rise to question, is love not an enigma?

On this note, a short article penned on this mystique, sourced on the Internet is herewith reproduced.

Thank you.

Ways of Love

As devout Buddhists, most of Myanmar people take to heart the teachings of the Buddha in their daily lives. Among those teachings, metta or loving-kindness plays an important role and the Buddha Himself was the greatest practitioner of loving-kindness in the whole world. It was out of this immense love toward all creatures and living beings that He had resolved to become a Buddha at the beginning of a series of existences so that He could help them get out of their vicious circles. In one of His sermons, the Buddha exhorted His followers to regard all living creatures as the only son of one's own. Because of this particular teaching of the Buddha that Myanmar people have come to acquire such positive characteristics as being kindhearted, helpful, sympathetic, benevolent, tolerant and forgiving. However, you may be taken by surprise if you are informed of the exact number of ways (or rays) of love nominally existent among Myanmar people. Sometimes, they might mention the 528 or 1,500 ways of love in the Myanmar tradition. People mention the 528 ways of love to indicate pure, selfless, platonic love between two human beings, and the 1,500 ways refer to love of a passionate and selfish nature especially between man and woman. Although both numbers are generally talked about as love, only the 528 way is the real loving-kindness while the 1,500 way is not genuine love but only base passion and lust looked upon as defilements in Buddhism. These exact numbers originated in Buddhist scriptures. The scriptures divide people, mind and matter, direction, type of love and defilement into different categories and add them up or multiply them with each other. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Fish Tank Utopia

“ I don’t mind eating this everyday, ” commented Shwe Zin (Gold style) as she lovingly toys her bowl of ‘Brass Pot’ with chopsticks prepared with pork balls and small bits of fish too, In Myanmar language, the dish is well known as ‘Kyee O’, if translated directly ‘Brass Pot’. So-called as cooking was carried out individually for each bowl in a brass pot on a super high heat firing gas burner, which took less than five minutes from start to serving. They also put two pieces of quail eggs, which was nice she thought. Shwe Zin preferred her Kyee O with small rice noodles (vermicelli). She is in the opinion that it compliments the meat and brings out its full flavor. In her frame of mind, it makes a well satisfying meal, each bowl piping hot and sprinkled with extra pepper and finely cut fresh spring onion shoots accompanied by a small side dip concoction of chili and soy sauces, which watered her mouth. One bowl was just sufficient, fills the stomach, satisfying and not over the top either.

“ I don’t mind on regular basis but not everyday, ” replied Phyu Sin (Always fair), friends since school, university and at work also. Their likes and dislikes were similar, but she thought her friend went too far on this issue. She would not trade her daily dose of rice with a curry. They both work for The International, a four star hotel near the Kaba Aye Pagoda (World Peace Pagoda), a stone or two throw away from the said famous Pagoda, built in 1952 by U Nu (first Prime Minister of Burma) in preparation for the 6^th Buddhist Council.

Both Shwe Zin and Phyu Sin are great friends and joined the International Hotel straight after their graduation. Their marks at matriculation examinations were of similar scores, and both applied to read Zoology as first preference and were permitted accordingly as such. A period of 4 years and (Bachelor of Science) BSc Degrees in hand, happy to land a job at 21 years of age, but to work as Assistant Housekeepers at a hotel. Beggars cannot be choosers, after all, jobs were hard to come by and it could have been like searching for a needle in a haystack. Luckily they secured a job and did not need to hunt for it similar to their other contemporaries. The Housekeeping Department maintains three shifts daily, and at times Shwe Zin and Phyu Sin were not on the same shift, due to the roster giving equal chances to all, to be fair. Shwe Zin prefers to catch a few winks at their Housekeeping Store on her duty floor when on early morning shifts as it was much cooler than home, even though no air conditioning. This was not permitted, however, all remained mum till someone complains. Better rested at source to face another grueling day, I suppose.

Home was a room in Police Line Quarters, near the Old Racecourse, now a College for Physical Education in Yangon.  Shwe Zin’s father being a Police Corporal, with over 16 years service was entitled to reside there. The quarters were rows upon rows of small rooms interconnected with common toilets, must be hundreds of lines, each quarter improvised to suit their occupant needs. Kitchen was a small manual stove in the tiny room with bath facilities by the various common taps, strategically located around the compound when the water flow was on. Original quarters were of concrete construction while many, many more were put together with wooden planks, must be added ons at a later date. The whole compound being residential quarters to Policemen stationed in the Yangon Division and Phyu Sin lives in a concrete constructed line quarters, closer to the main road as her father position was a Sergeant, but not in the same Station as her father. The only plus point was there were no electricity or water bills waiting at the end of the month, but its flows were somewhat irregular, only when the establishments concerned were able to distribute, that was from time to time. Otherwise, water must be purchased on 4 gallons per can basis from water peddlers on push wheel carts who tour the whole compound daily and advertise at the top of their voices. When the electricity was down, most uses candles for lighting and charcoal or bundles of firewood purchased from the market close by for cooking, less than ten minutes walk from their line quarters. As all occupants were in the same boat, thus borrowing at times were not too difficult.      

The girls shared everything, from their foods to their thoughts, including boys having an eye for them, not that they ever engage any, due to their dire financial situation and not to burden their families further. They do have a good laugh, and proud that their bodies and features attracts the opposite sex, thus they must be desirable, a consolation at that. Their salaries at the hotel were in US Dollars, which they hand over to their mothers regularly at the end of each month, to become the main breadwinner of their respective families, more than their father’s pay packets. As pocket or spending money, they relied on tips made by room guests, who leave a small amount on their departure, normally by the bedside table as a gesture of gratitude. This token was not a must, but often than not, they do leave a something on their checking out. Depending on the guests, tips can be in the currency of US Dollars, Sterling Pounds, Singapore Dollars, Malaysian Ringgits, Thai Bhats, Myanmar Kyats etc., mostly in the form of assorted coins, which they change back to Myanmar Kyats in the black market at a lower rate of exchange, not being notes. The girls’ works were segregated by floors and rotated weekly.  Tips varies from month to month and season to season, with rainy periods being the drought.

However nobody complained or made a fuss as it was something extra, over and above their salaries which needed no sharing. One just keeps what you get and maybe buy a cake or something for the Supervisor Housekeeper now and then, to be in her good books. The money was not that great, at least it helps run their households and stretch money to go further.

Shwe Zin continued, “ A bowl of Kyee O is piping hot, freshly prepared in front of you and filling, no need to eat again at home to say the least. It is also healthy as no oil was used compared to other foods that are available by the street, not to mention money bleeding expensive either. ”

Phyu Sin countered, “ What you said is correct. But to me, it becomes monotonous if daily. I would not trade it to my daily rice with a curry or a meat dish, which is more traditional, economical and satisfying. Maybe also due to the fact not eating Kyee O while growing up as it was considered an extra expense. ”

The girls smiled and giggled at each other comments not disregarding their own personal point of view. This was the only time both can be free and let their hair down as it were, before taking a bus ride back to their homes. To tread into other activities was not free and also money draining which would not do. Whatever, the girls were not too unhappy with their current financial status and would seek greener pastures when opportunity arises at a later date.

Both were correct in their own rights and presumably to each it’s own.  The girls patronize the small food outlet on the Parami Road, simply under the name of ‘Hot Pots’. This establishment was in close proximity of ‘Shwe Yone Lay’ meaning ‘Small golden rabbit’ another Kyee O (Brass Pot) outlet, only a few hundred yards from each other. Competitors at best, luring and wooing the public at large to patronize their food stall, not too openly, mind you. The girls and most of the younger crowds patronize ‘Hot Pots’ as its new, run by similar age group, clean and modern, also having an air conditioned small hall or if desirable, sit outside by the platform under the shade of large umbrellas, and gaze at the passer bys and watch the traffic plodding along. The outlet screens a popular Burmese movie on DVD (digital video discs) when no Premier League and similar football matches were beamed into their large satellite dishes, being the number one most popular on large flat television screens, also well utilized by tea stops, food outlets, hair saloons, beer gardens and many, many more to attract customers, believe it or not, it actually works.

Shwe Zin and Phyu Sin preferred to be inside the air-conditioned small hall as it was cooler and dry, besides its more quiet and able conduct a decent conversation without the need to raise one’s voice. They patronize the ’Hot Pots’ about once or twice a week after their day’s shift before making their way home. A good time to wind down and relax and no need to warm the food again back at home to eat. Usually the hotel’s staff bus picks them up before their shifts and sends them back with others after their shifts. One hot meal, rice (free flow) with curry was served in the staff canteen down in the basement. It’s nothing to shout about, but at least it fills their stomachs and cooler than home, even without air-conditioning. On being recruited, they were given an aluminum set meal tray where rice, curry and soup were served proportionally and their duty to wash it afterwards and store it in their respective allotted lockers. While having their meals in the canteen, they were asked about their fathers’ profession. When told that they were Policemen, most shied away slowly and never to mix with them again. They were not lepers and wondered why?

On joining, Daw Mya Mya (Madam Emerald) lectured how they should conduct themselves in Housekeeping. Dos and don’ts as it were. She said the golden rule was to obey set regulations at all times without exception, otherwise they can kiss their jobs goodbye. She meant it too.

“ Remember do your jobs and shut up. If you don’t like it, leave. No one including myself will stop you. That’s a promise. ”

Those were the welcoming kind words of Daw Mya Mya. To them she was next to God and not a single word uttered than that from her. At the canteen even though they may be sitting with others on the same table, cold shoulder treatment was order of the day. No one colluded with them as though they were Black Plague, Ebola or some sickly contagious decease. Somehow, the girls could sense that policemen were not appreciated by general consensus.

They both continued to work there for the money, and not for the company to be sure. Shwe Zin and Phyu Sin were biding their time to be matured enough and move on to Sedona Hotel, a five star establishment down the road, not too far away. Till then they were biting their bullets, more importantly shut up, zipped at all times. Silence and no complains or comments kept their jobs alive for the time being.

One lunchtime, a group of girls on the same table voiced out among themselves so that they could pick up their conversation. Cruelty comes in many forms, not necessarily with a physical weapon.

“ Do you know that Policemen are always on the take, its second nature to them. There is a sign ‘May I help you’ in front of each Police Station, what they actually meant was ‘I’ll help myself’. ”

All laughed loudly and another girl picked up the pace and continued hitting the punching bag.

“ Not only that, I’ve been told that like magic they can transform large cases to small ones and small cases to disappear completely whether you were in the right or wrong, you just needed money. That’s why their motto ‘May I help you’, get it? ”

Yet another girl continued and concluded their smears for that session.

“ The morale here is never to approach Policemen if you don’t have the money. “

All laughed and giggled in unison without a thought for Shwe Zin and Phyu Sin, as though they were not there at all or not worthy to be bothered. Those never-ending sickly jokes and comments were showered at them at every opportunity, in different shades but the message being the same.

After the group of so called comrades left the table, both looked at each other with amazement, shocked to their unkind comments. How these girls could dish out such unfounded senseless smears at every opportunity they cannot comprehend.

Escaping the slanders in the staff canteen was a loosing game. Two against a band of chambermaids, waitresses, kitchen staff, cleaners and their friends were no match and open contest they rather shy away, after all, it was an one sided affair with sure enough outcome declared even before the anticipated competition. Talk about fair fights!

Shwe Zin said, “ My father have been a Policeman for 16 years and all my life our existence has been in the Police Line Quarters. If what they said were true, today we would be living in a big house with a car and a chauffeur.”

Phyu Sin seconds her friend opinion, “ Hear, hear, they were just letting out foul gasses from their mouths without any substance, not worth thinking about it. ”

Shwe Zin continued eating her lunch with difficulty. Anger brewed inside, boiling with heat and unable to let off steam, as she was lacking to put up a defense. Even if she had, it would have gone to deaf ears. She thought back and while weighing the smears, they were staying in a small room Policemen Quarters, with her father forking out of his own pocket for a small wooden loft on top of the small room, so that her siblings of total four could sleep there. Her parents slept downstairs on the floor with a mattress. Futhermore she only saw of her father late each evening and he would disappear early in the mornings and always in his uniform 24/7.  Her mother has a knocked down small make shift wooden planks stall in front of their quarters, selling paan, cigarettes, cheroots, sweets and a few tit bits to supplement her husband income. Should her father be on the take, he either was not giving enough to her mother or he’s got another family to support, which seemed at best most unlikely. Suppose similar was to be said of Phyu Sin’s father who also lives in the compound for years. Hard to swallow, but there you are.

Young Shwe Zin did see bus drivers or conductors pass small packet of paans, daily newspapers or small amount of cash being handed to traffic policemen at major road junctions as gifts. But in her opinion that does not constitute ‘a take’, after all, those kind gestures does not make them rich, maybe small cash donations does contribute to their daily meals. Those kindly acts in any sense of the word were not to suppress any traffic offences either. The girls at the canteen were unfairly being spiteful to their parents.  At times it become difficult to turn the other cheek, but she intended to keep her cool and not let them see victory.

After patronizing ‘Hot Pots’ for a few months, at times the cook would strike a conversation with them. They were roughly of the same age group and not bad looking either. The cook was not the smelly, sweaty fat guy with dirty overalls, but he was well sufficiently dressed considering his vocation, with a neat haircut and fresh looking at all times coupled with good manners and welcoming smile. He’s maybe a shade handsome in her opinion too.

“ My name is Ko Zaw Win (Adamantly shining), hope my preparations are to your taste and liking. ”

“ I’m Shwe Zin and she is Phyu Sin, the Kyee Os are fine, we like it. Been here long? ”

“ I’ve been working here since before securing my Bachelor of Commerce Degree (BCom) during weekends as an Assistant Cook. After securing my Degree, stopped for a few years and went to Bangkok and Singapore and worked there for a while. Came back last year and my owner friend offered me a Cook’s position due vacancy, as I got some cooking experience and became a partner of this establishment, quite some time ago on account of good support I was able to create with my cooking. ”

Shwe Zin continued, “ We work at The International Hotel as Assistant Housekeepers and supports your outlet, the taste is to our liking. Profitable? ”

“ Thank you for your kind support. The establishment is coming on fine with your and the public support, but still not breakeven as yet. I think it may take a couple more years should the support does not diminish. ”

Ko Zaw Win was 25 years old and worked as a helper and a cook at a Bangkok Food Court for about a year and moved on to Singapore where he got a job as an  Accounts Clerk for a car spare parts store in Rochor Center. There, he worked for about two years and returned back to Yangon as his younger sister was alone in their parent big house. He’s a Shan national and his businessmen parents were in Myitkyeenar, capital of Kachin State, north of Myanmar. His family all worked in the private sector doing one business or another. Ko Zaw Win likes Shwe Zin, as she was beautiful, young and cheerful. Both girls were a bit dark and not as fair like him as she was from the delta town of Pathein and Phyu Sin graced from Mandalay. They have been patronizing his food outlet for nearly a year and nowadays once he sees them, would prepare the Kyee Os (Brass Pots) and serve directly to them personally. He would prepare pork Kyee O (Brass Pot) with small rice noodles for Shwe Zin, and with flat rice noodles for Phyu Sin, all well understood and he looked forward to their every patronage.

One day Phyu Sin commented, “ Your pork and fish does not have any smells and that to me is important and furthermore, I like the plentiful pork balls, the size is just nice for each mouthful too. How do you do it? ”

“ Well young lady, the pork is purchased fresh daily at source and after they has been minced, I add the necessary spices, salt, pepper and other condiments. This is a trade secret not even my partner knows the exact combination and quantity. We know exactly how much to prepare daily and ensure no leftovers ever, from experience. Should there be more customers, tough luck, we cannot let our name be tainted. I also give you both more pork balls as you are my dear friends and close to my heart. So there you are, the cat is out of the bag. ”

They all giggled and laughed with satisfaction and content, the girls said thank you to him for his kindness.

One day, he went to Than Zay (Metal Market) in Chinatown and bought an iron framed glassed fish tank and a few gold fishes. The fish tank was two feet by one foot, not too large and the wrought iron frames were painted white. Back in his bedroom, he placed the fish tank beside his bed near the window together with his few novels, and laid a few underwater plants and three large stones from the yard together with the gold fishes. Whether the air pump working or not, he would sit on his bed and appreciate the spectacle unfolding in the new fish tank while the monsoon thrashed outside with a dash of lightening now and then. The scenes were like an underwater movie, except it was live with no two scenes alike. In the dryness and safety of his room, Ko Zaw Win enjoyed his latest possession, fishes swimming in and out of plants and around the stones looking like large cliffs. He loved the sight, so much so that it gave him more pleasure than watching television and could view it all day engrossed and in awe. He knew that once a week he needs to clean the fish tank and renew the water, but it was well worth the extra effort for his pleasure in return was immense with no added chores as far as he was concerned. Their source of food was pounded dry shrimps which can be bought for a few Kyats that needed a few sprinkles daily only, easy at that too, nothing too special. The sight was a tonic making him wind down slowly after a long grueling day at the Hot Pots and can be at peace with himself.

The next week, Shwe Zin came alone to The Hot Pots, soaked to the skin with her small automatic Pink umbrella, which clearly did not provided enough shelter. He loaned her his spare shirt and his wide Black umbrella. He served her a bowl of piping hot Kyee O as usual and she dug into it with zest while he sat beside her soaking in and admiring her beauty. He felt happy and satisfied seeing her enjoy a bowl of Kyee O that he prepared with (TLC) tender loving care.

“ What happened to your friend Phyu Sin? The rains are really pouring down super hard, it must be the depression in the Bay of Bengal. Do wait a few minutes before you proceed back home. Maybe the rains will give you a reprieve. I think you should wait. ”

“ Thank you Ko Zaw Win, I just might do that. Phyu Sin is down with flu but I think she should make it back to work tomorrow, the money is too important. ”

“ Ha Ha! How true Shwe Zin, where will we be without money, but health is more important to enable generate money. Yes? ”

“ I suppose so, each to it’s own. ”

Shwe Zin after her bowl of Kyee O continued to gulp down free flow of hot green tea, while waiting for the rain to simmer down and Ko Zaw Win sitting beside her glancing now and then at the weather outside waiting for a reprieve. The Assistant Cook took over the preparations while he talked to her. All well understood and the whole outlet was all for him. All hands hoped his wooing would be a success and marry her in not too far a distance.

“ By the way Shwe Zin, I’ve been meaning to ask, whether you wish to see The Titanic at the President next Saturday afternoon. It’s an old 1997 movie directed by James Camaron, staring Kate Winslet and Leonardo Dicaprio. The film picked up eleven Academies, an epic rerun picture. While I do know the show’s available on DVD (digital video disc), this is a chance to see it on wide screen again. What do you say? ”

“ I’ve heard of it but never seen as we do not own a video set at home. I shall have to ask Phyu Sin, we do not venture out on a date without each other. I’ve to check our working roaster again and ask her also. Coming here to Hot Pots is already stretching the issue. Do you mind? ”

Shwe Zin does sense that Ko Zaw Win likes her and she also feels the same towards him. However, he has not put in any words as such, which she thought would be nice to be enlightened. Still, suppose he never got the chance till now. Patronizing the food outlet was not for a bowl of Kyee O alone. He seemed to be a responsible person, matured in his actions, manly and kind also. Education wise, quite well read and socially, she just hoped that Ko Zaw Win and his family accept her humble status, a daughter of a policeman working as a housekeeper in a hotel with three younger spouses.

“ Good Lord! Of course not, I do not mind a bit. Please also invite her to join and do recheck your work schedules and let me know by Thursday. I need to arrange the tickets in advance for Saturday show. The movie is still popular even up to today, since you have not watched the movie before, I hope you will enjoy it too. ”

That said while the rain gave a slight recess, he guided Shwe Zin to her bus back home. Hotpots do sells well on rainy days especially inside the dry cool air-conditioned small hall. Money must be made when ever possible. Ko Zaw Win was happy as his establishment was doing rather well compared to Shwe Yone Lay, his nearest competitor. By Thursday, the girls appeared and Shwe Zin returned his spare shirt, washed, well pressed and his Black umbrella too. They confirmed that they would be at Hot Pots on Saturday after work around 1700 hours, and they shall be honoured and delighted to see the movie for 1830 hours show time. He made the necessary bookings for Saturday show accordingly with dress circle seats, the most expensive. He wanted to impress Shwe Zin with the best seats in the cinema, dry and air-conditioned with sofa seating. All rather  comfortable indeed and pleased with himself. He just hoped that this token of goodwill would impress her. Ko Zaw Win has made up his mind that Shwe Zin was for him, and would continue his advances till she accept him and wed her as his wife.

Saturday came and the girls did enjoy their usual bowl of Kyee O. They all took a bus to the President Cinema and sat on comfortable seats of the Dress Circle. Phyu Sin followed by Shwe Zin and Ko Zaw Win sat at the outermost seat before the isle. The view to the screen was unobstructed and The Titanic still holds the audience in awe and wow factor was still there after over 15 years. Both Phyu Sin and Shwe Zin who sat beside him did shed a few tears. He held Shwe Zin’s hands and she in return held his hand back. No negative response from her, which he was happy and pleased, most of all relieved. After the show, all three walked back to Sule Pagoda bus stop and took separate buses, as their routes were different. A ride back to North Dagon was not tight due to the evening part of Saturday and raining. A relief, but still need a daunting ride back.

The bus ride back time all told was about only 30 minutes, even in the pouring rain, even though North Dagon was suburbia well out of Yangon town center. It was more like holding on to a rocket, while the driver drove the bus as though on a racecourse with the conductor cheering him on to even make it faster while assisting the driver of traffic conditions. This was their normal driving style, whether day or night, congestion or otherwise, and not necessarily mean that buses were spread evenly, as they raced even with each other on the same route. They may also not stop at each bus stand, not really interested in serving the public, view the race was for stops where concentration of passengers are to be found. Should there be an accident and someone be hit, both the driver and the conductor would run away and disappear, leaving the bus and passengers high and dry as a matter of speech, for fear of being done in by the public and someone dying would surely mean a life prison sentence. This was normal for the bus riding public, accept this or find alternative means, which was non-existence. Some of the busses run are on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), to save on energy expenses, but the cylinders installed were a serious question mark on safety, thus one rides at own risks. For the common man, this was the only mode of transport to all parts of the city, much regret cannot turn to alternative railways where the coverage was not at par. In short buses were more interested to maximize their earnings during each run. Theirs were not monthly salaries but a percentage of takings on each round run, pre-arranged fixed amount going to the owner of the bus and the route operator.

Furthermore, while there were no more antique twentieth century automobiles on the roads, all roadways were jammed with majority of Japanese cars written off in their home country and with second lease of life here in Yangon. Most cars including buses in congestion were driving on the opposite roadway, as long as road space permitting. No need mention about disobedience to the law as this being the norm. Needless to mention new amended traffic laws and regulations are proven ineffective to cope with the increases, and unable to keep up with the present serge in vehicles population. Building a few flyovers were evident that those measures were insufficient, causing ease of traffic in one spot and building up in another. Car population are bursting at the seams, not to mention importation of petrol were abused resulting in increasing of prices at the pumps, while bus tickets rose gradually and demand for its services rising sharply and the supply unable to keep pace. Taxis are easy to flag down while charges skyrocketed, their reason being extra petrol used in long frequent congestions. The population in cities and towns also rose as people leave the ever-increasing jobless countryside, trying their luck here which all added to the dire dilemma. Suppose this must be the price of progress?

After Ko Zaw Win reached home luckily still in one piece, he had a bite to eat, which his sister reserved for him on the kitchen table, under a flies hood and took a quick bath from an old diesel drum by the rain drains behind the kitchen outside, fresh air and open space was to be good for the soul he supposed, but not necessarily mean enjoyed it. Like it or not, water was nature’s temperature and one can forget the cold and hot water taps. Afterwards he reached for his bed and put the mosquitoes net down and lay quietly while enjoying watch his fishes swam in the fish tank from rays escaping through the wooden planks partition of the sitting room florescent light in front, under the sound of rain trashing on the galvanized tin roof. Beautiful thoughts of Shwe Zin did enter his mind, but soon wondered whether his gold fishes were happy in their iron framed glassed tank. He then drifted his thoughts to the zoo’s lions and tigers in their iron bar cages and questioned whether they were also content and pleased, after all, they were fed regularly. Questions one after another started to appear in his mind and soon drifted into ninth heaven and fell asleep cozily, while the monsoon rain pounded outside. The tiredness and the comfort of the bed was too much for him to continue view the gala spectacle in his fish tank.

The next morning he was jolted by his Big Ben alarm clock beside his pillow and he jumped out casting the light cotton blanket aside, brushed his teeth, quickly bathed behind the kitchen and rushed for The Hot Pots without breakfast and greeting to his sister or her husband and his young niece too. This was not time for pleasantries, but the serious business of earning money draws him to the Hot Pots. Work was as usual and he must admit that the team does work hard and fast. Their jobs were important to them, or more correctly regular money income cannot be compromised. This was their lifeline. Such were the dilemma including for him.

Days passed and he did see Shwe Zin and Phyu Sin at least once a week at Hot Pots. They were regulars and Ko Zaw Win made it a point to prepare and serve them himself come what may. He liked Shwe Zin more and more and always looked forward to seeing her and Phyu Sin with anxiety. After weeks and months, rains were no more and the monsoon simmered down to be fresh, dry and cool once again. Clear skies were most welcomed as people do patronize the Hot Pots in the cool dry evenings and that meant positively good for business.

Ko Zaw Win one day felt confident enough and cut a small piece of newspaper base and wrote the words ‘ I love you very much ’ and passed it to Shwe Zin together with her change. Phyu Sin saw it, but knowingly turned a blind eye, a true friend indeed.

Phyu Sin said, “ We are resigning from The International Hotel next week and joining The Sedona from the beginning of next month. ”

“ Why’s the rush? Pay there much better? ” And placed himself on the wooden stool by their table.

Phyu Sin continued, “ To be honest, work will be the same and pay slightly better only. Terms, conditions and benefits are the same but it should give us better exposure and a new set of friends, if any. Anyway, its time we moved on. ”

“ As long as you both are happy, it’s all that matters. ”

That said, Ko Zaw Win hoped he would still continue to see Shwe Zin. The distance from The Sedona to his food outlet was only slightly more than before, a short few minutes extra walking than before from the bus stop. He has since grown his love for Shwe Zin and hoped she felt the same for him. The relationship must go on and he hoped that he would be able to voice his affections to her shortly.

One day they both turned up for their Kyee O (Brass Pot) religiously and Phyu Sin commented, “ The new job is fine, it’s a five star hotel and the rooms are more. As such our rotation and shifts maybe somewhat different at times, therefore our trips here together maybe less. We will make it together when our shifts are the same. Don’t worry we still like your establishment, support and continue to patronize we shall. ’’

He knew that Phyu Sin was just making an excuse so that her friend can see him freely alone and could read between the lines. What a person he thought, she must condone their togetherness. Ko Zaw Win now can appreciate their friendship for each other more. As Shwe Zin did not complain about his short note, Ko Zaw Win was sure that he was on the right track with her. No turning back now, press-on and full steam ahead.

“ I am sorry that your visits here together will be less, but I do understand your situations. With time, I have grown my appreciation for you both and please believe me when I say you both are more than customers to me. Today you girls are much, much more. ”

Phyu Sin smiled and said, “ I know that Ko Zaw Win, that’s why I am making this explanation. We both also are fond of you too. ”

The girls enjoyed their Kyee O (Brass Pot) and as usual shared a few jokes. He likes being together with them and wanted also to be with them outside the establishment. After the meal and a chat, he walked them to their bus stop and waited till they boarded, than back to work for the serious business of making money. Ko Zaw Win wondered what the future held in store for him.

Daw Hla (Madam Beautiful) said, “ According to the records, you both know the ropes so I will not go over it again. I’m the Supervisor of Housekeeping, as far as both of you are concerned I’m your boss and my words are law. Since the two of you were from Housekeeping of The International, do you want me to go over it again? ”

Phyu Sin said, “ All well understood and no need go over the dos and don’ts. Please be rest assured that no problems will be seen or heard from us. ”

“ Very well, your weekly roster will be posted in the Housekeeping store on each level, get cracking. ”

They both soon made new friends in the canteen and in the Housekeeping Department. The fellow workers did not ask them about their parents and they offered none. At least here, there were others they can talk to, than themselves. It was an improvement compared to working in The International Hotel. Visits together to Hot Pots still continued, but both together were sporadic due to the different rosters. Blessing in disguise thought Ko Zaw Win.

On the staff bus one late night during the ride home Shwe Zin said, “I have something important to tell you. ”

“  What is it Shwe Zin? Come out with it, no need anchor it in your mind. So, do tell me and don’t leave me in limbo? ”

“ Well Phyu Sin, to let the beans out, I’m in love with Ko Zaw Win and I think he is with me too. You are the only person that I told outside myself. I shall be most grateful for keeping it to you. Just don’t know what to do. ”

“ Oh, that, I’ve known it since he passed the small note together with your change about a year ago. It happens, nothing to be worried about. I think he’s a responsible person with a dedication to his job. He should be right for you ”

“ You knew? I suppose it’s an open secret. Just don’t tell Ko Zaw Win that you know. All right? ”

“ No problems, my lips are sealed, your secret is safe with me. “

They both laughed, while the staff bus continued the dive to their homes in the Police Line Quarters. Actually, Shwe Zin has been seeing Ko Zaw Win at every freeday she got off. They would meet at Botataung Pagoda and walk on the pontoons beside the Yangon River. Both give the Shwe Dagon Pagoda a wide berth as that being where most of Yangon public congregates. Their love for each other blossomed and she told him that her father was a policeman and he did not minded and joked that it was much safer for them. He being a male would try his luck where possible showering his love and affection, and she would allow almost everything, however when he tried to book a small motel for three hours she was against it.

“ I am an old fashioned girl and would like to treasure my virginity and reserve it till our big day. It means a lot to me and even though my body yearns like yourself, let us save it for that glorious day. It will be well worth the abstinent. ”

“ Shwe Zin I have no counter argument on that. I am but a simple man and want comes naturally. However, you win not that I agree though. It’s hard, but there you are. Let us leave it at that. ”

Ko Zaw Win believed that it was the opportune moment to pop the question. He said, “ Shwe Zin will you marry me? I shall cherish and care for you for always, through thick and thin.”

“ Thank you Ko Zaw Win for asking. You know I will accept you as my husband. By the way, I told Phyu Sin about us, but please do not act as though you are in the picture. Let sleeping dog lie as it were. ”

Hand in hand, the lovers walked in shine or rain as though the weather was not part of the picture. Ko Zaw Win would love to start a family of his own but he was not that financially sound. Best he could offer Shwe Zin was to share his present residence with his sister’s family of three. She also knew that sharing her present police line quarters with her family was impossible. She was in dilemma with no valid answers and prayed for a way out for her marriage to him work.

While sitting on the pontoon bollard under the setting sun catching the cool breeze of the late afternoon, Shwe Zin posed a question to Ko Zaw Win, “ Do you really think we can ever be married soon? I really want a place of our own in the long run or is the answer still elusive in the wind? ”

“ I think your question is a million dollar one. ‘ Soon ’ depends on which party wins the election in 2015 and whether the same folks are running the government. ”

“ What is it to do with our marriage? At least I know what to expect from the present guys and judging by today’s status, it can only get better and improve. I do not know what democracy means as all my life I have only known of them and brought up accordingly. Am I being naive?  ”

“ Well my darling, I think presently we are living in a fish tank Utopia similar to tadpoles in a buffalo foot step in the mudded rice fields, and we need a change to improve. ”

“ Ko Zaw Win I don’t quite understand, please explain? ”

“ It’s like this. You and me were born during their watch and have known nothing else. However, since I have been to Bangkok and Singapore and can now compare our lives under them. I am so sad for my country ”

“ That still does not explain my question and what do you mean by fish tank Utopia? ”

“ It means our eyes were kept shut and knew nothing else. Similar to living in a fish tank and unable to appreciate and compare what lies out there. We all live in a competitive world and alone we are not, I also wish to see my country prosper like our neighbors. At one time, Myanmar (Burma) was way ahead of Thailand or Singapore in terms of economy. Today we are at least 20 years behind them. It’s a real shame. ”

Shwe Zin said, “ What has it got to do with us? ”

“ It’s got everything to do with us. Let us dissect it logically. First our jobs, you are working as a housekeeper and I as a cook and nothing to do with the Degrees we got. Today we are grateful just to have a job, it should not be that way and we should be doing things, what we studied for and work in jobs we like or enjoy. Secondly I do not blame the employers, after all our University Degrees are not worthy to be gauged, be it in Asia nor for that matter in the world, where as for example University of Singapore is in the top twenty, world class tertiary educational institutions. Thirdly the disparities in salaries are great with a very small well to do class and a very large lowly paid working class population. Fourthly, which will answer your question, the government does not build homes for the masses to stay for starting a new life. In Singapore, 80 to 90 percent of their population stays in HDB (Housing Department Board) apartment estates built by the government. Today, our government does not build even enough for their own civil servants, don’t mention about the general population. Fifthly, they have a CPF (Central Provident Fund) to help the population with regard to health, insurance etc.  Our standard of living is so poor while the costs have gone up. Today we are so incomparable with some of our neighboring countries and I can go on and on.  ”

“ So Ko Zaw Win, what would you suggest? ”

“ My darling I wish to say that today our one vote is a valuable tool. Vote for someone from a party that will enhance you and the public at large. Do not waste it. Read, do your research, check their performance, a say only or a deed man and there are a million and one things you can do. We are now in an Internet age, browse, be skillful and be well informed. You are well educated and choose carefully. ”

“ I did not think of it that way before. Do you think my one vote can change? ”

“ A drop of water can make an ocean and a grain of sand can develop into a desert. So it surely can and should we exercise our rights carefully on a level playing field, we can start to water the land into a worthwhile Garden of Eden. Just don’t be content with life similar to ‘fish tank Utopia’. Remember we are not alone and need be compared with our neighbors. Should Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and the likes can prosper, why not we?  ”

“ It is food for thought and I need to digest first. I do not believe in rushing into things, I thought long and hard about starting our relationship with you too.  ”

“ Good, do that. As for me, the current guys running the country are the same people as before with just a change of wears. True change is what we need and I intend to cast my vote to anybody other than them. After about 50 years, its time we have a change of guards. They have been at the helm twice more than my age. For your information one day at Hot Pots, I heard a businessman commenting on this to his friends.  ”

He continued and said, “ I prefer the present guys as my business can be safe and secure. Should there be a change, we may need to prove ourselves that we are worthy and I don’t want such a predicament, as we may not make it.  ”

As those were the thoughts of the small wealthier class, it was clear that they did not want their standings to be changed nor to prove their merits of worthiness, while the poor masses suffers silently, defenseless. In our land of today, the majority of very small rich class prefers the status quo, while the poor masses, which made up the majority large proportion wanted change for the betterment.

Ko Zaw Win cannot help think about the gold fish tank in his bedroom. He wondered whether his goldfishes were happy in the fish tank. If they have known nothing else what was there to complain? However should they have seen the rivers and the seas, their answers would be different to be sure. He has seen those rivers and seas, thus he feels change for the better needs be a must and fast. Myanmar has lagged so far behind economically, that something needs be addressed for the have-not masses. While he knows some issues were presently being tackled, it was much too late and insufficient. He does realize that it was better late than never, however it was overdue for a change of guards to dismantle their concrete school of thoughts and policies. He just hoped the general election in November 2015 was the correct and right answer.

He felt Shwe Zin is just continuing her existence similar to his gold fishes in the fish tank, just eating and living without much thought, and high time for a change. Phyu Sin meanwhile met a man from Sales Department of Sedona Hotel and thinks they are hand in hand on the long haul of life. He would be writing to his parents to make a trip down from Myitkyeenar soonest and pay a call to Shwe Zin’s parents in the Policemen Line Quarters near the Racecourse Road and ask for her hand in marriage to his. He felt this being the proper way to address and upholding the tradition. They will need to share the house in North Dagon with his sister’s family for the immediate time being, as it was large enough to co-exit without any congestion. This was a temporary measure till something develops with the new government in 2015 and positive economic changes may take change, he hoped. All wishful thinking at the moment and reality needs to be waited. After all, Rome was not built in a day.

Till then, Ko Zaw Win continues to toil as a cook at Hot Pots and Shwe Zin still cleans the hotel rooms and changes the bed linens and towels. Next year, Hot Pots should breakeven and hopefully on the way to healthier profits and she could stop work and be a proper housewife should she so wishes.

He will watch whether fish tank Utopia policies will change for the better. Without hope there can be no improvements. One thing was for sure, which ever party held the helm of our new government, unless the common man mundane needs be addressed and ensured, the men at the helm might be revised.  After all, our people eyes are no more shielded similar to fishes in a glassed tank and neither can be kept blindfolded either. They have seen the rivers and oceans and no stopping now.

It has been said that all good things come to who waits, so time should evidence whether correct or otherwise. About half a century was no mean feat and patience is running thin while still maintaining the order of the day. One thing is  for certain though, irreversible economic changes are starting to be sought. Better late than never for our people to be sure.

It’s been said that there is light at the end of the tunnel, wait and see we all shall.

Our Simple Thadingyut

As I opened my eyes, I noticed that this morning was somewhat different, and according to the grandfather clock of my neighbor, the chimes could be clearly made out as it reported it was only five in the morning. In my autumn years, one day and another was somewhat similar, no need to get up and make a rush for work to earn my keeps. Not that I was well of, but in my senior years, no one wish to accept my labors since same workmanship can be secured from a younger and stronger man. His hands would be more nibble, stronger and time taken to complete the woodwork job would be more faster too, it’s all a question of economics these days. As it was still dark, I blinked my gray eyes, rubbed it and rolled slowly and turned to the other side of our flimsy cane mat which served as our mattress on the floor, similar to myself, well weathered, smooth and maybe a shade past its usefulness and tried to touch the shoulder of my beloved wife and faithful partner for over forty years and noticed that my touch was cold and bare. However I did felt the coarse cotton blanket and her single make shift pillow of my old longyis, lovingly sewed together by her soft hands. Since she was not there, it looked as though she must be cooking the rice.

I raised the antique cotton mosquito net which was tied with available different colour strings to the four posts of the room, then put on my trusted army sweater that I bought three years back in Kalaw market to shield the morning cold temperatures, it was around ten degrees Centigrade and braved my way slowly to the kitchen. Under the glow of the burning wood stove, my pride and glory was crouched due to the cold weather, engrossed cooking the rice to be offered as ‘soon’ to our Lord Buddha.  I made my way to the toilet outside in the yard and by the time the business was done, dawn was just about to break. God, the weather was cold and shivered as I brushed my teeth and washed my face. The water from the old rusted diesel drum was liquid ice and we had no need for a freezer, not that we could afford it. There was no running electricity either, as this was a luxury at our age and just an added expense.

Slowly closing the kitchen door behind me, my old lady was not there any more. The rice pot was by the side of the kettle on the wood fire. It felt warmer inside, but was still cold with a few wooden planks missing due to old age like myself. I, U Thaw Kaung, had been meaning to replace the rotted pieces of wood, but the strength was unlike previously and the toll of age superseded my desires. Should it really becomes necessary and the push become a shove, I would turn my mind into action, until then why disturb a sleeping tiger was the thought.

The house was of wooden construction, built by U Thaw Kaung about thirty years ago when he was still strong, healthy and agile. It was a small three rooms construction consisting of a kitchen, bedroom and a utility room in a small compound of thirty by forty five feet on the outskirt of western Kalaw, before the mountain trek to a Gurkhr village. With the little money that he had and the donations from unused and excess planks of new house owners, the little dwelling was finalized. The roof was of corrugated galvanized iron, bought secondhand but still has life with a patch here and there. A healthy coat of paint and was as good as new with an extended life very much remaining.

I will never know how I managed to raise my boy and girl. It seemed a long time ago in another period, looking back those were the good old days.

Sensing my way to the utility room, I found the love of my life in front of the alter praying and giving homage to Lord Buddha with a token offering of steaming boiled plain rice on a saucer, accompanied with a single candle and a small vase of ‘Aung Tha Pyay’ fresh green stems from the plant in the compound. She chanted and prayed with her woolen socks neatly piled beside her. I also crouched beside her and paid homage to Lord Buddha while my wife chanted. She also must have been freezing, however as a sign of respect took her socks off. A very staunch Buddhist I must admit. After some time I stood beside our window which opened similar to shutters, supported by a make shift bamboo pole. Gazing out, it was a misty morning and I could hear monks chanting through the trees, coming somewhere from the neighborhood. I also saw Daw Kyi Hla with her grand daughter hurrying off to the morning market. Bamboo basket in hand, both of them tried to keep the cold at bay by brisk walking with their woolies on and steam puffing out of their mouths. The sparrows were tweeting and going about their business to find something to eat. It was a wonderful sight and could not have enough of it even though I have witnessed same from here for more than thirty years. The steamed beans seller balancing her load on her head advertised her wares at the top of her voice was all music to my ears and the sight was more beautiful than any paintings that I had seen, the view was well composed too.

After some time standing by the window and quietly appreciating the scenery, my beloved wife Ma Saw commented, “ Ko Thaw Kaung, do you know what day this is? ”

I replied, “ All I know this is a wonderful morning but a wee bit cold and not a black cloud in the sky. It’s going to be a fresh bright dry day.”

“ Well my dear husband, today is the first day of Thadingyut, seventh month of our Myanmar calendar and marks the end of our Buddhist lent. On the full moon day, Lord Buddha returned from heaven to our motal world after preaching Abhidmahha to his late mother Maya for three Lenten months, who passed away after seven days when Lord Buddha was born. This was a form of pay back gratitude from our Lord Buddha. ”

She continued, “ To mark this auspicious occasion, we also should brighten the night sky with ten oil lit lights in front of our house during this wonderful Thadingyut period and celebrate like true Buddhist disciples. ”

That said, his wife Ma Saw smiled and disappeared into the kitchen to continue her daily chores of cooking and preparing a small dish for the monks by ten. At nine thirty, both proceeded to the monastery taking the well-walked path from their small wooden house with the simple dish in hand. At the monastery, both took the five precepts given by the head monk. Feeling spiritually content, Ma Saw returned back to the house, that was only a short walk away. I, U Thaw Kaung meanwhile proceeded to ‘Hnee Phaya’, a Pagoda where he offered his physical work as donation and do anything the ‘Phaya Lugyi’ (Pagoda Elders) has to dish out. He was not the only one, there were quite a few of them looking after the up keep of the Pagoda. Young an old, all donating their physical hard work expecting nothing in return. This day lunch would be served by the Pagoda’s devotees, with a vegetable dish and rice, a welcoming meal to be sure at that.

After a delicious lunch and all the daily work were done, U Thaw Kaung took a leisurely walk back and he looked forward to seeing his wife, who was also his life. She was also graying in years like him, but to U Thaw Kaung she may no more posses the physical beauty of younger years, but she was still beautiful spiritually and in heart which value was paramount.

When U Thaw Kaung opened his cranky gate door, he was warmly greeted by Ma Hla Hla and Maung Kaung Kaung, his grand children by his only daughter Ma Lay. They may be seven and six years old, but seems tall for their ages and has been quite sometime since he saw them last. It was a most unexpected wonderful surprise as they now lives in Taunggyi.

As I walked flanked by my grand children with a beaming grin on the face into the house, I was further surprised and greeted by my elder son Maung Oo, who now lives in Yangon and works as a computer programmer. The situation overcame me, I cannot help but shed a few tears of joy being united again with the whole family. My better half Ma Saw also cried with happiness after seeing my tears. My son Maung Oo looked well, so also was my daughter and her husband with the kids. My children sent regular monthly money orders that kept me and my wife ticking in our autumn years. They have done their fair share and I could not ask for more.

Looking around, U Thaw Kaung noticed some new mats, pillows and blankets and he knows that it did not belong to him.

“ Where did these all come from? Looks rather new to me! ”

Ma Saw commented, “ It is on loan from the monastery and the head monk was kind enough to spare them for a few days while your children and grand children are here. ”

She continued, “ The grand children will kip with us while your daughter and son in-law and your son sleeps in the utility room. Is it not nice to be all together once again? ”

The children were here for three days of Thadingyut holidays. Ma Saw and their daughter Ma Lay already bought fresh vegetables, chicken and oil, thus the evening meal should be a feast.

Then their son Maung Oo said, “ Father, Mother, please sit here. We wish to pay homage to you both on this auspicious occasion. Ma Lay and myself are thankful  for making us what we are today. As a token of our gratitude, please accept Kyats 100,000/- from me and Kyats 50,000/- from my little sister Ma Lay plus two longyis and woolen sweaters for mother. The cakes, candles and vitamins should come in handy to you both. ”

Son and daughter including grand children and son in-law bowed and couched on the mat and paid respects to both of us. We blessed them all for long life, health and every success in all their endeavors. This was a wonderful surprise and for sure revitalized both of us. Ma Saw quickly kept some cash, cakes and vitamins aside to offer to the monks at the monastery following day. Even with the sunshine, the day was cool and dry. Whatever, it proved to be a day worth remembering and I am thankful for our blessed life.

After a hearty dinner, all together eating on the small wooden round table, sitting on the floor, it was most delicious and the united family was most encouraging. Under the glow of a single candlelight, we laughed and joked about old times and washed the food down with hot green tea. Once the meal was over, I went to the front of the house and put oil and a wick in the ten small clay light holders.  After lighting it, the small flames danced in the light breeze. The glows were strong enough not to burn another candle in our utility room.

My grand children asked, “ What’s the oil lamps for granddad? ”

“ Well it’s like this. When our Lord Buddha returned from heaven after preaching Abhidmahha to his mother, this world greeted him with lights to show the way in the dark of night. To mark this auspicious occasion, we continue to light the three days of Thadingyut.  Before, full moon and the day after.”

Kaung Kaung asked, “ Can we do that when we grow up? ”

“ Of course you all can. Thadingyut is an important auspicious occasion in our Myanmar Buddhist calendar. ”

U Thaw Kaung kissed his grand children on their cheeks and they continued play by the glow of the oil lamp lights in front of the house.

I joined the conversation in the utility room under the moonlight and the glow of the lamps in front.  Even though the temperature was falling, togetherness of the family kept us warm with hot green tea from the pot. This enjoyment was truly a pinnacle of happiness.

During this auspicious occasion, let us take stock of our lives and remember not to gaze upwards only and be well contented of the current status quo, as there are many, many more below, trying to make ends meet. Should we be down in the pits, endeavor we must, but not to feel sorry for ourselves.

What a Thadingyut !