When I came back from a trip to Myanmar and told the truth, it was not quite what I imagined
In my eyes, Myanmar has always been a mysterious and exotic country. For a long time, the longing for this Southeast Asian country has been a dream in my heart. However, when I actually set foot on this land and experienced the customs firsthand, I found that the real face of Myanmar was not always what I imagined.
First of all, I would like to talk about the natural beauty of Myanmar. In my mind's eye, Myanmar has always been portrayed as a verdant wonderland, full of mysterious mist and fairyland-like temples. However, when I came to Inle Lake, I realized that the beauty of this place exceeded all my imagination in Myanmar. The water of the lake is as clear as a mirror, reflecting the steepness of the surrounding mountains, as if it were a dreamlike picture. I talked to the local fishermen and they told me that the lake is rich in fishery resources, and that thousands of fishing boats roaming the surface of the lake, creating a vibrant picture.
However, underneath this beautiful landscape, I also realized some thought-provoking questions. The ecological environment of the lakeside is facing enormous challenges, with overfishing and pollution threatening this precious natural resource. In my conversations with the fishermen, I heard their desire for sustainable development and more conservation measures to maintain the ecological balance of the lake. It made me realize that while the scenery in front of me is picturesque, the responsibility to protect the environment is also heavy.
Next, I headed to the famous ancient city of Bagan, which is rich in history and magnificent monuments. As I walked through the temple complex in the afterglow of the sunset, I could hear the whispers of thousands of years. However, compared to the tranquil antiquity I imagined, it was full of life. Local residents set up small vendors in front of the temple selling a variety of delicious snacks and handicrafts. It was here that I got acquainted with a peddler named Amin, and his story struck me deeply.
Amin told me that his family has lived in Bagan for generations and has always made a living by setting up stalls in front of temples. He learned the trade since his grandfather's generation and worked on this ancient land every day. However, he also confided in me his desire for modernization. He hopes to use the Internet to promote his handicrafts to the world, so that more people can learn about Myanmar's culture and traditions. Amin's story made me feel the collision of modernity and tradition, and the old city also contains the pursuit of young people for the future.
The food in Myanmar is even more memorable. In the streets of Mandalay, I found a traditional kebab stall where the aroma of lamb kebabs drew me in. The stall owner is a middle-aged woman named Su Lin, and I was fascinated by her craft. We talked about life, and she told me that barbecue is a traditional craft of her family, and that she supports the education of her three children through this business. However, Su Lin also complained to me about the pressure of local life, especially since the rise in prices in recent years has made it more difficult for her to make ends meet.
This made me think about the changes in Myanmar society and the survival of traditional crafts in modern society. Su Lin's story is like a cup of tea, which makes me taste the hardships and struggles of the people in this land. Her persistence and hard work also make me look forward to the future of Myanmar.
However, the reality in Myanmar also raises some doubts for me. In the bustling downtown area of Yangon, I saw high-rise buildings and modern commercial centers, which contrasted sharply with my traditional image of Myanmar. The country is undergoing rapid modernization, and the pace of urbanization makes me marvel at how time flies. However, at the same time, I also saw the accumulation of social problems, such as the gap between the rich and the poor in the city, traffic congestion and other issues, which made me think about it.
During this trip to Myanmar, I deeply realized that travel is not only about appreciating the beautiful scenery, but also about the local culture and society. Every encounter is a collision of hearts and minds, and it makes me believe that only by truly understanding a place can we better understand the world. Myanmar is a country full of complexities and contradictions, and this is where its unique charm lies. Perhaps, only by experiencing it in this land can we truly appreciate its beauty and poignancy.