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Pagodas and Paradox: Guarded Mystery of Myanmar |
| Section: CULTURE / CROSSROADS |
| Author: Stephen J. Osmond |
| Publication: The world & I online |
| Issue Date: 2/1/2000 |
| Size: 2,481 Words, 14,473 Characters |
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We smiled politely as Stan patiently observed our reactions, waiting for our comments. No one took the bait. There were no awkward political questions, no blundering criticisms of Myanmar's government, no careless tongues wagging in our group. I watched Stan as closely as he studied us. Was this a test? Did we pass? Was he disappointed or reassured by our response?
It was my first day in Myanmar (formerly Burma), and I had joined a small party of tourists for an excursion around the outskirts of Yangon (Rangoon). Stan, a goateed young man with the dignified patience of a mandarin, was our guide. "You won't be able to pronounce my real name," he had correctly informed us, "so call me Stan."
The informality belied his obvious intelligence and bearing. I was prepared to be a little caut...
. . .
...ow and again he sticks his hand out the window. He can tell where he is from the fragrance that his hand picks up. If it smells of perfume it must be France. If of smoke then it must be the United States (with all its industry).
One day he puts his hand out the window, but there is no smell. It is like he is nowhere. Then he checks his wrist. His watch has gone! "Ah! Myanmar!" he realizes.
(812 of 14,473 characters)
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