Yangon 2020

With so many things happened in 2019 I knew I wanted to close the year and start all over again fresh and brand new in a quiet place. Yangon then came into my mind. I’ve been to Myanmar few times ( even celebrated New Year once in Bagan ) but I haven’t really spent some time in Yangon. So I booked my flight ticket and accommodation, extremely happy and grateful to celebrate love, dream bigger, and begin again in one of my favorite places on earth. Landed in Yangon in the morning, I started to notice few changes not only in the airport but also in the city center. I saw a bunch of new department stores, more hipster cafes. And finally there’s shuttle bus from the aiport to Sule Pagoda. I remember few years ago I had to walk about 20 minutes outside the airport to find my bus, now you can easily use Grab, catch a cab or of course take a shuttle bus for only 500 kyat. One thing that still hasn’t changed and I hope it will stay the same forever: beautiful Burmese people. They’re just so kind, warm, make you feel like you’re home. My first stop later in the afternoon: Yangon Station then take the circular train. Only 200 kyat, definitely the best way to explore the city. And if you love photography or people-watching like me, well this train is the perfect spot to hunt portraits. There’s just so much lives and colors! I spent around three hours filming, taking pictures, appreciating the little things in life that sometimes I take for granted. Sitting on a crowded train watching kids laughing, couples in love, father and son hugging, young girls listening to the music, people struggling to make ends meet…I am just so humbled and grateful for the way Myanmar reminds me again of what truly matters in life. These guys probably don’t have much but from the way they smile at you and treat others, you can tell how much they enjoy and appreciate life. On the last day of 2019 I received so much love, strength, inspiration, kindness, happiness, hope, and peace.

Earlier this morning I received news about flooding in Jakarta. It’s truly heartbreaking to see people lost their homes, cars. Some people out there been partying hard, and then some struggling to survive. My Mom sent me few pictures of the latest condition at home. They’re stuck, couldn’t leave the house and had to sleep on wet couch tonight due to heavy rain and massive flood. Thank God some people have managed to send them food and extra support, making sure they’re all fine. And as now we can only hope and pray for things getting better, I am so grateful for every support my family have received and God truly taking good care of all us. A reminder to be kind, humble, help others and give love.