ရ ရထားကြီး ပျော်ပျော်စီး
The train journey from Pyin Oo Lwin to Hsipaw was challenging, but the trip would not have been that smooth and become memorable without the kindhearted fellows I met. It’s by God’s grace that I had this privilege to have met friendly and loving people everywhere I go, and I am always grateful for it.
Today the train was packed, and I got no seat. I just got the pass to get on the train, and that was it. It was blooming hard to stand with the 10 kg weighted backpack on your shoulder for hours on the slow & bumpy & super jam-packed train. All I had was the tiny space to rest my feet at the exit door, which was luckily next to the loo in the carriage. (imagine the smell)
I was forced to give up my happy place as we approached Goktike Viaduct by the train police. His reason was for my safety. I protested his request by showing my phone with a “picture taking” gesture that I wanted to film the viaduct. But of course, he was unhappy and asked me to get inside. Luckily, the man who understood my problems helped me by giving up on his seat so I could sit there and get the perfect shot of the viaduct. I was very touched by his kindness.
Since it was too much for me to stand on the train to Hsipaw, I decided to leave the train when we arrived at Nan Paung. I again met the friendly and helpful chap who gave me a free lift in his car from the train station to the highway to catch the bus to Hsipaw. That nice story did not end there; as I waited alone for the bus, the motorcycle taxi driver walked towards me and hailed the bus for me.
I was overwhelmed!!
Sometimes it’s usually a small thing that makes you feel happy and helps you realise that the world is full of beautiful souls.