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TRAVEL BLOG ENTRY
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Midmorning I made the crossing over to Burma by ferry. Though just across the river from Thailand the city of Kawthaung is pretty different. The filth and trash in the street reminds me of walking around North India a bit, but the people are as friendly as everywhere else in SEA. Along the waterfront stalls are set up selling the usual market fare - t-shirts, plastic trinkets, and cheap jewelry. I decided to find a coffee shop to sit and think of what to do next. Walking into a little restaurant I'm met with much attention by 4 guys also hanging out at the shop. They practice their English, mostly learned from songs or music. I say this because they keep saying lines like "I'm never goin' to forget you," and similar. Eventually the excitement of my arrival cades and they go back to what they were doing and I enjoy an excellent coffee with sweet milk while absently watching the street. As I watch people walk by I notice many of the men are dressed in traditional garb, a long skirt, but with western t-shirts or button up shirts (including plaid!).
At this point the 16 year old son of the guy who owns the restaurant switches on the TV and game system. I watched for a bit as he played several nintendo looking games, and then he puts on Mario Brothers - the original! Or at least almost the original, it is called Hyper Mario - but is the same game :) I can't hide my excitement, and ask if I can join him. I'm a sucker for Mario. So yes, that's how I spent my time in Burma - playing Mario Brothers. And I must say - kicking some ass, by the end we had attracted a pretty big group watching.
Eventually, I left to go find some lunch. I found another hole in the wall place off of the main street. They served big portions of fish and rice, with a side of fish and veggie soup. While eating I started watching the brutal Thai boxing that was on T.V. I really doubt this is what the rest of Burma is like, but this little town seems to be doing okay with help from all the traffic coming from Thailand.
I usually don't meet too many Americans while traveling, but I did meet 4 guys from Washington on the ferry ride back, plus David from Indiana (and who went to my same college) who I met in the Thai immigration line. David - I swear the 4th Dave/David I've met recently, was also taking the night bus to Bangkok - so we hung out and waited for the bus. The day turned out pretty okay, even if it was Valentines day.
previous travel blog entry
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