FOUR KIDS AND THE BIG BURMESE JUNGLE
Some say it’s the cost of their toys.
Others say it’s the responsibility.
I took this picture while taking a foot trek in eastern Burma *, a vast region called “Shan State.” The place is big, rural and mountainous and is populated by many non-Burmese ethnic groups. In many ways Shan State is the natural extension to the nearby Chinese province of Yunnan. Not surprisingly they both share a very long border.
My friend Alon and I trekked a string of densely forested ridges on our way to the popular tourist destination of Inle Lake when we came upon a natural pond nestled at the foot of one of the crests. It was hot and humid, and we were sweating. It was the perfect time for a quick afternoon rest.d
The pond housed a couple of lazy Buffalos, few women busy laundering, and kids carrying water jugs. Some of them were splashing in the water (alongside the Buffalos, of course), while others were preparing to climb the steep slope carrying full water jugs back to the small village above. And when I say above I mean some 300m (about 1,000 feet) above, along a narrow and steep path carved into the jungle.
As we stood there, catching our breath, we started contemplating how objectively difficult must it be for those small children. To climb up and down the mountain – probably several times a day – just for something we see as simple and as mundane as opening a faucet.
A serious looking kid
This was one of those classic “a-ha!” moments. A moment which throws another “in your face” proof of how lucky and fortunate we are. How easy we had it as kids. It was at that moment that I noticed a group of four kids preparing for the climb. All smiling and happy except for one. He looked more somber than the others as if carrying not just his young brother but also a deeper responsibility – an adult responsibility.
Looking at the photo, again and again, I couldn’t escape his gaze.
I still can’t escape it now.
This is one of the very few pictures I chose to enlarge, frame and hang on my wall. To remind myself.
Shan State tip
Want to take the same trek?
Get yourself to Kakku – an amazing Stupa site about 50km south of Taunggyi, and take the trail west to Inle Lake. You must be accompanied by a local certified trekker.
Did you visit Shan State? What was your experience?
And a bit of trivia: Back in the early 1950s, Burma was one of the most popular and loved nations in my home country Israel. Any idea why?
* I feel compelled to use the country’s historic name as both ethnic Burmese and non-Burmese I met along the road apparently dislike the current official name “The Union of Myanmar,” forced upon them by the former military junta.