Second Visit to Myanmar

At 27.4.2000, 6 o'clock in the morning, my wife drove me to the airport. The water was like that it was going to rain immediately. There was no direct flight. I was to depart from Narita airport in Tokyo. Many disappointing things were found. I came up pushing a cart from the park besides a sky building. The drizzle was scattering. Although I turned my back to my wife, I felt that she was looking at me with the worrying eyes. At the Y-cat department, I checked in. My suitcase was kept there. Nevertheless, many things to carry were still left. There were a kit on my back, paper bags in my left and Boston bag in my right. How clumsy I was! I hurried to the Bus stop. At first I stool at the line of regular bus stop. Then I saw the airport- bus (the shuttle) coming to stop a distance apart. I realized that I had made a mistake.

It took two hours to arrive the air port. While I was looking outside, I heard the announcement on the bus. The announcement said at which terminal and which wing the bus would stop. I could not decide where I should get off. It was fortunate that I found a service man from the airport sitting beside me. By his help I arrived at the airport smoothly.

After finishing the necessary work to go abroad, I phoned to my wife. I decided to have my breakfast, which was available nearby. I was attracted by the sign boards on which the words 'Udon, Soda' were written. Thinking that it would be good, I entered the shop. I was regret because Soba did not have the taste I expected.

Flight started at 10 a.m. It was full of passengers. I got a place, which was situated at the edge of triple seat beside a path. The middle seat was empty. So I could sit freely.

When the plane was stable on its way, we were served with many things to eat immediately.

It was incredible that I could drink Brandy Mari, Red wine, white wine, etc. One cup after another. However I was still regret that I had eaten soba.

After having breakfast, I was sleepy because it became dark in the plane by reason of the window, which was covered by a shade. I could sleep soundly but not deeply. My eyes opened and closed alternately. I consumed my time by glancing the film, which was being shown.

Suddenly! The light appeared. We heard an announcement that the plane was going to arrive at Bangkok airport. In spite of six hour flight, we did not think that it was too long. We got off the plane steadily because we had enough time to transit. Pushing the cart, I passed the paths in the airport, which I was familiar with. The crowded surrounding was not different from the status, which existed Last month. Firstly I checked the flight, which was going to Myanmar and the gate number through the TV monitor.

Then by the help of sign boards, which were hung above the paths, I could walk to the right gate. I was led by the indicators. When I descended through the stairs,

I was greatly surprised with the place, which had been changed, in a large degree. The place was very wide. But I felt that it was dim. Most of the gates were situated in a line. Facing the outer space, which was at the edge of the building. It was like a bus station. Although it was bright outside, the place where we had to get on the Bus was dark. Because it was covered by a wide roof. The more the time passed the more the passengers arrived at every gate. Then they entered the Buses.

Majority of the travellers were Indian and Arabian. The destination of the flight from this gate might be their countries. Three hours were used up quickly by reading books and looking at here and there. We went to the plane by bus. When I entered, the plane and took my seat, I felt hat. It was surprised to find many Japanese near by. It lasted only one hour. During that time I thought that I had been very busy.

In the usual manner, a Japanese asked for arrival card from the steward. Then he filled it without drawing out a table, which was attached behind the seat. I also asked for a card immediately deciding that I would have to fill it. I could not know whether the plane was stable or not on its way. At that moment the crews was busy with preparing the food and wine to entertain us. I finished eating quickly. Without waiting the service man, somebody came and took the dishes away; I filled the arrival card laying on the edge of the table. I continued my writing without noticing that the plane was landing. So I was noticed violently. I was very frightened.

It was 18:30 when Yangon sky was covered by the dark.

I came down stepping the stairs. I realized. That I had arrived Myanmar because I felt hot outside the plane. The officer who worked at the immigration department was kind-hearted. The made the correction on my arrival card which was not complete yet. The allowed me politely to pass as usual. Second place I had to pass was the place where my suitcase was kept. I went there to choose my suitcase. The second place was different from the first place I found many difficulties here. The various cases appeared one by one. At the end my small case came out. There was a cross, which was written by a piece of chalk outside the case. It meant that it was to be opened. At the custom department. I was asked for opening it. The thing, which came out, was a scissors with was used for cooking. I put it in the suitcase lest I would be in trouble it I put it in. the hand bag which could be carried which me. This fact revealed us that here was real Myanmar. My friend who was waiting for me in the lobby was looking at me anxiously.