Having parents who grew up in Myanmar and call it their birthplace is such a blessing to me. Being raised in our household involves listening to classical and contemporary songs in the official language of the country I’m originally from: Burmese. Honestly, I can barely understand every single word in Burmese, so when I hear it being spoken, sung, written, or read, it’s difficult for me to draw a connection or an interpretation for myself to comprehend what’s being stated.

Despite that, I am proud to have my parents put on music of traditional Burmese instruments as well as gospel songs in the language. I have never been to my forefathers’ homeland, and especially right now, it’s already difficult enough to find a time to visit this year. 

Although the issues are getting out of hand, I still have the hopes and dreams to take a plane trip there and check out the cool places that I have always wanted to see. I also had an interest in going there simply by hearing my parents’ stories and memories of their childhood.

Basically, I get to know their experience of what it was like growing up in our native country. It’s even admirable whenever my mom goes grocery shopping and sees an object that reminds her of the special moments that she had with the people who loved her.

My mom also cooks delicious Burmese cuisine like laphet thoke (tea leaf salad), mutton curry, fried vegetables, Shan noodles, and the list just goes on. It tastes so authentic that I can imagine being in the streets of Yangon—one of the metropolitan cities in the country—and eating every food offered on my plate.

Another destination that I have an interest in traveling to is Mizoram—a state in northeast India. It’s rich in natural beauty and the culture there amazes me too.

However, I have faith that there will be a time to take a vacation there too. The fascinating fact about my love to go there is that I have extended family from my mom’s side who lives there. Back then, my mom’s uncle—who is my grandma’s younger brother—went to Mizoram and married a Mizo woman. Now, he has grandchildren too. My siblings and I have never met them nor had any contact with them so far, which is another reason why I have such an aching desire to visit Mizoram with my family.

I am even in love with the traditional festivals celebrated there. The one that I want to see is Chapchar Kut. It’s basically where dances and skits are performed as well as instrumental performances. It’s annually celebrated in March, and I want my eyes to experience the beautiful elements the Mizo culture has to offer.

Even though Myanmar and Mizoram are going through a painful struggle, I will never lose my faith that I will actually have a good time there with my family when there is the right time to visit.