The time of the year, where me and my father travels to East of Burma, specifically Shan State,

to pay homage to my dad’s side grandparents, had always been a reoccurring event that I look
forward to. Ever since I turned five, this trip was introduced to my life by my father, who wanted
me to appreciate the natural world and discover its hidden beauties, while bonding with my
long-distant relatives at the same time. It’s an 8 hours-long express-bus ride; the breath-taking
sceneries from the faded glass windows is one of the few things that never fails to awe me.

The fainted evening sun would always anticipate our arrival, and it would provide the softest
touch that makes me feel nostalgic. The luxuriant vegetation, the reddish tomato fields, and the
ancient wooden house is our destination. Often, my grandparents would be waving their hands,
shouting to their neighbors and other relatives that we had arrived, all in a cheerful manner.
The ringing bells, distant chatters, and joyous laughter would fuel our happiness. My
grandfather would kindly lead us to the house although we’d already involuntarily memorized
the path due to the countless times we’d come.

The imposing oak staircase had frightened me when I was little, but as I grew older, I learnt to
admire its high value and its great history. As soon as we’d seated, the family gathering would
begin, ranging from little kids as old as a year to adults that outlived the length of a century.
Together, the small table would converse about the past, the present, and the future, while
relishing the comforting aroma of traditional Shan dishes prepared by my grandmother. The
warmth of the atmosphere feels like a cozy blanket, making me forget the tiredness of the long
journey.

When nightfall emerges, the cool breezes of Shan State would make me forget the blazing hot
gusts of winds from Yangon. The subtle differences in the scent of air always make me realize
the contrast between downtowns and the natural world. Despite the bed having no mattress,
the physical activities throughout the evening would have me fell asleep like a baby.

For the next few days, I would wander around the bustling markets, visit my other important
relatives, and go trekking among the sky-high hills. However, the day of return would inevitably
come. Packing our bags felt like packing away my joyous experiences, leaving behind the
cherished memories and the comforting embrace of family. The farewell hugs were bittersweet,
filled with promises of return but with a tint of the sadness of departure.