As I mentioned in a previous post, the highlight of my last visit to Myanmar was the rural area of Kalaw. There were many reasons…the precious time giving polaroid photos to the children of the village of Taung Ni…observing and listening to the monks during their evening chants and meditation..sleeping in the monestary and even sharing the outdoor toilet with them…but the highlight was the trekking through the fields and orchards that just took me straight back to my childhood and the experiences of growing up on our farm in Virginia.
The image below…a perfect example of farming on the hillsides in Kalaw…
Just like my daddy did here on our farm…
the similarities of the land…amazing…
my daddy
The children running about in the fields…
I can remember being that age as well…trying to keep up…trying to help…
Watching the women grading the fruit was something that was so routine in my day to day life…
My mom, aunt, older sisters and family friends did the same but with tomatoes, apples and peaches.
I grew up with this…it was if I was going back in time…
The chatter…the laughter…
The slat sided wooden crates to hold their fruit…dusty dirt roads…
the end of a long day hoping to get a ride back to their home…muddy shoes…
it all came rushing back as if I was reliving my childhood…
So you see…all of this is what made my time in Kalaw so very, very special.
An experience I’ll never forget…
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P.S…Thank you all so much…for taking the time to leave a note…always so appreciated…
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I can just imagine how you compared notes as you saw all of this, Robin. Your life is now doubly blessed and enriched!
Totally Ginnie! Thank you!!
I can just see you as a young child helping your daddy on the farm. It is amazing how much the farm land in Kalaw and your farm look alike. The look on the face of the little girl in the orange pants with the hat with the netting on it make me think she is surveying the job to be sure everything got done correctly…I can imagine that is how you might have looked wanting to be sure everything was done as your daddy would want it… such precious memories you have. Thanks for sharing them with us. XoXo
When I was probably a couple of years older than this little girl, I started going with my dad to the market to sell our fruit and vegetables. He was brilliant when it came to marketing…how do you differentiate yourself from all the other farmers? Bring a six year old…and he had me with him until I went to work when I turned 18. Precious memories indeed. Thank you my dear! xoxo
What very special words and images to share. I see clearly the similarities with your childhood and feel how much you love this land and people. How touching to come across the photo of your sweet dad and to hear about how you helped and tried to keep up, just precious. I love being able to travel in my computer chair to these places that mean so much to you.
And I love being able to take you and others with me! That’s what I so enjoy about blogging…sharing what we all experience! Yes, magical times in Kalaw country…indeed. Thank you Susan!
The photo of your Dad brought tears to my eyes, I miss my Daddy and he would surely have befriended yours. My parents owned a restaurant and I was always there when the trucks delivering fresh produce arrived, helping just as you helped your family. I can see why this place, this trip, and these memories are so special, Your stories and words put me right in step with you. Hands down, farms and farm related people and things are some of my favorite pictures to make – something about the connection with the land and the sense of urgency to protect these resources – both people and product. Your blog posts enrich my life.
Oh, Donna…I’m sure they would’ve been great friends. My dad had that contagious smile and laughter that made people enjoy being around him. Thank you so much for your touching comments…really touched my heart. Thank you!
A wonderful and personal post! Thank you so much for sharing it with us!
Thanks Karen! I had a story book childhood and I know that many people didn’t it…I am so grateful.
Robin these are wonderful my stand out favourites though are your Dad and the girl surveying the scene beautiful.
Thanks Shooter always for your visit!
It is so special when you can have that ‘déja vu’ and remembering your own youth, with all the work and laughter and the camaraderie. This post is so special. I love seeing your dad in the fields. What a memory to keep.
Safe travels to Nicaragua and am looking forward to your posts and pictures.
Love and hugs.
Thanks Astrid! Special times indeed…thanks for following along! Love and hugs back at ya across the pond!
Sometimes we travel far away just to truly experience home. A delightful post.