A Traveller's Privilege

It's not often that a local in Myanmar beckons you over and asks if you speak English. Chit works in a guesthouse in Yangon and was reading a poor online review based on a supposedly sub-par cocktail and confusion over money exchange. She wanted my help in translating some slang before her boss read it.

Chit has never experienced the hospitality industry beyond what she's learnt in this job, she's never left the country or stayed in a hotel.

I tried to explain Western travel culture without making it sound decadent. The wonderful thing about Myanmar is that locals are keen to find out about you and your life at home. Many travellers get there and try to talk politics when what they are really interested in is learning about the world.

Football shirts are everywhere and comments about the team will always bring a big grin and more conversation. As a girl I'd been unsure of whether it is allowed to speak to monks. I was sitting quietly in the Shwedagon Pagoda, absorbing the atmosphere when one approached. I shifted nervously in case I was doing something wrong but he asked where I was from. On hearing the answer he beamed, gave a double thumbs up and said "Ahh! Wayne Rooney, my favourite!" and we went on from there.

On the road we all seek out certain experiences and because of their general availability, there's always a danger we'll lose perspective.

The best answer is so simple many overlook it. Conversation and showing an interest. If only more travellers had conversations like these they might realise that people all over the world are the same. We might have different lifestyles but we also have a lot in common. As travellers we should never forget that we have places to visit which are still truly different and we are privileged to enjoy the freedom to do so. When we are in other countries we can still give insight into our lives back home and that's just as valuable a travel experience for those who don't have the luxury.