Category: Series: Myanmar
Sisterlands: On Borders, Belonging and the Fragile Geometry of Home
Part I: The Bangle “A border is not a connection nor a separation; it is the tension between the two.” – Gloria Anzaldúa, Borderlands/La Frontera What if a bangle could carry a border? If you turned it slowly in your palm, could you find in its circular seam the quiet breath of two sisterlands, India…
Struggling To Find Myself In The Midst Of The Conflict
I never thought one summer could change a lot of people’s lives, but that’s exactly what happened when the military dictator took over the power of the country in Feb, 2021. Before I continue, allow me to share a little more about my background and where I come from. I was born in a small…
The Flood That Shaped My Life
Growing up in Myitkyina township, I have been connected to nature since I was young. Myitkyina is often translated as “near the great river,” referring to its location near the following together with Mali River and N’Mai River, which eventually form the Irrawaddy River. The river is surrounded by green mountains, glitters with fish, and…
A Promise to My Grandmother
Last week, my best friend Hillary and I met at a cafeteria and as usual, our conversation shifted to our hometown, Loikaw. On January 9,2022, we left Loikaw due to the escalating wars and both of us miss it so deeply. In the middle of our conversation, my friend turned to me and said, “…
Due to a Butterfly
Experiencing death and being isolated can be painful for most of us. I have experienced them first with my grandma and then people around me. The schools’ doors were closed due to Covid at that time in the crowded city where I lived. I was 17 years old; caring not too much about big life…
In the Shade of Mimusops elengi
Growing up in a small town far from the mountains and oceans, it took a long time to realize how much my old environment where I grew up has influenced me throughout my life. There were no high peaks as hills and mountains and endless waves crashing from the ocean to capture, but we had…
Something was in the water, Now there is something in me
“Charm, do you have any plans for this evening?” says the boy next to me. I shake my head saying, “Not really, why?” “Do you want to go and grab a cup of coffee by the beach?” he gently asks. “Why not?” I reply. When he comes and talks to me, I am reading a…
Six-months journey to my dream university
I grew up in a small remote Christian village in the Southern part of Chin State in Myanmar surrounded by high mountains, and natural greenery. The villagers make a living by growing rice and various vegetables, and by breeding pigs. Early in the morning, we can see the villagers coming back home from the church…
Introducing Myanmar
When we tell our stories, these narratives are inextricably linked to place. These places are often dear to us, connecting us to the land, the people, the ecosystems. In this special issue of The Upper New Review, the place we journey to is Myanmar, a beautiful country that borders Thailand, India, and China. Over the…
