Welcome, my young expatriate. Madame Mohinga has been expecting you, for I sense that you have been feeling lost and listless this rainy season [cackles]. Don’t be shy. Put down your gin and tonic, and let us seek the wisdom of the stars…
By MADAME MOHINGA | FRONTIER
Monday: The Backpacker
Lucky omens: 19th Street mojitos, night buses
People who arrive under the Backpacker sign are curious and thrifty with a strong affinity for sand paintings. You may find yourself wandering around Kandawgyi Lake or Golden Valley in hand woven fisherman pants, a grubby tank top and the aroma of the road (which smells an awful lot like durian). Don’t let trials in the form of lice and bedbugs deter you from that K7,000 hostel bunk.
Tuesday: The NGO Worker
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Lucky omens: Yaw Min Gyi street, eggs from Sharky’s
In expat mythology, NGO Workers are philanthropic creatures who drive expensive SUVs with little shovels attached to the spare tyre. If you are feeling low, NGO Worker, cheer up by complaining about “development sector bullshit” to anyone who will listen. The stars show exciting new opportunities ahead with the words “senior”, “coordinator”, “director”, “regional” and “programme” in the titles.
Wednesday: The Teacher
Lucky omens: Frisbee, not knowing who the president of Myanmar is
Optimistic and naïve, teachers tend to live in the far reaches of town and mainly spend time with other teachers, although they occasionally venture out in groups to comedy nights and beer tastings. If you have been feeling out of place in the expat scene, Teacher, don’t worry: those stares from the next table are the rest of us wondering where the hell a bunch of attractive, happy-looking expats came from all of a sudden.
Thursday: The Journo
Lucky omens: MacBook Pro, looking up bulletproof vests on Amazon
Expats who arrive under the sign of The Journo are adventurous sorts who care deeply about the truth, especially if it means they might get to be arrested and deported some day. Unfortunately, there are more peaceful times ahead for you (if not for native journalists), but take heart: if people back home see those photos you posted from that organic coffee farm and just happen to assume you’re getting shot at in a landmine-laced jungle, who are you to correct them?
Friday: The Aperol Spritz
Lucky omens: Penthouse, trivia nights
Aperol Spritzes are true creatures of the night who are not going to let being far from home keep them from clubbing like an Arctic hunter in a field of baby seals. They get white girl wasted every weekend and also use phrases like “white girl wasted”. Rainy season has been especially difficult for Aperol Spritzes, but be strong: Oktoberfest is right around the corner.
Saturday: The Newcomer
Lucky omens: Sanchaung, local curry
Those who arrive under the sign of The Newcomer tend to wear a longyi, take language lessons and genuinely believe they will spend evenings at local tea shops practising their Burmese. It will be a tough week for you, Newcomer, as you find yourself taking taxis to work even though you’ve been bragging about learning the local bus system.
Sunday: The Crone
Lucky omens: Not giving a toss
Wisdom and experience are hallmarks of Crones. They have drunk vodka with warlords, remember when there was no traffic in Yangon and once paid US$900 for a SIM card. This week, exercise your patience as you listen to younger expats ramble about “the problem with Myanmar” and “all the NLD needs to do”.
Actually written by Jared Downing.
