Yes I sounded YIA!!!!!when landed in this newly built Yangon International Airport (YIA)... It was a pleasant sight on arrival which was very very different from the scene half a decade ago.
In my previous trip, I had to run around from table to table to get out of the Airport. Once upon a time, a shuttle bus would bring us from the plane's stairs landing to the terminal building. And there was a gentleman who greeted us tirelessly " Myanmar Nationals go to that table" " Myanmar Nationals go to that table" and rigorously pointing us to like a ticketing counter.
And there a very nice chap would be smiling sweetly and making you filling in your parents' name, your address and how long you would be staying in Myanmar? (My guess was that it's not safe for Myanmar Nationals to stay too long in Myanmar and they would like to ensure our safety throughout our stay with our family..we are precious hard currencies earners right!)
Oh yah! almost left the traditions or rather Myanmar Airport Culture out..Before I went back on my 1st ever trip, a friend advised me to buy a pack or two of the most sellable cigarettes from Changi Airport back. I thought it was duty-free and I could make some money selling away once I arrived back to Yangon. So I did and aha..It was all gone before I could leave the terminal.
Yea.. while filling the form, the gentleman behind the counter was talking to me non-stop. He was so concerned and caring. I felt so warm coming home after a few years in a foreign country. He asked. "Oh how are you adjusting your life there?" "How was your job and bla bla" My tear welled up .. Man! He's not my uncle..Not my relative but he's so caring..but before long.. my tear rolled up back into my eyes in shock " Since you were there for 2 years, you could have made much money.. Do you have something for me?"...
Oh!!Thank you friend!( was thanking my friend who reminded me time and again I must buy cigarettes back).. well ok..I unpacked and put 2 packets on the counter..and "Oh only 2?.. I was lost and worried for my passport.. another 2 more and he waved me off..no more warmth.. no more smile.. goodness..I sighed...
Well cutting the story short. After filling numerous forms ,passing through immigration counter then custom.. I finished all cigarettes. I heard later I was fortunate. Some friends of mine, had to buy a liquor voucher from a duty free shop right in front of Custom before they could make all cleared exit...No more.. now no more.. thanks to my cousin, a porter saw me and whisked me through counter without a stop after dropping a dollar note at immigration counter. I am willing because he was so helpful telling me, I need not to get departure form as he already endorsed "LEAVE" on my passport.. So.. when asked..I quickly drop a note worrying someone might notice what I am doing...haaaa. Thanks god no one seems to know.
Overall.. now we should be proud of having gleaming, spotless terminal building with 2 aerobridges. In no time, who would say we wouldn't have multi-terminals.
But hey.. Look at the information board. I missed the flight despite I went to Airport before dawn to check in for my 10:35 am flight. hahaa..
You see? Me and fellow travellers were waiting for our turn to board our plane in a single holing room. But our gate never opened. We never boarded the plane of our flight 3K586. But it departed without us. We're there sitting till 10:45 am. Well 1st time in my life so far so I took the photos ha ha.. Hopefully the computer technician responsible to update and adjust the timing would not be fired after my post. Cheers.. What an experience!!!
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