Meeting Maung-Maung Response

The theme that stood out to me when reading Pico Iyer's "Meeting Maung-Maung" piece was that blind trust is required when traveling if one wishes to truly experience a new culture. Iyer expresses his uncertainty of Muang-Muang: "Once I'm in his house, far from the centre of a city I don't know, he will drop a drug in my tea or pull  out a knife or even bring in a few accomplices" (Iyer 21). However, when the author pushes away his fears and agrees to accompany the local to his home, he is  "touched by his show of trust" and rewarded with a tour of the city (22). Iyer's guide also shares with him his views on religion and purpose, giving him an even deeper look into the culture. One of the most important language techniques Iyer uses is including direct quotes from Muang-Muang, the local's diction and character able to be seen through these: "If I hit horse in this life, in next life I come back as horse" (20). Iyer also does an effective job of describing his new acquaintance's mannerisms and expressions: "With a mixture of shyness and pride, he handed over a thick black notebook" (20). Since the piece revolves around Muang-Muang, it is important that Iyer allows readers visualize and connect with the character through these techniques.