Shouts for freedom December 2011

On 13 November 2010, Aung San Suu Kyi was released from house arrest. By the time I heard the news and arrived outside of the Lady’s house, the crowds had swelled. Her name, spoken covertly just a few hours ago, was now on the tip of everyone’s tongue, in excitement and anticipation. Some people were standing on cars, making speeches; an older couple held hands and whispered about the first time they saw her speak. Youths with fancy cell phones were texting gossip. When Suu Kyi appeared again, for a second time that evening, a palpable wave of joy swept through the crowd – a wave that overwhelms me to this day. I still remember the ecstatic expression of the taxi driver who let me sit on the top of his car. At one point, he tapped me on the shoulder and said in broken English, ‘You see her? She is my leader. So healthy! I am so, so happy!’