The Lion and the Sun – Chapter 7 – Part 1 – (The British Lion) – Cont’d.

   They all met at Virginia’s apartment, early in the morning, on Sunday.  Virginia wasted no time introducing Rose to Maung Ba.  She was Chinese, originally from Singapore, and educated in Cambridge, England.  Her father was a barrister-at-law who, unfortunately, was killed in an automobile accident somewhere on the outskirt of the city while she was in England.  She was devastated by the news of her father’s untimely death and hurried back to Rangoon to attend his funeral.  She had already attained a degree in political science prior to his death and had completed a course in journalism. 

     Virginia prepared some snacks, desserts and lemonade and put these in a hamper, together with a dozen bottles of beer and bags of potato chips.  They took a slow walk to the river, not far from her residence.  It was a cool, invigorating morning.

     Maung Ba was particularly impressed by Rose’s appearance and demeanor, as he noticed her unblemished complexion, straight black hair, very much like those of Virginia, while her smile seemed to light up her countenance.

      Tan purchased the tickets, and there was just about a couple of minutes left before the first boat was scheduled to leave, when they walked up the gangway. 

      The cool, bracing air felt good, while they stood on the deck watching he boats lazily sail, as if heedless of time.

        It didn’t take too long for them to find a place in a park where they spread a large mat under a shady tree.  They could hear the sound of music and the rhythm of drums in the distance, as they began partaking of the snacks, refreshments and beer.  There was a pwe taking place not far away from their location.  They thought the pwe was well-timed, and decided to gather their picnic paraphernalia and walk up to where it was being held.  

         It was a day that was well-spent.  When they returned to Rangoon, Maung Ba began hoping that his friendship with Rose would develop romantically, as they spent the rest of the evening in Virginia’s apartment.