Spinning Tops in Mandalay

Every time I visit the kids on 90th Street in Mandalay, they are always playing a fun game of some sort. One day they might be flying kites, having an intense marbles match, or leisurely playing badminton. Another day they might try to get up enough players for a game of football (if someone has a ball!), or they might get creative and construct a putt-putt golf course from piles of sand. Swimming? Show them a body of water, no matter how shallow, and they’re diving in quicker than you say “ye ku de!” This time in town I was treated to a frenzied session of spinning tops.

 

Your guides to the spinning tops today are Zin Ko (pictured above) and Moe Htet Aung (below). These boys and their friends would wrap a piece of string around their top, pull with all their strength, and then hope the top would spin properly. And each successful spin was accompanied by a loud cheer. Zin Ko and Moe Htet Aung will also be taking turns as my guest photographers next week. Come back to see those pics — from the local teashop and around the neighborhood — in a few days.

 

One of the best things about the games that these kids are playing, at least from my perspective, is that they are all held outdoors. Nobody is staying inside, glued to a TV set or a computer terminal. They are outside, running around, acting silly, and getting exercise. Very cool indeed!