Home Nyan Win , 52-years-old, fled Burma after the Saffron Revolution in 2007 and the brutal crackdown orchestrated by the military Junta.
In Burma, Nyan worked for a decade as a tourist guide willing to unveil the charms of Burma to French tourists. When he got in trouble for his involvement in the 2007 protests, his former clients, Michel and Annie, helped him to obtain a tourist visa for France.
In May 2009, he fled Burma and landed in France to seek asylum. He left behind his wife and family. His journey echoes the stories of thousands of Burmese refugees across the globe.
After a long struggle, Nyan was eventually granted asylum in 2010 and his wife managed to join him soon after. Today, Nyan is safe but struggling to make ends meet.
In Burma, Nyan also worked as a photographer . Take a look at his pictures on his blog .
Follow Nyan's life journey in France on the map on the left
What's life like in Burma?
CDG Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport
Nyan had to sell all his belongings in Burma to pay for his flight to Paris and lent money to his relatives who stayed back. He sold his old Nissan for $22,000 and his SIM card for $2,500!
After staying for sometime in Cambodia and Thailand, Nyan finally took off.
Destination: Paris-Charles de Gaulle.
Annie and Michel picked him up at the airport. They had no idea he was thinking of seeking asylum after landing in Paris. But he did confirm with them whether his decision to apply for asylum would affect them.
Just landed
"I couldn't sleep during the flight"
Bourg La Reine First nights in Parisian suburbs
Nyan spent the first few nights in France at Annie and Michel's place, in the Parisian suburb of Bourg-La-Reine.
The French couple took him on a tour to see the Loire Valley Castles, the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, and many other sights.
Nyan, who had been studying French for over two decades, saw these monuments for the first time. However, when he was a guide in Burma, he frequently received postcards from his clients. That was how he learned everything about French architecture and history!
Nyan also took advantage of his time with Annie and Michel to contact a Burmese monk living in Paris who briefed him on how to proceed to get asylum.
Put up by former clients
"I was so afraid to miss them at the airport"
resto du coeur Resto du coeur at La Villette
Nyan did not want to be a burden on Annie and Michel so he decided to move out after a few weeks.
Life was a roller-coaster ride before he was granted asylum, Nyan did not receive any financial assistance. He had to queue at the community canteen 'Resto du Coeur' to get a hot meal. He wandered from place to place, sleeping where other refugees spent the night, sometimes calling 115, the French number for social assistance.
Fortunately for Nyan, he was fluent in French. He was always happy to help other Burmese refugees. That is how he evenutally ended up teaching French for the Resto du Coeur in a small classroom at La Villette.
Living on the edge
"They asked me to give classes to other refugees"
In Paris:
Volunteers: 20,000 Meals per year: 3,250,000
Library Public libraries in Paris
Nyan continously seeks ways to improve his language skills and learn more about French culture.
After he was granted asylum in 2010, he took a membership of the Paris' public library system to borrow books. For him, "Bookshops are way too expensive."
He is not the only refugee to spend time in libraries:
"I know Burmese refugees who cannot speak a word of French and who spend all their time in public libraries ... next to the heater," he laughs.
In love with the French culture
"I go to Beaubourg to learn about informatic"
Nyan in front of his favourite library, close to Place d'Italie
Movie La princesse et la grenouille
at La Bastille
A Walt Disney classic. La princesse et la grenouille (The Princess and the Frog) is the first movie Nyan watched in France.
Nyan is quite aware of French movies and documentaries. Back in Burma, he was hooked on to satellite TV and watch TV5 in the tourist hostels where he and his clients would stay.
Satellite TV was considered a threat by the Junta in power. Indeed, it is the only media that escapes censorship.
First movie in France
"It was a really good movie"
Louvres Visiting the Louvre
Nyan has access to cheap tickets for cultural events via volunteers of the Resto du Coeur. He tries to go to museums and theaters as often as he can.
He also takes advantage of the "free visit days" organised by some museums such as the Louvre to study French art and history.
As a former tourist guide in Burma, he knows the traditions and history of his country like the back of his hand. Despite his love for France, he still dreams of going home one day.
Exploring Paris
"I would imagine The Louvre through books and postcards"
Lodging 45m2, 12 people in Aubervilliers
Slumlords are more active than ever in Paris. Due to his refugee status, Nyan receives 325 euros a month. He and his wife get by on 650 euros per month.
They have to rent clogged and dingy apartments in the suburbs of Paris. Nyan recalls living in a 45m2 flat crammed with 12 people. He recalls paying 120 euros per month for a bunk bed.
Sleeping in a bunk bed
"With only one toilet and one shower, it's difficult to stay. But we had no choice"
1985: Slumlords already!
Embassy The Myanmar Embassy
Soon after Nyan arrived in Paris, he went to a protest for the release of Burma's iconic political activist Aung San Suu Kyi (released in 2010) outside the embassy in Paris. Since then, he regularly takes part in demonstrations and sit-ins.
He is always happy to meet up with journalists or professors to discuss the political situation in his country. It's a way for him to raise awaraness and to act for change in his homeland.
See also:
Protesting
"We want to shout to those who are working for the Junta"
Dugommier Meditate at Dugommier
Nyan is a Buddhist . He and other refugees often go to a private apartment in the Dugommier district to meditate and listen to recordings of monks' sermons.
These gatherings are also a way to strengthen ties with the Burmese community in Paris. The participants do not leave without enjoying a meal together. They talk about Burma, politics, and seek help in times of trouble.
Keeping the Burmese culture alive
"We share our experiences"
