Kia Ora, Kaja i, Mingalar bar and Hello!

   Hello! Very Nice to have you here. My name is Julyseng Lahpai, what's yours? 

I am originally from Kachin State, Burma (Myanmar). I grew up in a small town called Lai Zar in Kachin state until 12 years of age. I also lived in Malaysia for more than three years, but New Zealand is my permanent home. I became a refugee when I left Burma because of internal conflict between the Kachin Independent Army (KIA) and the Myanmar military. I have not visited my country for so many years, and I miss it very much. 

Growing up in different countries with different cultures and traditions made me very appreciative of my own culture. My native language is Kachin, and I also speak Mandarin, Burmese and English. I love learning about new cultures and trying out different cuisines. I also enjoy learning different languages. When I speak a specific language, I tend to behave or express myself differently. When I talk to Kachin, I am very feminine, very conservative and polite.

On the other hand, I am very social when I speak Burmese, although my Burmese is a bit rusty, I'm comfortable, funny, sarcastic. My personality is a bit bubbly and outgoing. Mandarin is my favourite language to speak. My tone goes up, and I sound like an aunty who sells veges in the farmers' market. I am loud, laidback and definitely not afraid to fight anyone. When I am speaking English, I tend to be more assertive but friendly. It's interesting, isn't it! Leave a comment down below - How many languages do you speak and do you agree that different language brings out different behaviour? 

My purpose for this blog is to connect with people around the world through sharing stories. Writing also helps me focused and clear my mind. In a way, this blog is like my not so secret diary. I have mostly been writing about my past experiences as a refugee in New Zealand but there might be some surpises so watch this space if you like surprises. I have been planning to pay a visit to my home country, so more travel-related contents are also coming up soon🤞.

Apart from that, I'd like to start a career in IT as a web developer one day. I love creating meaningful websites and make the world a better place one site at the time😉. 

Enough about me! I believe you have a unique story too. Please share your story with us in the comments box down below or connect with me through social media.

Thank you again for taking your time reading this. Have a fantastic day/night.