Meeting Maung-Maung

I think the theme of Iyer's essay is that experience, not money, is the most valuable asset of life. For example, Maung-Maung has little money, but deeply appreciates his ability to interact with tourists and learn English. He could work a different job, but chooses not to because he likes to interact with people from all over the world. Additionally, the author in this story is using his money to gain experience in another country. One language use that struck me as effective was the author's constant interjections of fear whenever Maung-Maung offered him something. It showed that he was cautious of his surroundings and a little weary of the taxi driver. Also, the repetition of the word "then" when describing how Maung-Maung paid for school shows how determined and motivated he was to receive and education.