Took a long lazy trip across the lake today. My ship of choice, well it was less a ship and more a rotting canoe, was nameless and skippered by someone who's name I also never quite got around to memorising. Anyway, it and he got me there and back. The lake itself is of quite a size but manageable for a day trip. Once the sun burnt through the morning haze, Inle Lake was revealed in all its beauty. Very calm, very peaceful. Only a sizeable amount of tourists to spoil the atmos. This part of Burma has grown into tourism very quickly and the day was basically a tour of handicraft places on and around the lake. Silk and Lotus weaving (much more interesting than it sounds), boat building, cigar making, floating gardens and in each place a gaggle of locals selling tat. I bought a bagful of it.
And that pretty much ends my tale in Burma. I have to say that it has been a standout part of the trip. I think I've already made that clear. It helps that it's warm and that I've stayed in some fairly nice places overnight but I'd have thought the same if I'd decided to rough it too I think. Well done Burma, you've done a great job.
Burma is heading for democratic elections next year I understand. I'm not sure what that will do to the place but everyone I've spoken to is optimistic about the future. Tourism is already firmly part of the scenery and I imagine it will be like Vietnam in just a year or two. Shame really. I've found lots of authenticity here, alongside some shameless tourist exploitation. If I were in their place, I guess I'd do the same.
There's a slim chance I've been able to upload a photo with this. If so, it should look from top left to bottom right; 1) the world famous leg rowing fishermen of Inle Lake. 2) you've gotta make choices in life. Look what necklace indecision has done to this poor lady. 3) Cheroot rolling on the lake. 4) another market, authentic, aromatic, vibrant.
My vessel in the floating gardens
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