Boat Tour of Inle Lake

 

What a beautiful and charming place! The following morning we had a boat tour around Inle Lake--the actual lake and surrounding villages. Very fascinating and loved this part of our trip as well! It was just the two of us on the long, narrow speed boat. Which was nice because we went where we wanted and skipped places like the tobacco factory, lunch, etc. The day prior had been hot, so I bought sunscreen to use. It ended up being cold and rainy. Oh well--better than a burn! ; )

There was a sign that I wasn't able to snap a pic of in time. It was along the river and said: Reduce, Reuse, Reject! I believe the last word is where they've gone wrong. Also, maybe that's why burning plastic trash piles are all over! lol!

It was interesting to see more of the people, culture, way they live, etc. Check out the local fishermen, with their baskets and nets. But most notably, how they steer and paddle with one leg, steadying themselves on the back of their boats. Incredible! Inle Lake is a must-see when traveling to Myanmar, easily my favorite place we visited in the country!

Silversmith jewelry making.

I loved going to markets around the world. Of any and all kinds!!! This day was no exception. I almost bought some of those dried fish snacks for my brother. I thought he would enjoy the gift! haha! But I couldn't handle the smell!

Stupas are covering this part of Myanmar and highly concentrated in an area around Inle Lake.

  

The Golden Peacock boat

The Palace at Inle Lake. Only men were allowed into the very center. Conor said I didn't miss much.

 

Conor just couldn't resist another meaty treat! Raw chicken cooked on the grill in front of you. Nevermind all the flies on the meat. I'm wise and didn't take a bite this time!

 

Unbelievable how many people lived on the water, some with floating gardens. All you need is a boat for transportation! Which easily stores beneath your house! Also, that's where you can hang your laundry and rugs!

 

School located amongst the homes on water. They have a small area with dirt they built it on. Probably the only place many are able to run and play on dirt and solid ground. Crazy thought!

A silk plant where they also use local lotus stems to make scarves. They use the fibers inside the stem to make strands that are later weaved. Very tedious and takes thousands of lotus stems to make one small scarf. Very ingenious!

 

There are hanging and floating gardens all over this region. Amazing how they utilize their space and resources to live.

 

It was raining on the way back from our boat tour, but saw a beautiful rainbow!

Our 2nd room in Inle. Strangely, it still seemed like a room for family, but we were happy to have a real room! Breakfast was also included and they had the most delicious Burmese pancake. One day I had it with bananas. But the savory option with onions and vegetable was SO good! The pancake is like a thick, sweet crepe batter. I need to try and find some recipes that are similar. Conor liked them, too. Unfortunately I never took the camera to breakfast and no photo of the pancake.

A traditional curry meal. We didn't care for it; the sauce was so oily. The next day we ate at our favorite little place for noodles.

 

Angry Birds were big all over Cambodia and Myanmar. This girl was selling balloons.

I didn't try to buy the flavored "drinks". So handy to have fuel stations everywhere you go!