Day 4 - Lake Inle

I had a great night sleep waking initially at 5:15 but then managed to sleep till nearly seven. Helen and I had a great chance then realised we were going to be late for our 8:30am start so had a mad rush to get showered and down for a very quick breakfast. We popped some washing in too. 

At 8:30am we walked down to the Lake and got into three long boats. We had an amazing day returning just after 4pm.

So what did we do ? We travelled for around 45 mins on the lake on the long boat with an on board motor. On route we stopped to watch a demonstration of how the fishermen row with their leg and catch fish. We saw more fishermen in route which was very interesting.

Our first stop was a market. The market sold the usual souvenirs, jewellery etc. The best part was the food they were selling such as a rice cake which were large 30cm rounds and people we're buying 30 at a time, fruit, veg, flowers, salt etc etc. My room mate Helen and I plus another lady on the trip Barbara bought a silk Longyi for 15000 Kyats ( £7.50). 

From the market we went by boat to see the ladies weaving and making the thread to weave out of the lotus stems including putting the thread onto splindles and dying them. This was followed by a trip to the blacksmiths who showed us making a knife. Three men were beating the hot metal in a rhythm whilst another was bellowing the fire to keep it hot. Amazing to think both these hand crafts are still providing work to many people. 

A lovely lunch was had by the river where I had a lovely potato curry but an even more delicious green tomato salad with onions and roasted sesame seeds. Yum ! 

Back on the boats we went to watch ladies making cheroots - again very interesting to see how these were rolled into the cheroot leaves.  On route to this we went through a township on stilts. Amazing to see how they live. 

On the boats once again we went to see the floating gardens. These are where they grow tomatoes on the water in beds created especially for them. A few of our party tried to stand on the floating gardens and found it quite squidgy.

Our last stop f the day before driving back in the boat was to the Jumping Cat Monestry. The first thing you noticed when you went in (after taking your shoes off) was all the kittens running around. And then the various Buddhas.  

After a bit of time to chill we met up with some of the group (9 of us) for a drink and then a lovely meal together in another restaurant. I had a Shan Swe Fire cocktail with rum, red wine and fruit - delicious ! 

My meal and drinks cost 9000 Kyats ( £4.50) and I had two dishes, two drinks and a banana and rum dessert). 

The evening was dusted off with a glass of rum and a chat with 5 of us. Now time to sleep before another busy day on the Lake tomorrow :-)