We landed at Heiho airport and found our own driver to the boat jetty . Normally the trip take about 1 hr 15 mins , we got there in 40 mins . The car is old with no sit belt .The driver took us to his friend’s tour company Sons of Inle . We got a good deal with US $69 we get transfer to and from hotel plus the full day boat tour. Our boat driver is really young and looked like a pirate . We were really happy with the experience. They seem to be a bunch of young guys trying to do business together . The boat isn’t fancy even the life jackets looked really old compare to the other boats we saw on the way . But every place we went the locals know our driver well .
The lake is stunning . Our room overlooks the water . In the early morning and late evening we can hear music played from the near by temple . Everyday at 4am the local fishermen do their sermon . I really enjoyed listening to the music floating across the lake . We also visited the local weaving workshop. It’s the only place in the world use lotus to weave fabrics . These fabrics are sold from US $20 to $700 . Takes two weeks to produce one scarf . The fabric itself looks nothing special but consider the amount of work put into it plus the spiritual meaning of lotus in Buddhism make it all very special .
We also visited this place with over 1000 temples and it is full of souvenirs shops . Locals get their photos taken expecting a small donation as well . We exercised our bargain skills and got a few gifts for friends back home . I was quite pleased with a gold coloured wooden fish which I bought from this pregnant lady who was holding her young child. Hope the money get to help a little with her expecting another little one.
I came across two really annoying incidents with big tour groups on this trip .Once was this French woman who is about to hop on her bus at the first hotel we stayed , she noticed some local cleaners were scrubbing concrete floors . So she and the other travel companions pulled out their cameras aiming at them . Suddenly these poor cleaners were surrounded by them and being taken pictures . This French woman kept asking them to scrub harder, one of the cleaner jokingly asked her to do it herself. Although it all seems to be good humour, I think it’s really disrespectful towards the locals.
Another incident was when we were about to board our plane , two American ladies around late fifties cut right in front of us said “Excuse me” then trying to go through the gate as well . The airport staff told them it’s not their flight , they walked away. I wonder who said as long as saying excuse me you can just jump the queue ? They probably got too used to the first class service .
My point is I think big tour groups sometime lack of the culture sensitivity . Human beings when act as a pack can sometime easily feel superior towards others
Our flight from Inle to Yangong is delayed due to heavy fog . Sitting at the airport with lots of European tourists . I can hardly find any local tourists.
Now the fog is easing up we may get to fly out soon . Last night will spend in Yangong .
1st Dec 2013 written at Heiho airport
LIYANG'S THOUGHTS 