Day 11:
As I sit here in the jetti (small wooden boat), I look back at today and cannot believe the beauty I have witnessed. Our group arrived at a quaint airport in Heho, Myanmar around 10 this morning. Upon arrival, we were whisked off onto a bus that would drive us the 45 minutes it takes to get to the lake. After a bit of hesitation about getting on the jetti, we were off. Two jettis sped down the lake with five riders, one drive, and luggage; to say it was terrifying at first would be an understatement. Within five minutes all of my fears were out the “window” and I felt the wind blow through my hair. The swooshing of the water as it sprayed off of the boat and the guzzling of the engine out me in a trance. Either way I looked, there were mountains as far as the eye could see. I might be a city girl, but my love for the water and mountains is never ending.
The people here are welcoming and kind. As we ride down the lake greetings can be heard and waving directed towards us. I have never met more hospitable people and they will do anything to please. With my food allergies, I was afraid of what I would find when traveling here but I have nothing but good findings; each person has gone out of their way to make sure I was comfortable and taken care of. The amount of culture I witnessed on the short jetti ride down the lake, is more than I have ever seen before. Different families living a different way of life fill the banks.
After a 30 minute jetti ride, we were at our hotel. Hupin Hotel is situated in the lake and each room is a tiny house above the water. It reminds me of a cabin in the woods. The interior is wood and the beds have nets to protect us from the Mosquitos at night. The view from our front porch is breathtaking: water ripples below, mountains coat the horizon, clouds float seamlessly above, and little sprinkles of rain dance on the lily pads.
The rest of the day was spent riding the jetti from one crafts maker’s shop to another. Next door to the restaurant we ate lunch at, was a cigar shop where we learned how to roll cigars. Next up, was hand made clothing. Silk and lotus hand woven clothing was by far my favorite. The tedious job starts with getting the strands from the lotus and then: dying, laying the pattern, weaving, washing, rehashing, and packaging. Following this we went and saw silver jewelry (98%) being made and Shan paper.
A cultural element that we learned today was a tribe that lives in this area. They wear brass rings around their necks. It was an interesting sight; like nothing I’ve ever seen before. I don’t understand their wanting to stretch their bodies in such an uncomfortable way, but I am not one to judge. The rings weigh about 17.5lbs when completed. Not all of the children are forced into wearing them, it is something they choose to do themselves. Each culture has something different they do that they think enhances their beauty. From this trip I have realized that there is no one set “beautiful” but only different perceptions.
As the trip goes on, I find myself and the other participants to be getting closer. There is always laughing, even in the early mornings, and jokes like we have known each other for longer than 10 days. This experience is like no other and nothing will ever replace the memories I have made on this trip. Each individual brings a different personality, idea, and outlook to the world around us.
Thank you Inle Lake for a wonderful day taking in your beauty.
-Jennifer