We arrived in Myanmar late at night. We flew into Yangon and then immediately transferred to Heho where we took a taxi to Nyaung Shwe, the town that acts as the jumping off point for Inle Lake. It was dark when we arrived. We had no idea what beauty surrounded us as we slept that night.
While bicycling through the country-side, we came across a group of cows being hearded across a stream by this boy and his sling-shot.
Rural Burmese women are tough and strong. They are often carrying huge loads on their shoulders or heads.
This local entrepreneur offered to ferry us and our bikes across the lake for 8000 kyat.
The small local boats are often paddled using their legs.
This back lit fisherman offered up a great silhouette for this black and white photo.
Another black and white silhouette, this time of a bird hanging out in some aquatic plants.
A silhouette of a fishermen who’s setting up a net.
After being ferried across the lake, we were met by this lady in a canoe who took us over to a restaurant in a stilted house on the water.
This long wooden pier is the best place to catch a boat, or be dropped off when crossing the lake while doing a bicycle tour.
These young locals are going for a stroll on the long wooden pier.
The next day we took a boat tour that started in the early hazy hours of the morning.
There are many jobs created by the lake: fishing, farming, tourism, and transport.
I’m not one for selfies, but I figured I’d make an exception here.
This boat driver almost looked like he was sitting on the water and meditating — a very peaceful scene.
On the other hand, this boat scared me a bit. The silhouette seems to be starting at us and the guy might have a hook for a hand.
This ninja assassin was steering a strange shaped boat, possibly to go and assassinate someone – we can’t say for sure though.
I love the shapes in this photo. The circle from the barrel, the triangles coming out of the water, and the box-y houses in the background.
A local checks out one of the many resorts that are popping up on the lake.
This little village on the lake was made-up of houses and businesses. I love the crooked electric pole that comes up out of the water.
Some workers are planting small plants on a floating farm that’s made by piling dirt in shallow areas.
After our boat ride we stopped at Inle Heart View Restaurant. It has amazing views, great food, and a very friendly owner. What a great way to end our day.
In the morning, I looked out the window and immediately knew that Myanmar was going to be amazing for photography. The hazy mist that hovered over shining golden stupas, the light that cut through the cool air — it was magical… And we couldn’t even see the lake from where we were. I hate saying “a photographer’s dream”, but the Inle Lake area turned out to be just that. Myanmar, in general, has amazing light. Unfortunately, that comes from a polarizing filter that’s made up of smoke from the burning that people tend to do in the mornings and late afternoons. Another point about the light in Myanmar: people seek it, at least in the winter months. It gets a bit chilly, so people will sit in the sun and soak in all those rays. Coming from the southern half of Vietnam, where if you sit in the sun you fry, this was a big deal for me and my trusty camera.
Please stay tuned for more Myanmar including posts about traveling there, some editorial stuff, and some great videos. Sara and I are both recovering from what we’ve deemed the Burma death flu. When I’m feeling better, content will be flying your way. Until then, enjoy the photos (best viewed by clicking the first one and sliding through them).
