Floating Villages
Virtually any book on Burma will feature a photograph of Intha fishermen on Inle Lake . They navigate their boats with a single wooden paddle , and row with one leg while casting their nets . We gawk at their grace .
The other quintessential photo subject is the famous “ giraffe women ” of the Paduang hill tribe . Four of the women came to talk with us about their ancient tradition of wearing heavy brass rings around their neck and limbs . Nowadays these women make money by posing for tourists . Some of us cringe at the apparent exploitation , but we accept their invitation and take photos .
Large and scenic Inle Lake is home to entire floating communities . We boat out to visit villages with stores , restaurants and homes on stilts , many growing vegetables in floating gardens . Neighbors paddle their boats to visit next door neighbors . We are a long way from shore .
This last stop is the perfect closing for a magical exploration . We know it is unlikely that we will ever make it back to Burma , so it is our mission to tell friends why they must go now .
In a blink , Burma ’ s daily life will include cell phones , Internet ; Western clothing , music and entertainment ; Chinesemanufactured souvenirs , golf courses , and developments . One Chinese businessman just built a large , upscale resort a stone ’ s throw from the temples of Bagan . Bamboo scaffolding is the norm in Yangon .
One look at Thailand ’ s development and you glimpse Burma ’ s tomorrow .
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Change is coming , fast . We hope you visit soon .
Laura Lundy of San Martin is a loan officer with W J Bradley Mortgage Capital . Sherry Hemingway of Morgan Hill is retired from journalism and public relations . Both give much of their time to Rotary Club of Morgan Hill . Overseas Adventure Travel : oattravel . com
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