The Lake People

Surrounded by mountains, we snake across the shallow, sky blue waters of Inle Lake in a long, sleek wooden canoe propelled by an outboard motor. We pick our way through water hyacinths and lotus, careful not to disturb the Intha as they gather lake weed or wait for the catch of the day. It is like going back in time, as we glide from village to village. Houses are built on stilts over the water, many with thatched roofs and an addition on the side for a few chickens and pigs. Long, narrow floating vegetable gardens constructed of reeds and mud provide the locals and surrounding area with fresh produce of tomatoes, peas and beans for the market. The lake people are true artisans: blacksmiths, silversmiths, cheroot (Burmese cigars) makers as well as weavers of silk and lotus fiber. The click of the wooden looms sound like a percussion band, as 15 to 20 young women weave the hand-spun thread into beautifully designed fabric. In the cheroot hut, rows of young girls sat cross-legged on the floor, fingers deftly rolling cheroot in lotus leaves. The Intha’s adaptation and ingenuity are truly amazing.

Like most of Myanmar’s population, the lake people are primarily Buddhist. There are nearly 100 shrines and religious buildings around the lake where thousands come to make offerings and pray. We visited the Jumping Cat Monastery, inside the dimly lit teak building, kneeling Buddhists rhythmically bow and chant before dozens of golden, gleaming Buddhas. Here the monks have trained cats to leap through small hoops and are glad to show visitors.



Overall the people are very welcoming. In spite of the remoteness, we would occasionally see a satellite dish attached to the side of a hut or a sign advertising video and DVD rentals. It is like two worlds are colliding; technology is certainly making an inroad. As I looked at the many tourists, including myself, staring and taking pictures I felt like an intruder. Change is and will come to Lake Inle. I wonder how it will look five years from now.