3. To Heho and Lake Inle

3. To Heho and Lake Inle

Another short flight this time North from Bagan to the rolling hills of Shan state. We picked up our new bikes at Heho airport and set off again. We had  a great ride through the countryside on minor roads mainly enjoying the interaction with the locals with them apparently as interested in us as we in them.

Cabbages!

We cycled to the town of Pindaya where the main attraction is a cave complex, Shwe Oo Min, above the town which contains over 9,000 Bhuddas of all shapes and sizes. An extraordinary sight.

The next day after a short road transfer we had our most challenging day cycling; some steep climbs and sharp descents on rutted gravelly tracks, finishing with a long 11k descent to Lake Inle. Carolyn was relieved that the support vehicle was available for the toughest stretch! Along the ride we had a stream of waves, hellos and grins from the locals; families would literally pour out of their homes to enjoy the sight of us (only a slight exaggeration, Ed)

Nervous moment as excited bullock broke free of his chain

There were a number of gangs working on building the road, almost all women some with their infants; their pay is £2.50 a day.

She was carrying a pick axe at the time..

At the end of a long day’s riding we gratefully embarked onto a long tail motorised sampan for a 45 minute trip across Inle lake to our hotel. Amazing scenery and many views of the unique one legged style of fishing, the fishermen sometimes almost balletic in their movements. 

We stayed at the Pure Lotus resort, each room shaped like the hull of a boat! Pretty upmarket and probably the way tourism around the lake will develop. 

The next day was spent cycling through the countryside around the lake. Having a guide allowed us to stop at anything interesting and chat to people.The local women at the rice millers were fun ; they congratulated Carolyn and Karen on their white skin. A 40 kilo sack of rice costs around £17, based on an average consumption of this their staple of 500 grams a day that sack would feel a family of 4 for 3 weeks.

Yes, Carolyn does single track!

The afternoon was more tourist oriented; while most of the villages live by fishing and agriculture some have developed their weaving, silver design, cheroot making or boat building as tourist stops with the associated selling opportunities.There is a delicate balance to tread here. And not to forget a project to reintroduce the Burmese cat!

We also visited the Shan Red Hill Winery near the top of one of the hills that surround the lake and so with good views. There was rather a odd mix of wines, some quite expensive especially by local standards eg for their Chardonnay. Unfortunately the standard was fairly awful !

Coolies in the vines..no machines here.