In Pindaya we visited Shwe U Min cave. It is a maze of caverns crammed with Buddha images. At last count there were nearly 9000 in all sizes and many different classic poses. Fortunately there was nylon matting on the floor as it was quite wet.
According to legend seven princesses took refuge in the cave during a storm, but an evil nat (spirit) in the form of a giant spider imprisoned them there. Fortunately, a prince strolling by, heard their cries for help and killed the spider with an arrow.
A few of the Buddha images
Repairing the road. It is a bit hard to see but they are heating drums of tar.
The road gang waiting for the tar to heat.
No we are not on an English country estate. Built in 1909 this is now the Amara Hill resort near Kalaw. There were lovely gardens and we had an enormous room complete with fireplace. As Kalaw is at nearly 4300 ft (~1300m) it does get very cold at night.
The pastor of the Kayin (Karen) Baptist Church in Kalaw. The ceramic pots are where he makes damson wine. He gave us a very generous sample and it was very acceptable. The Pastor also runs an orphanage for 65 children and was very proud he had 15 children who had reached the last year of Myanmar Senior school.
Typical colonial era building in Kalaw.
Waiting for the train. Although the train had been due 30 minutes earlier, noone seemed very concerned.
Interior of our Upper Class carriage - the alternative is Ordinary Class.
Available transport at Ngaung Shwe station.
One of the famous leg rower fisherman on Inle Lake
Our hotel, Golden Island Cottages
Welcoming staff at GIC. Christmas decorations were much in evidence in Myanmar, a predominantly Buddhist country.. It makes the idea of banning Christmas carols in Australian kindergartens look even sillier.
The hotel staff put on a Cultural show which was very professional. The performance of this mythical creature bore some resemblace to a Chinese Lion Dance.
Preparing thread from lotus stems in Kyaing Kan village, Inle Lake. It is a very time consuming process and requires a huge number of lotus stems.
Weaving the lotus thread and silk.
Forging a knife. It was very skillful. When the red hot metal was placed on the anvil four men took turns forging the hot metal all at lightning speed. The coordination was incredible.
Making cheroots. The Quit campaign doesn't seem to have come to Myanmar.
Painting a traditional Shan umbrella made from mulberry bark paper.
A display of Shan umbrellas.
A Padaung woman using a backstrap loom
View from the restaurant where we had lunch (a very nice curry)
There was plenty of action along the canal.
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