Trekking in Myanmar

[The_Traveler]

I had come to the town of Kalaw in the Southern Shan States with two people I had met while visiting Inle Lake. There was a 5 day market in town that day which drew farmers from the tribal villages in all direction. This was in 2005 and, while Kalaw was well known for trekking, we still seemed to be the center of everyone's attention.

Except for corn, flowers and the occasional meat, I couldn't identify virtually anything that was sold. We looked around a lot and they looked at us. Even though this was February it was really hot and the sun was like a hammer.

I assumed this was some sort of spice but this man had no English and I had none of the hundred or so languages spoken in Myanmar.

This little boy was fascinated by either my mustache, my skin, my eyes or just me. When I came closer he hid behind mommy.

More parts and pictures to follow

 

[The_Traveler]

OTOH, this little boy just loved us - and when I got close, he just burst out laughing. That is not an unusual thing with m, although it's usually women.

As you can tell from the headgear, these women are from different tribes. Most people do speak Bamar which is the 'official' language.

We decided to go for a trek. My companions were going for two days and I was planning to return the same day. According to our guide, who spoke essentially perfect English, we would walk until mid-day, have lunch and then I would return with someone. He said we would do about 10 km before lunch.

So we set off. Surprisingly, as we climbed the heat did not get less.

Lots of up and down. The red soil had been ground into dust by the ox carts and we were soon coated with a layer.
In the ruts of smaller paths, where the wind didn't catch it, the dust was calf hig deep.

second part of 5 or 6

 

[The_Traveler]

These people are all farmers and, since there is no flat land, they farm the very steep slopes.

About mid-morning, we came on this small village. All wood construction and they resounded like a drum when you walked inside. In other parts of the country, where there is marsh, houses have reed roofs but here, corrugated metal.

The children ran up and down the hills like they were flat; I trudged.

People came out to see us, probably as a curiosity. There's not a lot going on in these hills - no traffic, no electricity.

What was startling is how they managed to stay so immaculately clean in the middle of all the dust and with no running water.

part 3 of 5 or 6

 

[The_Traveler]

One of my companions had a Polaroid and this man, who never left his hut called for the print to inspect it. I got one bad shot before he left the window.

One of the girls wanted to see something in the distance and she just ran up this stump in flip-flops with an unbelievable agility

After another hour or so of walking we reached a different village, were invited inside and had tea. They had very few possessions but the light was lovely and I needed the rest.

Note the hand-made cart and in the heat I could barely tolerate, everyone was wearing coats. It was, after all, the winter.

 

[The_Traveler]

So we walked up and and and up - in the heat, heat, heat.

We finally got to the top where a man and his wife had a little restaurant for the trekkers. Lunch was included for the $5/day (this was 2005 remember)
Everything was cooked over a charcoal fire. Soft drinks were extra and warm but welcome.

This was me, smiling because we were at the top and I could walk down. I stopped smiling soon.

This lady was my guide to return. Her job was to walk up the hill every day with supplies for the restaurant and then go home in time for the children after school.
So we hustled back. Yes, it was shorter but the first part was 2 hours up again, then along the ridge line and then a scramble down a trail into town. Actually she skipped down, I was in more of a semi-controlled skid and fall.
I was supremely happen to see the roofs of Kalaw.

Yes, I am a soft touch for a romantic scene - even with the dust.

And then I saw this little boy skipping and I had to burst out laughing because I could barely lift my feet.

the end.
all shot with a D70 and 18-70 lens

 

[sashbar]

Nice. And I love your "bad" shot of the man with the Polaroid photo.

 

[The_Traveler]

thanks, I always regret that wasn't nice, sharp and noise-free.

 

[vintagesnaps]

But even with the flare it's still an interesting photo... Fascinating series Lew.

 

[lambertpix]

Nice set, Lew.

 

[The_Traveler]

But even with the flare it's still an interesting photo... Fascinating series Lew.

thanks

Nice set, Lew.

thanks, but only when I wear a certain tight shirt :lmao:

 

[NancyMoranG]

Really makes you wonder how some people can complain with what they have!
Nice trip-log, photos and education.
Nancy

 

[The_Traveler]

If any of you enjoy travel writing go to my blog; I have several travel articles there, all illustrated with photos and all teed up for you.

 

[The_Traveler]

For those interested in history this article is particularly interesting - Lew Lorton Photography | Meeting A Man Who Wanted to Kill Me

 

[shaylou]

These shots are fantastic. I love touring Asia. I just got back from Cambodia and Thailand. It's funny how we are like celebrities over there. Lol. I think I love the exotic locations because they hold so much originality. Anyway, thanks for sharing.
P.s
If you ever get a chance to visit Cambodia check out the floating village. It's absolutely a photographers dream. Some of my favorite shots came from there.

 

[mmaria]

enjoyed to look and read...

... and you might consider changing you avatar with posted photo of yours , I'm sure everyone here would like to see you smiling