As we've discovered, Myanmar buses leave at ridiculous times, meaning we arrived in Kalaw at 5.30am (on the side of a random street). Luckily the area isn't very big and we could see a sign for the guesthouse we wanted to book into. We were quickly ushered into a room where we were able to actually get some sleep!
When we finally rose, we spent the day exploring the little town and sorting out our trek to Inle Lake the next day, which was the main reason for going to Kalaw.

Our three day, 60km trek to Inle Lake started at 8am. We met the people we would be trekking with- a guy from Canada, girl from Germany and couple from Holland. We also met our guide Chaun and personal chef Bou Bous. Bou Bous is only 19 but turned out to be an incredible chef (and card dealer)!!
We first trekked up to the view point which was pretty breathtaking. This would also be the spot for Bou Bous to whip us up our first meal. The rest of the day was spent walking through the hills, seeing men and women in their villages or out in the fields working hard. It puts things into perspective when you think you have had a hard day at work!
After a long day of walking we eventually came to our home for the night which was in a Danu tribe village. After one of many delicious meals, Chaun took us to the village leader's house where we sat around the fire drinking tea. Although the man couldn't speak any English, we learnt a lot about the village culture through Chaun's translations.
It had been a brilliant but exhausting day and we were all fast asleep by 9pm (after making Bou Bous get rid of the huge spider lurking on the wall).

After a great nights sleep we set off again for much of the same. The day before I had apparently done something to my right leg meaning I could barely lift it and walking was much more of a struggle! Samuel was there to save the day and dished out a few piggy backs up the really steep hills!
That evening we stayed in a Pa-O tribe village. It was very interesting to see the difference in the villages.. Including the traditional 'costumes'.

The last day was only 4hours of trekking during the morning, which we were all pleased about, especially my crippled self.
The trip couldn't have ended in a better way. We arrived at the gorgeous Lake where we were taken on a long boat to the town we would be staying in.
It was a great experience, although pretty hard work! It was well worth the small fee of $36 which we each paid!!
It turned out that all of us from the trek were staying in the same guesthouse so we got together for a big feast that evening and some Myanmar beer!

We only had one day to spend in the Inle Lake area unfortunately as we have been limited on time here!
The 6 of us got a long boat for the morning which took us to the market and various other places along the Lake. It was perfect after three days of trekking! On our way back from the boat the heavens opened and we took shelter in 'Pancake Kingdom' which turned out to be heaven. We were sold on the sign that said 'tired of rice?'
That night it was time to get the bus back to Yangon, with Tom and Lena from the trek who also had a flight to catch on the 27th!