Today we got more exercise than we bargained for! We hiked for 7 1/2 hours high up into the hills above Inle Lake to see three Pa-O villages. The hike was not as scenic as our Kalaw trek, except for the great views of the lake on our way down, but the villages were very interesting. The Pa-O are a wealthy hill tribe that was smart enough to be the first of the rebel tribes to sign a peace treaty with the government and was given special concessions because of that. They own two of the luxury hotels on the lake and are partners in a local winery. Yet they live up in the hills in villages not yet accessible by vehicles and still live a traditional lifestyle - which mainly involves growing the leaves used for wrapping cheroots. Many still wear the traditional black coats with colourful towels folded on their heads. We had lunch in a Pa-O home and my bubbles once again amused the two young girls in the house. While we were having lunch two boys came riding on their water buffaloes, taking them for a drink at the local well.
I am so embarassed that I have ever complained about my shoes - blisters or no blisters. Our guide wore cheap canvas high top running shoes that were worn through both at the toes and the heels for our approximately 20 km hike over rough, rutted trails with lots of sharp rocks. He told us that his wife works as a clerk in a government office and makes $40 per month. We realized that our shoes would be three months salary for her. We feel totally spoiled in so many ways.
We returned from the end of the hike by boat and were sorry to have our last ride on a long lake boat. Inle Lake has been a highlight in Myanmar and we have been very charmed the life on the lake and the traditional tribal ways.