MosheR Loc: New York City

Inle Lake sits nestled within the Shan Hills of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. The lake is an aquatic wonderland that has captured the hearts of travelers from around the world, including this one. The famous one-legged fishermen gracefully navigate their boats, showcasing their exceptional balancing skills. Of course, they are not really one legged. It’s just that, as they fish, they stand on just one leg while they propel the boat with an oar strapped to the other. These individuals have become an emblem of resilience and determination as they pursue their livelihoods in the traditional manner.

With its lush greenery and crystal-clear waters, the lake provides a rich ecosystem supporting a variety of fish species. Fishing has been a way of life for the communities residing on the lake's shores for centuries, and they do not want to lose this, especially with the encroachment of tourism.

The fishermen exhibit remarkable balance as they stand on the stern of their boats, using their remaining leg to paddle, steer, and anchor. Maintaining stability requires a delicate interplay of weight distribution and finely tuned motor skills. The fishermen utilize a distinctive rowing style which they wrap one leg around the oar, propelling the boat forward while simultaneously navigating the waters with their hands. They often craft custom-made oars to suit their specific needs. By modifying their fishing equipment, they ensure they can effectively cast nets, catch fish, and efficiently transport their daily harvest to the floating markets.

The fishermen of Inle Lake not only demonstrate incredible fortitude but also play a vital role in preserving the traditional fishing practices of the region. Their dedication to sustaining their craft, passed down through generations, serves as a reminder of the enduring cultural heritage of the area. Despite the encroachment of modernity, these fishermen have chosen to embrace their ancestral methods, safeguarding a way of life that harmonizes with the natural rhythms of the lake. They have also learned to approach boats on which there are tourists, such as mine, to ask for money for the privilege of photographing them: a privilege for which my wife and I were more than happy to pay. Rowing our little boat among them had been another “National Geographic” moment for us.

I’m normally a kind of “meat and potatoes” type of photographer, meaning I just try to record what I see, as much as possible, the way I see it. Although I search out angles and juxtapositions, that’s about it. In this case, however, with the blazing sunsets reflecting off the lake’s surface, I made an attempt to get a little “artsy” and play around with the bright orange and red colors surrounding the boats. Instead of waiting for them to move in closer, or for us to get closer to them, I often shot them from a distance with my little bridge camera set to over 1300 mm. This compressed the planes and made it seem as if they were silhouettes floating in a rippling crimson atmosphere. There was very little post processing afterward beyond a little cropping and straightening. What you see here is pretty much the way I took it.

This photo was taken from the lake's floating market. The temple is called Parephotta, and housees a bunch of golden Budhas.


Another view of the temple, this time with a trader rowing in front of it. This was about ten or so years ago, so that mask had nothing to do with Covid.


Farming along the lake's shores.


What you see behind this gentleman is a hydrofarm.


Another hydrofarm. Notice the low angles. I am taking all these photos from the little boat my wife and I were rowing. As I said in my intro, it was a privilege to be in the water among these people.


The school bus.


I have no idea what was going on here, but it was pretty loud.


Tourists. I hope they weren't pelted.

NMGal Loc: NE NM

Very interesting set. Looking forward to more.

MFTVGirl Loc: Baltimore, MD

Beautiful! Thanks for a wonderful look at life in Myanmar.

MosheR Loc: New York City

Thanks. Two more posts to come, MFTVGirl, so please stand by.

Mel

lnl Loc: SWFL

Thank you for the narrative. Can you show any of the so-called one-legged fishermen?
Love the school bus boat and kids.
You have certainly traveled off the beaten path in your life. Thank you for sharing.

Ellen L

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

A beautiful and informative tour, Moshe!

CWS Loc: El Paso, TX

Fantastic set of images. loved the last one.

bcheary Loc: Jacksonville, FL

Interesting info and good set of pics Mel. My hat is off to you visiting that dangerous country!

MosheR Loc: New York City

Hello Ellen.

Yes. I will certainly be showing those fishermen in my next couple of posts, which I will do after I finish some other stuff at home. (Life comes first.) And yes. My wife and I have been all over, and feel privileged for having been able to do so. We did work at it, but were also lucky enough that not too much in our many years got in our way.

And thanks for the nice words.

Mel

MosheR Loc: New York City

Thanks, UTMike.

Mel

MosheR Loc: New York City

Now you made me go look to see what the last one was. I hope they weren't bombed.

Thanks for the nice words, UTMike/ There's more to come.

Mel

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

Nice set Mark!

MosheR Loc: New York City

Thank you, yssirk123.

Mel

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

Beautiful,

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Interesting photos!