I arrived to Nyaungshwe with an overnight bus from Mandalay. From where it is just a short boat ride to the lake. I found a nice english speaking boatman on the jetty and despite another delay through our accompanying disease I managed to take the tour. The day on the water reminds me of times long gone. When it was common practice to spent summer days in the middle of a lake with nothing more than a raft, a Minn Kota engine and some of the finest people I’ve ever met.

The sound of the 2 stroke Made in China engine destroyed my daydreams. But nonetheless this day was a beautiful adventure with a lot of stops across the lake to marvel at the Intha people who mainly inhabit this ecosphere. I excluded the more touristic attractions like the single leg rowing fisherman that nowadays only pose for tourists to bring home some cash instead of really making an effort to catch some fish.

I came across some small villages, floating gardens with tomatoes and beans and some really scenic views. When our captain stopped the engine to experience the peace of a lovely sunset over the hills, my dreams returned.