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Lotus Weaving and Cheroot Cigars
People on and near the lake produce a variety of goods that are not be found elsewhere in the world. Shops spin and weave a yarn made out of Lotus fibers. The fibers are manually collected from the stems of the lotus flowers and the process is very laborious. The price of the fabric produced…
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Pagoda market on Inle Lake
Southeast Asia really is a gem to see loads of local markets. When we explored the Inle lake we were able to visit one of the bigger local markets on the lake which takes place near the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda on Saturdays. Fishermen are selling their catch of the day as well as local farmers…
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One day on the Inle Lake
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…
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Adore
On my strolls though Mandalay I came across a very special place. Hidden from the hustle and bustle of the main roads following a passage through a slim alley lies a muslim enclave. Muslims are part of Myanmar since the 11th century AD. In recent years this subject has brought out some very inconvenient realities. The…
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Mandalay manufacturing – Jade market
After seeing the production of gold leafs, buddha statues, betel leaf packages with areca nuts this day in Mandalay we weren’t over with the handicraft program yet. We stopped at the Jade market on 87th street near the river. The market is more like a business center. You will find all stages of processing here.…
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Mandalay manufacturing – Betel stall
Walking through the streets of Myanmar you will spot a popular practice mostly executed by males. Chewing areca nuts wrapped with lime and tobacco in a small package betel leaf. The packages are produced in roadside stalls all around the country. The ingredients give their consumers a heavily red stained saliva which they are spitting…
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Mandalay manufacturing – Buddha statue workshops
Many of the gold leafs produced in Mandalay will be used in the Mahamuni Buddha temple. This temple is one of the most important pilgrim sites in Myanmar. The Buddha itself is not allowed to be approached by women. They have to wait outside while men are allowed to enter the shrine area where the…