Trekking in Kalaw

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Onwards to Kalaw - the first town in Myanmar that I got a really nice vibe, and I thought, hey, I could stay here a few more days no problem! Kalaw is a cute mountain town, very small, with nice British buildings. Sadly, most of them are just used as vacation homes by the generals (hello, corruption), but there was a nice park and very pleasant atmostphere.

We arrived on market day, and it was very nice to examine the wares being sold by tribes people from all over the area. The market is only held every 5 days, and each time, the mountain tribes come into town and sell and buy. I found a nice Myanmar bag, and ate several tidbits being sold.

Jan, Maria, Pere and I organized a 3 day trek to Inle Lake, our next destination. Arnau had decied to head north, so we'd meet up with him at Inle. We met our hiking buddies, Elisa and Fred from France and a guy from Austria whose name I STILL can't say. Anyways, we set out early in the morning with our guide, Jimmy.

The view were stupendous. The terrain the first day was mostly ona gravel path winding through mountains. Not too strenuous, and easily enjoyable. We stopped at a nice viewpoint and ate at a Nepali restaurant. We had pumpkin curry, avocado and chapati bread. My first thought was "oh great this looks blah" but I ended up eating so much I hurt! SO yummy. We continued on to a train station. We stopped to rest and to watch the next train arrive. The trains are very old and it felt almost like I was on a movie set, watching the train chug in. The best part was all the merchants, who swarmed around the train and sold their wares through the windows.

We hiked another hour and arrived at the village where we were to spend the night. It was a cute little town of only 10-12 houses. It was completely non-touristic - absolutely no one was attempting to sell us anything for beg. It was truly a memorable experience. We slept in a loft room and ate the most amazing foods - tons of salads, and all kinds of meats and sauces. The best food I'd had so far in Myanmar. The boys had bought a small soccer ball made from natural fibers, and they went to play outside. Soon, there was a group of 7-8 locals playing as well. When we left the next day, the boys gave the ball as a gift, which I know was deeply appreciated. That night, the temperature plummeted. We were each provided with 2 woolen blankets. I wore ALL of my clothes (I only had one pair of hiking pants, a long sleeve tea, a rainjacket and a sarong I wore as a scarf) and I was so cold I couldn't sleep well! Even worse was when I had to go outsdie at 3am to use the bathroom. Whoooee my cheeks were cold! The most frustrating thing about the temperature was that it was extremes - shorts/tank during the day, every article at night.

The next day we set out again. The terrain was more like farmland now and we saw many people leading animals, or carrying packs. The day was nice, but I was starting to sport some rather large blisters, and I was in pain! I realized at this point that I had only worn my tennis shoes about 4 times in the last 6 months and my feet were screaming at me! That night, we stopped at a monestary. I hobbled to the mini outdoor shower (there was still enough daylight to be warm) and while the others pumped the water, I rinsed off all the red dirt and grime accumulated during the last 2 days. It's cold, but very refreshing. Then I hear some rustling and some giggling, and I look up: in a tree about 30 feet away, maybe 5 or 6 small Buddhist novices (ages 8-12) are climbing up to the top. Good Lord, I tihnk, those little devilish monks can see me!!! I really fear those boys, for they may never achieve nirvana if they keep up such worldly behaviours. Haha. I covered myself and warned the girl after me. Then the monks started shaking some fruits from the trees, so apparently they WERE working, but hmmmm. Ok.

That night we relaxed outside and ate another great meal and listened to the novices doing their nightly prayers. It was very cute. However, when they started up again the next morning at 4am...it wasn't so cute. Luckily I was so tired that I managed to fall back asleep!

The hike began anew - similar surroundings. We arrived at Inle Lake around noon and you have never seen such a bedraggled, whining crew in your life! I was, of course, at the back of the pack, but the leader in the most morose expressions. Everyone kept turning around and saying, "you making it Kathleen?" But I'm not sure my sub-human groan was that reassuring. Finally, we arrived and I took off my shoes. Nine blisters. I think that's a record. I felt almost like I'd just done a week of soccer conditioning!

After lunch, we took a boat ride across the lake and arrive at our place! The trek was a success! Amazing views, incredible sites and food, and thank God, only 3 days. Jan and I agreed...probably not ever again. Haha.

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