from overgrown hillsides. They present a breathtaking sight, as their closely-knit spires rise into the distance, delicate and luminescent under the sun. The stupas are easily explored on foot. A woman sits at a loom, weaving the unique Inle longyi Wikipedia Commons Meanwhile, beautiful monasteries are to be found all over the lake. One of them is the Nga Hpe Kyaung monastery, commonly known as the Jumping Cat monastery, due to the dozens of cats that were trained by resident monks to jump through hoops. Though the monastery now remains a place for learning, worship and reflection, the cats no longer do much jumping anymore, but instead roam the grounds at will, stretching out lazily in the sun on the monastery’s floors. Apart from the cats, the monastery also houses a collection of ornate Buddhas. The building’s architectural structure is, too, a sight to see, with its wooden stilt structure dating back over a century. Apart from their ingenious means of subsistence on the lake, the Intha people also take part in the famous “fiveday market.” At these markets, the Intha people join the local Shan community, as well as villagers from the nearby hills, including the Pa-O and Danu ethnic tribes, to sell their wares and produce. This market provides a perfect occasion for visitors to the lake to see the people of the region gather together, showcasing an interesting slice of Myanmar’s ethnic and cultural diversity. As the day comes to a close, the colours of the sunset reflect on the glassy surface of the lake, making for a picture-perfect moment. But as the boatman heads back to shore, oars carving through the water like wings in the air, one might find themselves pondering if one day is enough to spend on the lake. For life on Inle Lake is akin to a fleeting, floating dream – with no shortage of sights to see, a rich history to immerse in, clear skies for miles on end, and seemingly boundless shimmering waters, sparkling in the sun. Ms. Cheryl Teh was Research Associate at the ASEAN Studies Centre, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, and currently writes for a major print media in Singapore. Of these markets, the In Dein market, at the foot of the hills overlooking Inle Lake, is one of the largest and most popular. One might also take this opportunity of In Dein market tour to visit the spectacular pagodas (or stupas) nearby that date back to the 12th century BC, and were continually added to by Shan princes up until the end of the 18th century. Many ruins of centuries old stupas, built in areas surrounding the lake, were recently reclaimed A trained cat at Nga Hpe Kyaung monastery jumps through a hoop Flickr The rotating market remains one of Inle Lake’s most popular attractions. It moves from one village to another, travelling to another rustic setting on the circuit on a fiveday basis, hence the name. When held on the lake itself, one may purchase directly from the small boats that congregate near the bank. Hand-made products, including food, tools, carvings, and trinkets and ornaments made by traditional silversmiths, are sold at the market. Silk-woven products are also available, especially in the form of the Inle longyi. Although the longyi (a sheet of cloth approximately 6.6ft by 2.6ft, wrapped around the waist) is widely worn in Myanmar, the ethnic and regional weaves and patterns of the Inle longyi are distinctive to the region. Everything, from weaving to dyeing and processing finished silk scarves and longyis, is done here by hand, by women of all ages – and if it interests one, a visit to the workshops of artisans around the lake area is eye-opening. 23 — ISSUE 5/2018