SPOTTED Abroad​

Yeah they argue and have those little, weird idiosyncrasies they share but the idea of it all is that two become one. So it is the same with the husbands and wives street snacks that we've grown to love here in SE Asia. I'm not entirely sure what they are but I'll give it a go. From what I can tell a very thin batter that seems to be very heavy on the egg and sometimes contains a broth base rather than a water or milk base, is poured into a large fryer with half moon divot

Rather than take the VIP air conditioned, wifi equipped, time efficient bus to Yangon from Inle Lake, we were talked into boarding the train for an experience unique to Myanmar and not seen by many tourists who travel there. Our amazing host Mr. A convinced us of this genius idea and guaranteed it would be like none other. He was spot on about that. The morning of our departure Mr. A drove us to the train station, treated us to a traditional Myanmar style breakfast, helped

We found this gem at another restaurant by the same owner while we were in Nyaungschwe. Enjoying the sunset during happy hour on their rooftop dining area was the perfect way to end the day. We loved their Burmese fusion pizza. It was essentially a traditional cheese pizza with the addition of our favorite Burmese food on top - the fermented tea leaf salad. We also had the best SE Asian beer on our trip there as well, Black Shield Stout. #Myanmar #InleLake

This little village was the finale to our day. It was a very cute and quiet village with a 500-meter teak bridge similar to Amarpura’s U Bein Bridge, just not as long or as wide. We both took in a little stroll down the bridge reminiscing over all that we had seen and done that day. Inle Lake really is a magical place. We agreed, it was a fantastic day that we will cherish forever. #Myanmar

One of the indigenous tribes that inhabit Myanmar and Northern Thailand are the Karen people. One of the subsets of the tribe, the Kayan, are know for a very unique sort of body modification performed on the women of the tribe. The ladies elongate their necks through the use of brass rings (actually a coil) that begins as early as the age of 5. It begins with only a few rings weighing maybe a kilogram then over the years at certain ages the coil is cut off and a new one wi

One of the real treats we experienced on our trip around Inle Lake was dining and having an afternoon nap with a local family. Our boat man's brother in law is the gentleman who owns several boats and runs tours of the lake with them. Included in his tour package is lunch at his home on the lake. We arrived at his home (all the homes on the lake are literally on the lake and on stilts) and sat and chatted with him on the lower "lounge" level of his home while we waited for

As with most other things on Inle Lake, the making of earthen ware vessels to hold various items is also done by hand - or rather was primarily in the past before the area was inundated with cheap plastic containers and plates. Anyway, we were treated to an example of how things were done in the past. Clay is harvested from the lake and then tossed on a very primitive hand powered pottery wheel. From one large chunk of clay, several small everyday items can be made with in

Part of our day long adventure around Inle Lake included a stop at Shwe Inn Thein pagoda. Though we were pagoda-ed out after a full day of visiting pagodas and stupas in Bagan we decided to make the 700 meter walk from the boat launch area through the covered path up to the temple. It turned out to be one of our highlights of the day. But, not for the reason you would think. Along the walk to the temple we met Jack. As mentioned in our post regarding stray dogs in Myanma

The lotus is everywhere in SE Asia. From lakes and ponds to art work, it seems as if it's the national flower. The stems of the lotus that grow underwater contain a fibrous center that can be harvested to make thread and subsequently cloth. The process is all done by hand and takes a very long time to accomplish. The cloth made from the lotus stems is very coarse but softens immensely after several washings. One of its most important uses is for making special robes for

Life on Inle Lake is something extraordinary. As soon as you get to discover a place like this, you immediately realize how special it is. The welcoming glimpses we were given into these villagers lives is something we will truly treasure forever. Here is a collection of images to represent what we fell in love with when we were given the chance to witness life on the lake. #Myanmar #InleLake