Family run micr0-factories abound on Inle Lake: As part of the tourist tribe, we were fortunate to visit some and see the people at work while having the techniques demonstrated and explained.
Umbrella making: The paper is made from pulp of mulberry bark and decorated with flower petals. The red or brown umbrellas are for monks.
Cigar (cheroot) making:
Weaving – saw an amazing demonstration of extracting thread from the stem of lotus plants which is later woven into fabric – usually as a design with silk, as it is extremely expensive. Unlike most weaving where different colored thread is woven to create the design, at this particular workshop, the thread is tie-died first and then woven into the design.
Boat builders – hand planing and building both long boats and canoes from teak.
Blacksmiths and silversmiths.
Tomato crate maker and distribution center:
Floating farms that grow tomatoes, beans, squash and more. The tomatoes are exported all over the country.
Yes everything is fresh from the markets as there are or were no cool stores or refrigeration and no waxing or preservatives.
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