The new way of life on Inle Lake
When I first visited Inle Lake in 2008, rumors had already started that all those famous postcard shots of the leg-rowing fishermen were paid for. I didn't notice any fishermen hanging around waiting to pose for pay, but throughout my long day on the water, all the fishermen were wearing modern outerwear and trousers, fishing with nets, and rowing with oars. Still, I never thought much of it because in the ensuing years I kept seeing other tourists' pictures of the ideal leg-rowers in straw hat, Shan pants, and bamboo fish trap. Figured that I must have just missed them.
Finally revisited in 2013, and it was blatantly obvious. Traditionally-dressed fishermen lined up their boats waiting to be photographed. Our boatdriver steered us directly toward this guy, without being asked. When we got closer, he had a pre-caught fish ready to pose with. A tip was expected. Don't know if they still make enough money fishing anymore.
The new way of life on Inle Lake
When I first visited Inle Lake in 2008, rumors had already started that all those famous postcard shots of the leg-rowing fishermen were paid for. I didn't notice any fishermen hanging around waiting to pose for pay, but throughout my long day on the water, all the fishermen were wearing modern outerwear and trousers, fishing with nets, and rowing with oars. Still, I never thought much of it because in the ensuing years I kept seeing other tourists' pictures of the ideal leg-rowers in straw hat, Shan pants, and bamboo fish trap. Figured that I must have just missed them.
Finally revisited in 2013, and it was blatantly obvious. Traditionally-dressed fishermen lined up their boats waiting to be photographed. Our boatdriver steered us directly toward this guy, without being asked. When we got closer, he had a pre-caught fish ready to pose with. A tip was expected. Don't know if they still make enough money fishing anymore.