Inle Lake market, Myanmar
After complaining yesterday about the commercialisation which has come from tourism on Inle Lake, I felt it only fair to highlight something a little bit more real and local. Well, as real as something can be when it’s still in one of the busiest tourism regions of the country.
From the town of Nyaungshwe where I’m staying, it’s about an hour’s bicycle ride south to the local market along the eastern shore. This is one of the economic hubs of Inle Lake where the farmers from the land meet the fisherfolk of the water to trade their wares and use the profits to buy the other essentials of life on offer at the stalls.
Surrounding the market are small market stands offering tourist knickknacks to the foreigners who have ventured here. But take a few steps towards the centre and you’ll get lost in the labyrinth of local produce and find yourself surrounded by the Myanmar people, squatting down and negotiating their sales.
It’s nice to be able to get somewhere on my terms and not have the itinerary dictated by a boat captain. It’s nice to know that it’s easy to get away from the people trying to sell me something and see those trying to buy something. And it’s nice to be able to take a few photos of local commerce in action.
I thought I might share a collection of my images so you can see it for yourself. Enjoy.
Maria |
Love local markets like that. Such diversity of product. in Cambodia I went almost daily – sometimes just to be a part of the hub-bub.
Michael Turtle |
I know what you mean. Local markets give you such an insight to a culture!
Erica |
I love market pictures!!!! Seriously though – they are my favorite thing to visit.
Michael Turtle |
Cant. Get. Enough. Of. Them!
Daniel McBane |
Nice to see fish at that market. When I was visiting, there were none and most of the restaurants weren’t serving any either. Apparently the fisherman simply weren’t catching anything and everyone seemed pretty worried about it. Glad it was just temporary.
Michael Turtle |
Oh, there seemed to be plenty of fish. And I certainly ate a lot of it at the restaurants while I was there. It was delicious – so fresh and juicy!
Trudi Topham |
Superb photography! I love the vibrant colours, and how relaxed everyone seems.
Michael Turtle |
Thanks. The people were definitely relaxed. Even though it was a pretty crowded and busy market, it was almost like everyone knew each other and they were just there to do their usual daily trading – no need to haggle or fight.
Andrew |
I am with Erica, markets are really one of my favorite subjects. I like the close up ness of pictures like this and as you say how it gets into the real life aspects of a place.
Are those small eggplants or purple chilis?
Michael Turtle |
They’re eggplants, I think (not that I actually bit into one to find out…) 🙂
Angela |
Great photos, I would love to shop there!
Michael Turtle |
There were quite a few things to buy – either local food or souvenirs.
Jennifer |
I love these photos of the market! Markets really are some of the best ways to experience the local culture.
Michael Turtle |
I always find that. If I ever stumble across a market, I’ll spend ages there just watching people and looking at what they’re selling.