Perhaps this picture of our guide at the Kak Ku pagoda best depicts our travels through the Burmese countryside to the north west of Inle Lake. This is Pa O country. Inhabited by the Pa O people. Our guide is part of these people, so it was great to hear about this area from her. The government in this area is the Southern Shan State with its capital in Taunggyi, where we were obliged to change guides.

These little smiling figures are celestial beings. Pretty cute, I think! This site is said to be 2000 years old. You see that it is continually maintained.

These women are preparing garlic for sale - as well as catching up on the latest village news.

We caught this lady washing up!

This young man is washing lettuce.

Many homes are made of cement block adobe. So, this man is busy making bricks.

Everyone works in a rural community. Daughter pours out the garlic and mom blows away the coverings.

This man and his wife invited us up for tea. It was very special to see the inside of their leaf home.

In fact here's a shot we got of their home on stilts after asking for permission.

A lot of these photos just speak for themselves. The road on the right was the road we traveled for many a mile. After a short trip in a bullocks cart I was happy to be in an air conditioned car. Also, I didn't think walking was such a bad alternative!

Obviously they grow a lot of corn in this region. People eat a lot of corn as a sweet dessert. But I also think it goes to feeding animals. Quite a beautiful display!

I really like this shot I got of these young men at a little pancake stall.

A young lady helping in the family restaurant/food stand (right).

I just loved this shot of these children on the family buffalo (left). We had to stop the car to capture this.

It's obviously cabbage harvesting time and everyone's involved with this important harvest.

These trucks are common in the countryside of Burma. They're manufactured with old parts and new engines from China. The western embargo does nothing but make the lives of these folks more difficult. We were impressed with the creativity and resourcefulness of the Burmese people.

This young man (right) is watching and caring for the family herd. You can see he has a fondness for the animals.

These are all shots of the local market (obviously)! We went nuts at this location. I've never seen such colorful people in my life!

Everyone's there selling all kinds of stuff.

Mostly produce and food.

I think you get the idea that these people fascinated us.

I couldn't resist these last two pictures: Left are three young ladies having a little conversation while selling their produce. On the right a young couple walking through this diverse crowd perhaps discussing their purchases of the day. Perhaps he wants to buy her a cup of coffee? Normal life around the world.