CRAIG GIMA / CGIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM From his boat, a man herds his swimming cattle home at the end of the day at Taungthaman Lake in Amarapura.

Myanmar’s watery hub

The rivers and lakes in Myanmar, also known as Burma, provide food, transportation and jobs for much of the country.

The Irrawady River cuts through the heart of the country. Inle Lake in the northeast is home to fishermen who paddle using their legs, leaving their arms free for their nets and spears. The longest teak bridge in the world straddles Taungthaman Lake in Amarapura.

CRAIG GIMA / CGIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM A young girl relaxes along a wall in a village at Inle Lake.

CRAIG GIMA / CGIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM While a ferryboat operator rows a tourist across the lake in Amarapura.

CRAIG GIMA / CGIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM A rowing team heads back to their village on Inle Lake after a competition. Rowers use their legs to paddle during competitions.

CRAIG GIMA / CGIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM Homes are built on stilts, and canals serve as streets in the marsh around Inle Lake.