Meeting the "Long Necks" in Myanmar

These Padaung "long-neck" women couldn't keep their hands off my husband. It may have been the first time they ever met a foreigner. We were invited into their hut in Kalaw, Myanmar. We had a "translator" with us in hopes to communicate with them. Who knows if he really translated what they said, but it didn't matter as they were so warm, friendly and inquisitive. They were an aunt and niece who smiled non-stop at us. They took off one of their brass rings for us to try -- it was so heavy. I can't imagine having to wear all those rings starting at the age of five. This was an experience I'll never forget.