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Luang Prabang is a beautiful little town next to the Mekong with lots of restaurants with riverside views. The town itself reminds us both of Levuka (Fiji) with with a French/Asian twist. Baguette stalls feature on most street corners and French colonial architecture fits perfectly next to golden temples. We've had a really chilled out time here, some highlights have been:-
TAEC- traditional arts and ethnology centre- we spent an enjoyable couple of hours here learning about different hill tribes in Laos. This museum had some fantastic clothes displays which included tribal wedding attire.
Hill tribe fashion show- following on from TAEC we went to managed to catch a fantastic free fashion show of hill tribe clothing. The models were all studying at school so worked for a couple of hours for the show but were kindly given a days wage to pay for school fees.
Ock pop rock- east meets west- I'd read about this when researching Laos. This place is known for turning silk into some of the most beautiful pieces of textiles in Laos. Clare and I decided to book on one of their courses and get the creative juices flowing. I went for learning about natural dyes and weaving while Clare chose batik (wax design). Although Ock pop tock have galleries in town we were taken to their centre where all magic happens. The place was set next to the Mekong and was so peaceful with only the sound of the women weaving being heard. After learning about natural dyes, I went into the garden and picked turmeric (orange), lemongrass leaves (yellow), and rosewood (red). We then boiled each in water to create the dye. I then got to dye silk each colour. Next I moved onto weaving, I really enjoyed this though did endure 5 pain staking hours with my back though my perfectly woven (ifI do say so my self) place mat looks fantastic. Clare's batik designed looked amazing too, apparently now we are suitable to marry as we will be known for being excellent weavers and batik makers!
Thanks to the lovely tax man who gave me a rebate decided that my back could with a little pampering. It did felt like jelly after 1 1/2 hot stone massage for £15. Saying that my feet also felt after the 1/2 foot massage too!
Love to all H x x
- comments
Pete Sharps Sounds like you're having a great time, I have just put one of my wifes Banana cakes into the Mcmillan coffee morning so i am waiting to see what, if any, feedback i get from that. We are missing your happy smiling face here, I hope you continue to have a great trip.
Emma S All sounds absolutely amazing Han, and loving your commitment to the blog! Wondering if the baguettes are reminding you of the IOW? I received your text earlier, thanks! Speak soon! Xxx
Alison Greenough Wow, loved to hear about the silk experience cannot wait to see the finished products. MumX
han Hi all, thanks for your messages. Pete, missing you all too. Banana cake sounds AMAZING x