Vientiane Day 2

---

French influences

More delights of Vientiane began with breakfast. The French influence is not well regarded if you believe the way the national museum presents history. However, for some (moi) the benefits can be seen in much more hedonistic passtimes ... delicate, croissants that melt in your mouth ... a pastry so thin that one is not enough, and two with two cafe lattes made from Lao coffee was a scrumptious start to the day ...

Got into organisation mode, arranging courses and making ... yes ... plans!
Ended up with more footslogging first thing - shops, and national musuem to bone up on the history of Lao. It seems there have been many who have invaded this country, from the people of Siam, to French colonists and lest we forget those imperialist Americans. No wonder communism was attractive, when control was theirs. An interesting visit and lots of insight into the way of life here.

In fact, for the foodies reading this, the traditional kitchen (in a traditional house) was amazing. It occupied the corner, with a floor made of boards and gaps (sunshine is a source of light right?). The fireplace was a large area on the floor with various stands for holding pots over the fire. One wall featured shelves with cooking implements, which included a large range of basket-type containers hanging from the ceiling.

Wending the warp and weft

I took a little tuk tuk out to the edge of town - in a somewhat rural setting to a vocational training centre for women where courses are run in weaving and how to dye silk. The dyes are made from all natural products such as different varieties of trees, mangosteens and other fruits and vegetables. I chose weaving and sat down to a loom already set up for me. After a few minutes I was able to get going on my own, with the clinking of bamboo poles and other sticks and timber tools that are engaged in the process. Three and a half hours later I have a sampler to show - all trimmed and ready to ... er ... frame? Met a Uni student from Sweden doing the same thing. She produced a similar piece of work, different colours and patterns. A pleasant way to spend the afternoon, glad I didn't go for the full day though ... it was just enough.

For those not in the know, what's a tuk tuk? (There are some reading this who have not yet journeyed into this part of the world). A small vehicle that can carry an amazing number of people ... I have seen as many as six monks in the back and two others in the front! Tuk tuks have three wheels and are powered by something akin to a motorbike engine. They drive at a maximum of 30km an hour I think.

---

Comments

[kate]

You sound as if you are having a wonderful time! You will have to tell us about all your traveling adventures when you get back. Have a merry christmas. love always, kate