Paper Village/Ban Xang Khon

Lat week I went to Veo's for brunch. She lives in about 10 minutes from Town. Her village is called Paper Village because it is where they make paper. It is Sa Paper, made from bamboo. It is beautiful. They add in flowers, dye it colors and make all different size books and cards. They also use it for drawing and painting. Like the Bodhi tree.

Lunch: Noodle Soup

Pho noodle soup, no meat. I have this at least 3 times a week. The herbs are so fresh and the ground spices to put in are the best.. but you must be careful, I have made this bowl of awesomeness into something that you can't even sip if you try.
I have walked out of there not being able to feel my lips for hours.
The woman who runs the shop gets a kick out of us. It is very popular with the locals, and I will say, the best.
It runs me about 13000Kip, or 1.5$ oh and the fresh orange juice is another dollar.

Sometimes.. walking back to work this guy has coconuts ready... he cuts in, puts in a straw and for less than a dollar, you very own coconut juice. I was buying it at whole foods for 3$ a small one, and at the Hollywood Farmers market would I get the coconut sometimes.... but still way overpriced.. there are coconut trees in LA!
 I must say.. it is way more cool to be walking around with a coconut, then a can.

Driving back to LP from VV

Boat Racing Festival

Beer Lao at noon

Hello Kitty....

Beer Lao Float

Close race

The neon team WON!!!!

Marcus and our friends..

Oh Lordy.. where to begin

Marcus still standing..

And he's out. 

What a fun day. Watching Boat races.. drinking Beer Lao...making new friends.

I hope I will be here next year to do it all over. 

Vang Vieng Dance Party

Dance Party. Pouring Rain. 

Feeling My Age. 

Opium Den

Playing Cards

Funny Faces

Magic Mushrooms

                                                                                                    Antiqued

                                                                    

So it might not be the dark, underground type of opium dens I imagine existed in the 60's.. But if the street outside didn't look like it was built by and for tourists... if there was a door that had no sign, or if the only spot to sit was in the dark corner in back with the guys playing cards... you wouldn't know that it was 2010. I remember a teacher... who shall remain anonymous (BB) describing to me in high school what the opium dens where like back in the 60's and for some reason it always seemed so mysterious and strangely romantic. Not the opium itself, more the scene inside.
Well.. While I didn't myself take part in the actual reason to be in the den in the first place (fear of the unknown in unknown places gets the better of me these days) I did enjoy the music and the company. A great mellow Saturday night in Vang Vieng.
I am developing my disposable underwater camera to see how the pictures of that day turned out.... Lots of Beer Lao, and lots of laughs.. oh and a fall face-first into the river... it was slippery, I swear.

Sitting in Trees

I like spending time with these two buddhas. It is a quiet spot to think and watch the going-ons at the temple. Sometimes a monk or novice will come sit with me and practice his english, or he just sits and remains silent.  It is nice to just sit and be silent for a little bit. 

Living Crafts Center

The cafe and Jo's home.
Silk drying after dyeing
Spinners
Ikat in progress on the Loom
Batik made at LCC
Dyer's Hut
Weaver's Hut
The View of the Mekong
My Favorite spot at the Treehouse Cafe at the Center
Orchids growing out of Coconuts

Can you believe I get to call this work. While I don't work at the center, I get to spend time here to work on the new store design and also work a little bit on the Guest House. It is such an amazing place. All that Jo and Veo have accomplished in the past ten years is beyond inspirational. I feel very lucky.

I still some learning to do (more Lao) before I can share what I know, and the right ways to strengthen and grow the business. While getting back to work after a year is a pretty huge adjustment. There is plenty to be done daily and the only thing I really crave is that really strong coffee jolt mid-afternoon when I am tired from the heat.... I assumed it would take about a month to get it all sorted, and I think I am just about there at work and personal. I get to move into my new home September 1st! I can not wait to get settled and feel like I am actually living here. Staying in a guest house has been great, but feels way to transitional and living out of bags is not fun at all!

More fun work things to share soon...

Hearts for Buddha

Hearts are made out of silver and gold foil and placed like tree sculptures around Buddhas and at the alters. There are hearts hanging from temples. Hearts are everywhere.

Hot Hot Hot

Hot and Humid. Not many places to escape the heat. The rains bring comfort at night for a cool morning. There is a breeze by the river and sometimes in the shade. It has taken me the last three weeks to adjust and I am still not quite there.

I feel tired, lethargic and sweaty. It is not a good look.

Best Friends

Best Friends II

Night Market Food