My Office for the Day - Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Center

Best sign of the trip so far!

Monday, February 26                                                                                Laos

We drove to Ock Pop Tok, the Living Craft Center, to see traditional weaving and to have  lunch on the Mekong River.  It was an interesting place in a picturesque location.  They had weaving demonstrations, including how to make the fiber, use natural dyes and get the intricate patterns they are so famous for.

Our lunch by the river was delicious and filled with interesting local dishes. The amazing food included dried buffalo jerky with seseme, flash fried seaweed, satay chicken, bamboo stuffed with pork (like a tamale), 2 kinds of salads.  They served a delicious hibiscus tea – would be happy to have more!

They have a textile shop to sell their weaving products– could have spent $1000 there.  Bought 6 woven placemats for $90 US and a table runner for $40.  There is a small villa next door with 4 rooms for rent – might be a nice place for future travel!  

Natural fibers hanging to dry

Beautiful dyes made from natural sources

Tools for preparing the dyes - a heavy belief in spiritual animism was involved in getting the colors just right

Views of the Mekong River

Appetizers: dried water buffalo jerky with sesame and deep fried sea weed

These are lengths of bamboo which have been stuffed with a savory pork mixture - a bit like tamales

Restaurant on the Mekong River

Open air luncheon under the tents

The colors and patterns of the Laotian textiles are simply gorgeous

Entrance to the Ock Pop Tok craft center