Ruth gets crafty

Ruth’s recovery from our Chiang Mai bike ride has been assisted by two day-long immersions in local crafts. One in Chiang Mai and the other here in Luang Prabang.

While wandering along a back alley in Chiang Mai we noticed a place promoting one-day courses in batik. Feeling a little guilty I suggested to Ruth that a little batik(ing) may be just the tonic to get her back to her old self. She did not need any convincing and even better, they had a slot the very next day and as a ‘cherry on top’, she was the only one enrolled.

We met up with fellow bloggers Joe & Beth Volk here in Luang Prabang. The ‘girls’ always had a crafty plan to indulge themselves in one of the courses offered by Ock Pop Tok (east meets west) and headed off yesterday (which also happened to be Beth’s birthday) for their full-day dyeing and weaving course.

Ruth has loved both sessions and, as a bonus, she has some great personal memories to take home. She also has a much greater appreciation of the effort that goes into producing the works of art for sale. The unanswered question is whether or not it will take the edge off her haggling skills in the markets.

The Batik from start to finished product – JB Batiks Chain Mai

The Dyeing and weaving at Ock Pop Tok – Luang Prabang