The pace of life here is quite slow, however, this past week has sent me all over the city, working from dawn to dusk, everyday of the week. Luckily for me, I am enjoying every moment of it! From meetings with various silk producers to scanning the city for reusable materials, I now feel confident to undertake these projects. Not only does GIANNA stress the importance of fair trade commerce but also great emphasis is placed on incorporating reusable materials that would otherwise be burned or discarded.
A few highlights...
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Bandith and I went to the home of the master weaver and dyer, a 2 minute walk from his home. Phon is the master and oversees the operation, however, Bandith checks in regularly. They have employed three women, Fon, Nouxeo, and Kai, whom have all come to Vientiane (the capital city) from nearby villages in search of work. Family members and friends taught them to weave and they have been working for Bandith for almost a year. They handcraft silk scarves for a few fair trade companies and are not only given a fair pay for each piece they produce but Bandith also covers their rent and food. It was incredible to hear the rhythm of the looms and see the process behind such beautiful silk creations.
After giving birth, Jack, Jiep, and the newborn sleep in the house of Mae (Bandith’s mother, where I am also staying) for three weeks. On the last day, a baci (ceremony/celebration) takes place to bid farewell and wish them good luck. They are moving to the house of Jiep’s family where they will have a private bedroom. During the three weeks, Jep sleeps in the living room on a bed with coals below. No one is permitted to sit on her bed. A few times a day, buried under blankets on the bed, she has a sauna. There is also a fire by the side of her bed that must continue burning for the entire three weeks. Why?, I asked. This is when Bandith taught me a phrase they often use here. Many things in Lao are done without an explanation. Bandith explained that the older generations may have an explanation but most people in Lao have no rhyme nor reason to why certain traditions are done.
The Baci begins with Mae bathing Julie in a bath of silver and gold jewelry. Shortly after, guests arrive and gather around the Pa Kwan (flower arrangement) that is displayed in the middle of the room. Various blessings and gifts are exchanged before the celebration really picks up with beerlao and plenty of food.
Here we have the shop of Soubin! I am hoping to work with him to employ some women that come from nearby villages, looking for work, either with weaving, handicrafts, etc. He oversees the production of furniture here, the materials are sourced from the factory we visited, and then the finished pieces are sold at various locations nearby. He is also commissioned to do some pieces for hotels and restaurants.
Ann and I came across him while riding around the city on motorbike, scanning the road for furniture stores, and asking owners of various shops around town if we could know where they source their wood from. After several futile attempts, we were finally directed to his little shop, where we waited about an hour for his arrival. He was a curious little man and appeared interested in our project. He explained how many scraps of rattan are burned at the factory and that it would be great to see these pieces reused rather than wasted.
Still waiting to see how this pans out but it could be a great opportunity for us to work with him. Stay tuned.
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