..............its definately going to be a deal-breaker where the budget is concerned!!!!!! There is a night market here (I'm still in Luang Prabang, though I leave at 8am tomorrow ....) that is absolutely amazing. The textiles here are just gorgeous....the silks are reputed to be the best in southeast Asia. Well, I believe it. A silk table runner goes for about $6, cheaper still if you want one blended with cotton. Silk bedspreads for $30, not to mention appliqued cotton EVERYTHING for so cheap. Its killing me not to go crazy here...and even as I exercise what I consider to be restraint, I've somehow gotten myself quite the reputation amongst my new group of friends....! But honestly, is that a crime? I suppose my penance is the fact that I am solely responsible for the transport of these goods ~ and I don't know HOW they are gonna all fit in my backpack.
I'm dreading the packing I have ahead of me tonight. Theres a certain degree of smooshing and squishing that helps, but I think I'm well beyond that point. I'll definately be sending a box home in Vientiane, whenever I get there! (if I make it....!!) I have been justifying a staggering number of purchases by classifying them as 'gifts'....but don't anyone get your hopes up! God knows I can rationalize anything, and the ultimate destination of these silks has yet to be determined....!
So, I hope you keep your fingers crossed for me, as I struggle to get everything packed away safely ~ safely enough to travel the rest of Laos on my back....
xoxoxo love, Laura
