Part One: Things I've Bought in Vietnam (and Cambodia and Laos)

My time in Vietnam is drawing to a close. Well, not really: I’ve still got 7 weeks here, but time is relative. Compared to the 9 1/2 months already spent, trust me that 7 weeks is close to the closing. I have a lot to get done before I go. A portfolio of my work is due to Fulbright, my students are putting on a Drama Competition, Final Exam period is around the corner, I have a bit of traveling left, and the job search continues to be ignored. But the truly most difficult task in the coming weeks?

PACKING!!!!!!

The other day, while lying on my bed reading home decorating blogs and dreaming of New York apartments I'm light years away from affording, I glanced around my tiny flat and started seizing up. I have so much STUFF! Where did it all come from and how the hell will I ever get it all home?

Now, to begin with I came to Vietnam with a lot of stuff. 130 lbs of stuff to be exact--that’s 30 lbs. over my Delta-imposed weight limit....30 lbs that cost me $300....

Add the many souvenirs, art, gifts, clothes, memorabilia, etc. bought in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos to the original stuff I brought, and we’re looking at some wide-load luggage for the return.

Despite these weighty additions, I refuse to be held at the mercy of a sour looking baggage checker again. My luggage will be underweight if I have to wear 3 pairs of shoes to board that plane. I have begun a cleaning-out spree unparalleled in my 24 years of pack-ratting existence.

Some of the cleaning-out has been made easy. For example, my lights and whites have turned an ugly shade of gray by the washing machine’s water (thank you, Vietnam water system), and my pants don’t quite fit anymore(thank you, strange Vietnamese diet changes). Furthermore, when faced with $300 in overcharge fees, a lot of stuff just isn’t worth it. I’m giving most of the clothes I brought to fellow teachers--especially those in between sizes due to recently giving birth or recently becoming pregnant. The life cycle is alive and well at Hai Duong College.

I also brought a ton of books to ‘Nam--teaching materials and otherwise--which I just can't slug back. I've donated them to the English Department, and their library has tripled.

Being a lifetime hoarder, I’m actually pretty impressed with the way I’ve let go of my belongings. The biggest reason that our parting has been more sweet than sorrow is the fact that I have so much great new stuff to take home in their place.

Oh, what is that you say? You want to see what I’ve bought since I’ve been abroad? OK!

This is Part One of a Two-Part Series creatively entitled,

“Things I’ve Bought in Vietnam (and Cambodia and Laos)”

This Chess Set is perhaps my favorite thing I’ve bought here. No, I am not an avid chess player....YET! I have visions of taking this set to the mountains and playing by the fire while drinking a hot toddy...le sigh....Just look how beautiful the hand carved stone pieces are. This set was made by a non-profit that helps persons with disabilities hone artistic skills.

Out of all the places I’ve visited in Vietnam, the Northern Mountains around Sapa remain my favorite. There are ethnic tribal women everywhere, selling their wares and carrying their babies strapped across their chests or backs. Most women also carry a basket like this one. Its the hot new back-pack alternative! My mom--who has been known to host a Longaberger Basket party or two-- saw these baskets and immediately fell in love. She and I each bought one right there in the market for less than $10.00. They are extremely well-made of very durable fresh bamboo. I actually saw one lady carrying a pig in one, so you know they’re all purpose! I guess theoretically I could use this as my “market basket” back in the states, but I’m really thinking it’ll be a great place to keep extra rolled up towels or blankets in plain view.

I also bought this painting at a little gallery in Sapa. The artist, who I was able to meet, used black ink and watercolor. I like the simple lines, bold colors, and the expressions on the mother and child’s faces.

While on another hike in Sapa, I bought this hand embroidered tapestry piece from my tour guide Su May’s mother. Originally, this would have been attached to a cloth belt and worn by a Red Dao woman. I’m thinking of eventually framing it or putting it under glass on my sewing table desk at home.

(image from Vietnam-quilts.com)

Vietnam has a few really great non-profit organizations that benefit female craftsmen in the poorest regions of the country. I bought a quilt similar to this one at Vietnam-Quilts. The money from each purchase goes back to help the community of the same quilters who completed it. My quilt has a pineapple pattern!! One side is red and the other is white, but all stitching is red. I chose the design, color, stitching, etc. It took about 2 months to complete, and now it’s en route to America with an ETA of June.

Craftlink is another great non-profit organization. You can be sure that the products you buy there are well made and that the money goes back to the actual artisans and their communities. I’ve bought wallets, scarves, a purse, these small set of ink paintings, etc, etc. They sell great gifts at very reasonable prices for the high level of craftsmanship.

Yeah...I’ve bought a lot of scarves... The black and green wool scarf is from Sapa. Women in certain ethnic groups rock scarves like this around their heads, but usually in much more colorful plaids. I liked that this one was more simple and versatile, but still unique with the green stripe and dark dye. I’ll wear it with my pea coat next December.

The purple and black silk scarf is from Laos. Laos had the most beautiful woven designs, and these are my favorite colors. While trekking around Luang Prabang, my friend Anne and I left the main tourist drag by way of a rickety bamboo bridge, only to find ourselves in a quiet village with a teeny tiny old Laotian lady at a loom.

The Rickety Bridge

The teeny tiny old Laotian Lady

The last scarf on the right is from Cambodia. Everyone in Cambodia wears one of these cotton gingham scarves..little old ladies wrap them around their heads, young girls tie them as sarongs, middle aged men wear them as belts...I just like to wear it around my neck:).

That's all for Part One: Things I've Bought in Vietnam (and Cambodia and Laos). Stay tuned in the next few days for Part Two: Things I've Bought in Vietnam (and Cambodia and Laos).