Accessories

I gave away lots of earrings before I came thinking I could start a whole new collection here.  Sadly, I have not seen many earrings in the markets.  There are lots of Buddhist “charms”, not sure the right word.  They hang from a chain around the neck and carry a spiritual meaning.  There are also many bracelets, from jade to crafts with buttons and beads.  The earrings I have seen seem like they are made for little girls and are small and silly.  

Another problem I had and have is my hair.  I figured it needed to be either long or short and I decided on long and pulled back.  That has been convenient for biking.  It has to be close to 100 degrees every day as we wind down the hot season.  So, my hair is almost always pulled back, which I have not loved.  There was a trainee or 2 who put fake flowers in their hair, which I never even considered, but as time went on I needed something to offset the harshness of a pony tail.  So, I am becoming a collector and wearer of beautiful flowers in my hair as it is pulled off my neck.  I find myself drawn to the tables that have different hair accessories every time I am at a new market.  This past weekend I was in the Lao market in Phonpisai and found myself getting bigger and more extravagant with the floral arrangements.  So, my new look is attached.

I stayed the weekend with a friend who lives on the Mekon River, so beautiful.  We got french bread and honey and pineapple at the Lao market for breakfast.