Along the way we pass a rural village just as the folks are heading out to the work the surrounding fields. It seemed like an unbelievable number of ox carts came out of this place. Rush hour!
Some of the ladies stopped for portraits on their way into the fields. We offered them so "gifts" of toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, etc., courtesy of our hotels, but they were not interested. They wanted lotion, lipstick, etc. Sorry to have to have disappointed them.
At the caves, it off with the shoes again as we climb the stairs to the entrance, where Nathan pays the camera fees for each of us. Then we cram into the elevator for the trip up to the mouth of the caves, higher up. This is a big tourist attraction so the caves are pretty will filled with other folks too and we have to be careful setting up our tripods so as not to block any of the passages or trip anyone. Really, most places in the "West" would not even allow tripods in a situation like this. In addition to my normal cameras I brought along my spherical camera with the hopes of using it to capture a more inclusive view of some of the cave.
A mind boggling array of Buddha statues. And finally the steps back down to our shoes and motor coach.
At the umbrella "factory" we learned how these beautiful umbrellas are hand made, including the paper covering. First, as demonstrated by the young ladies, the bark of the paper mulberry plant is pounded into a pulp, mixed with water and possibly some other ingredients along with the pedals of local flowers. This mash is spread out evenly over a mesh, immersed in the water solution. The mesh is raised and the frame set in the sun to dry. The dried paper is then peeled off of mesh.
The umbrella mechanism is a marvel to watch made. Each one is individually handmade. No production line process here! The bamboo spring latch is just beautiful to see made.
This picture shows the final result.
And this beautiful young lady below shows off one of the giant umbrellas.
No comments:
Post a Comment