Greeted by the Red Dao Ladies who escort me the length of my trek. Their limited English is enough to make pleasant conversation, intent on befriending me as I explore their native region. "Are you married? Do you have children?" I can't quite work out if my negative answer to both questions is received badly by these ladies who seem surprised I'm travelling alone. We sit a while and they take their heavy baskets off their back adn take out their embroidery whilst I eat my lunch. Then as I finish they start unpacking the load. Item after item of embroidered belts, purses, bands. Everything is exquisite and unlike anything i've ever seen before. I choose some bright pink items and capture the transaction below. Then we go on our way.
The Rice Harvest
The Rice Terraces
Caution! Roadworks Ahead
In search of Indigo
As I wonder further i come across more beautiful women. This time from the Black Hmong tribe. Their radiant smiles showing there isn't a care bothering them. And their gracefully ages faces telling a thousand stories, and resilience.
I spot the hands of the lady carrying wood and it's clear I'm getting closer to the indigo.
Rubbing the leaves the dye starts to form. Its skilfully turned into a thick syrupy liquid, indelibly staining the hands of the workers like a tattoo.
The adorable children of the paddy fields
`Next up...a homestay visit in Mai Chau