Biking around Nong Khai

              
                                                                  Buddhist Monks
Northeast Thailand is a little paradise.
     The Mut Mee Guesthouse is a delight situated on the banks of the Mekong.  Its name refers to the unique fiber technique which we call Ikat, dyed strings or threads which provide the shadowy figures in the Thai weaving world.
    We are staying in the owner's extra bedroom unit, basic but w lovely hard mattress and shiny dark wood flooring.  A lovely bed with mosquito netting provides a romantic Hollywood touch to our room.  The food service with both Thai and Western selections is on the honor system and  thus we keep a tab of our expenses, which they tally nightly.
     The garden area is so lovely with massive fill trees which provide shade.  I am so much more comfortable with the cooler temperature this year.
     We spent most of the day on our Honda bike looking for Ban Nong Song Hong,a village of Ikat. Seems like that has moved 70 K, but we did meet Nisa Chong's daughter at her fabric shop and saw some ikat pieces, Lao weaving, and Kit style weaving done in this area.
     En route we stopped at an incredible shop of fabulous designed wearables, nobody spoke English but did see the name, Home Silk label on several pieces. Creativity in design and use of fabrics and trims.
     Returned to the Village Weavers in central Nong Khai and purchased a weaving of ikat and brocade done here in the Issan area decades ago.  Price was $70.
     Lunched at Pantawee Hotel, excellent value. Then rode in countryside checking out rice paddies, wetlands and many charming friendly villages in the surrounding area.
     Enjoyed fruit lassies and returned to our cottage.