Before our trip to Laos, we paid a trip to the Artists’ House in Bangkok, an old traditionally-built house, now used as a gallery for local artists, and as a puppet theatre, situated on one of the klongs away from the hustle and bustle of central Bangkok.
Artists’ HouseUpstairs in the Artists’ HouseRelaxed statue in the garden. The only other work we saw by local artists was in the form of greetings cards and postcards produced for tourists.The klong was busy with fast, noisy long-tailed boats carrying farangs (foreigners).House on the klong. People are very keen on pot plants which adds to all the greenery.More houses on the klong.Traditional masks on display in the Artists’ House
One reason for visiting the house was to watch a puppet show, but owing to its cancellation, we returned today.
This puppet, representing Hanuman, the king of the monkeys in the Ramayana, was one of two we saw. Thai puppets are manipulated by a trio of black-clad puppeteers. One puppeteer has an arm inside the puppet and controls one hand with a rod, a second puppeteer controls the other hand, whilst the third puppeteer moves the feet.The puppeteers move in unison with balletic grace, mirroring the movements of the puppet. All puppeteers must be masters of traditional khon dance. It is worth going to a show to watch their performance alone.The second puppet was a mermaid and together with Hanuman was brought to the audience for some interaction. All these puppeteers were masked. You can just make out the tiny slits the performers had to see through.Both puppets on the stage. The story was very short, but the show was free. Everybody left a donation.A nearby restaurant where we had lunch. Chicken, onion, green peppers and rice for two for the sum of 100 baht (£2.58). The drinks were extra – I declined any ice in my Sprite – best not take the risk in these small establishments. The food was very good though. (This is about as adventurous as we get).We came across a sign not far away saying ‘Museum’. There was no one there, but the door was open so we went in. I think that the collections were things that hadn’t got thrown away. I had a typewriter like that small one in the middle.A collection of fans.Neighbourhood shop
PS
We had a fantastic time in Laos, but I have got very behind with the blog as broadband speed was so slow it took all my free time to upload my photos. I’m hoping to catch up over the coming week.
My husband, Mark, and I have just sold our house and are taking a year out to have an adventure before we settle down to retirement. We decided on a journey through Italy as it has the perfect combination of good weather, interesting history, great wine and wonderful ice-cream! As we will be starting our journey in January, we are beginning in the very south of the country.
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Tortoise Travel 