My Two Homes

A tale of two countries. Mine.

Last week the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC hosted the annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall. The festival showcases cultures around the world and the U.S. This year three cultures were selected: Northern Ireland, cultural roots of Virginia and life on the lower Mekong River. The Virginia celebrates the 400th anniversary of the Jamestown settlement. The Mekong River portion features life and culture of the people of the countries along the lower Mekong River: China's Yunan province, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and my native Thailand.

Isn't that a great coincidence? My hometown of Thailand and my adopted state of Virginia were celebrated at the same time! Two totally different cultures from the opposite side of the globe merged into one on the National Mall. I am so proud.

Here are some pictures from the festival. First Virginia.

This is a replica of the John Smith boat. Where is Pocahonthas?

Carving a mortar from wood..

And one from clay..

An early settler showing you how to make a wooden tomahawk.

And the essential whiskey barrel.

A native American dancing.

And an all-American quilt.

Now on to the Mekong River.

String musical instruments from northeastern Thailand.

Yunan people weaving.

And weaving from Cambodia.

A loom from Thailand.

And a close-up of the woven silk.

My two homes. I am so proud to be a part of both.