September 5th, 2022
September 2022
TRAVELLERS JOURNAL
After two long and landlocked years, TextileSeekers is once again able to continue our journey, weaving our way through the rich and varied cultures we uncover. September was the first retreat in a post-covid world, and one which has enriched, enlivened and inspired us to face the future with gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose.
With the deepest gratitude in my heart, I have had the privilege of meeting the most incredible women on this journey, coming together as one to spend six unforgettable days uncovering this deeply special region. I am blessed, my soul has been replenished, and I am beyond grateful to have shared this experience with you all.
As we slowly wind our ways back home, settling back into our day-to-day lives, let’s take some time to recalibrate. A moment of pause is called for, our minds nourished and full of colour, inspiration, and new approaches to time-honoured practices. One journey has ended, and yet countless more have just begun.
In our new section, snippets of our travels will be captured. It's a great way to create and encourage our community to grow, sharing with all the beautiful people that we come into contact with during our retreat.
My heart is feeling full, thank you so much for taking me along on this adventure and showing me the unique country that is Vietnam. The nature, the people, the food, the craftsmanship - I’m so taken aback by all the beauty and the hospitality of everyone we met along the journey. Such a special time that I will remember for a lifetime. I can’t recommend it enough. Thea Lovstad.
14th of September, 2022
The pandemic brought our travel plans to a grinding halt, and this period of silence has allowed us to reconvene, dream, and plan our return. At last, the world begins to tentatively re-open and welcome those in search of inspiration.
The rhythmic sound of an old loom shuttle. The sweetly fragrant scent of indigo tea leaves, fermenting in vats and awaiting their purpose. A kaleidoscopic vision of natural plant dyes, in hues of pinks, oranges, yellows, and green.
Sitting down to a pot of lotus tea the memories are so vivid, a complete sensory experience. We set out to uncover the treasured stories that textiles tell.
It is with such gratitude to have had the privilege of meeting such incredible women on this journey and uncovering this amazing region together. It fills my soul and I am beyond grateful to have had this experience with you all. Thao Phuong.
I was so excited to have had the opportunity to join this retreat. I had no idea of what to expect or just how big of an impact this journey would have on my life. Thank you for the wonderful experience. Olivia Cloninger.
The day started early...When the sun gently caressed the green mountain peaks of Mai Chau. Like a mother lovingly caressing her child to gently open its curious eyes and receive a pure, sweet light that gives you the feeling that it too has just been created.
As it stretches farther and pours like a stream over every peak and slope, it dispels the fog and makes me feel a nice familiarity. I am his guest this morning, and he lets me step guilt-free on his hallowed ground and dig in to explore its incredible beauty and hear his past…
A perfectly curated travel experience by Thao Phuong that left me feeling inspired and alive.
This retreat immerses you in the beauty of Vietnamese craftsmanship, tastes pure local flavors, and connects you to warm people. It makes you feel connected to yourself and nature. I am beyond grateful that I was able to share this experience with other like-minded women. Moments that I'll remember forever. Danae Grimopoulou.
Taking deep breaths, feeling it all - in the knowledge that there are so many places in the world still to see, so pausing to take this in now is important. The rain falling onto lotus flowers, the small roadside villages, the stilt houses with the water buffalo peering from underneath, the verdant rice fields, the small lakes, the sleeping dogs lying in short driveways, the men sitting on tiny chairs without their shirts as the stagnant summer heat lingers, the women wearing conical hats sweeping or working the fields, the items made with natural dyes, the fruit and vegetables sitting in small baskets near the roadside, a parade of motorbikes... Betsy Greer.
Do take the time to read and explore Our Pillars, and Our Ethos and let us know what you think.