The Patuh Weaving Cooperative

I always choose to leave my hotel way too early for airport departures. It's a great practice, actually. If I have left something behind, I have the time to retrieve it. Another time there was an 80 car pile-up on I-5 on my way to the Seattle Airport and thank goodness I gave myself lots of extra time, because I was stuck on the freeway for two hours and would never had made my flight without the generous buffer I had given myself.

And if everything works out, and you haven't forgotten anything, and traffic is better-than-expected, then your driver can take you on a side trip to the Patuh Weaving Cooperative (10 minutes from the airport) where you can witness traditional Lombok crafts in your extra time. Women in Lombok have been creating wonderful items, using the same traditional techniques, for centuries. It is an incredibly intricate and time-consuming process. A larger piece can take three months to complete. Because the women have created a cooperative they are better able to receive a fair price for their product.

Had a fascinating tour, watched the process in action, and purchased a lovely little runner (pictured here) depicting a very traditional Lombok motif and made primarily from pineapple leaf fiber.  Oh, and by the way, I made it to my plane in plenty of time, without stress, and with an amazing and unexpected side trip as a bonus.
















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