The Treasures of Myanmar (Burma)
with Aye Aye Hynn & Tom Muir Wilson
20 DAYS JANUARY 23 – FEBRUARY 11, 2007
Introduction Join Tom on his 14th journey to Myanmar (Burma), a fascinating land stopped in time… a land of spontaneous smiles and giggles, of temples and pagodas… of incense and temple bells, of monks in burgundy-colored robes… of haunting images of temples dotting the Pagan plain overlooking the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River… of simple, village handcraft workshops. Beginning in Yangon (Rangoon) we visit the Shwedagon Pagoda with its gold-plated stupa. Flying to Heho in the hilly north we explore Inle Lake located in the Shan states, known for its unique leg-rowers and lakeshore villages built on stilts. Continue to Mandalay, an important center for traditional crafts… visit a puppet factory, tapestry “kalaga” workshop, a handwoven silk workshop, a papier mache village, woodcarving & stone carving, a bronze foundry, bamboo & rice straw papermakers… and see the making of gold leaf. Board the Pandaw 1947 Riverboat for a magnificent journey on the Irrawaddy River from Mandalay to Bagan (Pagan), stopping to visit villages along our route. Explore the important temples of the vast archaeological site of Bagan, one of the most remarkable sites in Asia. You will find a refreshing charm and local warmth to this unique country! Outstanding photographic opportunities!
ITINERARY
- Day 1 Tue, Jan 23: Late night departure from Los Angeles for our Thai Airways flight to Bangkok.
- Day 2 Wed, Jan 24: Crossing the International Date Line, we lose a day.
- Day 3 Thu, Jan 25: Early morning arrival in Bangkok, connecting onwards for our Thai Airways flight to Yangon (Rangoon). Late afternoon visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda with its gold-plated stupa and magical atmosphere. Welcoming dinner this evening.
- Days 4-7: (Highlights) Morning sightseeing of Yangon; afternoon visit to nearby village handcraft workshops including mother-of-pearl and paper umbrellas. Mid-day flight to Heho and drive to Inle Lake. Explore lakeshore villages built on stilts and see “leg-rowers.” Drive to Kalaw, visiting Pindaya Caves with thousands of Buddha images.
- Days 8-12: Flight to Mandalay. Three days visiting craft workshops: puppets, “kalaga” tapestry, silk weaving, papier mache, wood and stone carving, bronze foundry, and gold-leaf making.
- Days 13-14: Board the Pandaw 1947 Riverboat for a two-night journey on the Irrawaddy River to Bagan.
- Days 15-17: Explore the ancient temples and lacquerware workshops of Bagan. Morning flight back to Yangon for last-minute shopping at Bogyoke Market and farewell dinner.
- Day 18-20: Transfer for return flight.
Village India: Gujarat & Rajasthan
with Lesley Robin
18 DAYS FEBRUARY 14 – MARCH 3, 2007
Introduction Join Lesley Robin in exploring the rural life and traditions of Gujarat & Rajasthan with diverse and exciting textile visits, meeting with Master Craftsmen—tie-dyers, blockprinters, leatherworkers, double ikat weavers—and village people in their homes and workshops. Travel through a landscape of legendary forts, palaces and lively bazaars… an endless pageant of people and color! From Mumbai (Bombay) fly to Bhuj in Kutch (Gujarat) where we base ourselves for several nights and travel off the beaten track with Judy Frater; our personal guide throughout our time in Kutch… visiting desert communities that still maintain their strong traditions and culture, where embroidery is a celebration of their everyday lives.
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
- Feb 14-17: Arrival in Mumbai; flight to Bhuj. Meet Masters of “bandhani” tie-dye and traditional block printers.
- Feb 21-22: Jeep safari in Zainabad to see nomadic tribes, traditional pottery, and Rabari textiles.
- Feb 23: Visit the Salvi family in Patan, traditional weavers of “patola” double ikat. Overnight at Balaram Palace in Palanpur.
- March 2-3: Flight to Delhi for farewell dinner and independent return home.
Central Asia: Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan
with Raisa Gareeva & Tom Wilson
22 DAYS APRIL 23 – MAY 14, 2007
Introduction Travel in Central Asia is a bittersweet mix of old and new, with pockets of “gems” scattered throughout this region located between the Caspian Sea and Western China. Uzbekistan is by far the most diverse and exciting country… in Samarkand and Bukhara the old cities are magnificent with fabulous architecture! Textiles are plentiful… carpets, suzani embroideries, silk ikat, felt rugs, as well as jewelry and ceramics. Join Tom & Raisa on our 6th journey into Central Asia… come with a spirit of adventure!
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
- April 23-25: Departure for Istanbul; Bosphorus cruise and Grand Bazaar. Late flight to Ashkhabad, Turkmenistan.
- April 26-27: Visit the National Museum and meet a feltmaker and jewelry artisan couple.
- May 6-11: Explore Samarkand’s Registan Square and Tamerlane’s mausoleum. Visit the silk ikat factory and craft workshops in the Ferghana Valley.
- May 14: Return flight to JFK New York via Istanbul.
Southwest Balkans
with Sasha Vranic & Tom Muir Wilson
19 DAYS SEPTEMBER 5 – 23, 2007
Introduction The Balkans a land of rich folk traditions and ancient cities. Join Tom & Sasha as we return for our 15th trip to the lands of the former Yugoslavia, exploring portions of Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro and Croatia. We begin in Novi Sad, Serbia, with its Austro-Hungarian architecture and regional handcrafts. Our journey ends in the beautiful medieval walled city of Dubrovnik on the Adriatic coast of Croatia.
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
- Sept 5-9: Arrive in Belgrade and transfer to Novi Sad. Chartered boat cruise on the Danube River. Visit the Ethnographic Museum in Belgrade.
- Sept 10-14: Visit the naive (primitive) painters of Uzdin and Kovacica. Explore Sarajevo’s oriental bazaar.
- Sept 17-21: Walking tour of the medieval walled town of Kotor. Final days in Dubrovnik, including a farewell dinner.
Morocco: Medinas, Souks & Markets
with Prof. Tom Muir Wilson 19 DAYS OCTOBER 30 – NOVEMBER 19, 2007
Introduction The purpose of Craft World Tours travel programs is to meet craftspeople and village people to see how and where they work… to “go behind the wall”.
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
- Nov 13-15: Day excursion to the Draa Valley and Zagora. Visit a unique cooperative of village carpetweavers en route to Taroudant. Explore the souks for silver jewelry and spices.
- Nov 16-17: Travel to the white-washed town of Essaouira. Visit a woodworking workshop and medina. Farewell dinner.
- Nov 18-19: See the potteries of Safi and Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca before flight to JFK.
Christmas in Oaxaca
with Florencio Moreno & Tom & Sherry 14 DAYS DECEMBER 13 – 26, 2007
Introduction Join Tom & Sherry & Florencio in celebrating the colorful Christmas festivities of Oaxaca! Our days will be filled with excursions to meet folk potters, ceramic artists, woodcarvers, and rugweavers. Enjoy a village procession called a posada, the famous Night of the Radishes, and a traditional Christmas parade.
ITINERARY
- Dec 13-16: Arrive in Mexico City; visit the Folk Art Museum and National Museum of Anthropology. Visit the Sunday Antique Market in Puebla.
- Dec 17-19: Drive to Oaxaca; visit the Virgin of Soledad Church. Visit Zapotec rug weavers in Teotitlán del Valle.
- Dec 20-22: Meet embroidered clothing makers, blacksmiths, and pottery sisters. Hands-on cooking workshop.
- Dec 23-26: Enjoy the Night of the Radishes on the zócalo. Traditional Christmas Eve dinner and parade. Farewell Christmas “comida” in a garden setting.