Laos, Part Two, January 29 - February 14 2014

Laos, Part Two, January 29 -February 14 2014

A prominent feature of Luang Prabang is the Mekong River and its tributaries.  There is always activity along the river.

Ferries move people across the mighty expanse of the river.

Boats of many varieties,

are tied up on shore,

or moving up and down the river.

The fertile banks become green gardens of food.

The jungle vegetation becomes thicker, lining the banks as you move out of town.  

The mountains climb in the distance.  

Futball is world wide and played on any surface, with any ball, and often without shoes.  

Shoes are left outside of home, guest houses and stores.  

Six of us went to volunteer at Big Brother Mouse.  This project was founded by a young man Khamla, who went to train as a novice monk in Luang Prabang when he was 12 years old.  He occasionally saw tourists reading books when they had spare time.  His question was "Why would they do that while they were on vacation?"  Laos people didn't read for fun, they only read when studying in school.

Khamla's incredible story includes meeting a publisher, graduating from Teacher Training College, getting a business license and with the help of a team of friends, beginning to publish high quality books that Laos people are eager to read.  More than 150 000 Laos children have gotten their first book through Big Brother Mouse and the donations of interested folks. 

Every day, there are 2 two-hour sessions where volunteers drop by to help young students practice their English.  It was a very rewarding experience.  The desire to learn, and the effort the students put into learning English is humbling.  

Throughout our travels, birds have been hung in cages outside homes and businesses.  I have been trying to get a handle on why.  From what I have read…sometimes it is for luck. Laos is also known for eating anything…therefore, they might be dinner.  Also, there is a custom of catching small birds and putting them into small, enclosed baskets. These are sold for money at the temples, where setting the birds free gives you luck.  Sadly, I have also read the birds are severely dehydrated and not able to fly far, so that they are easily captured again.  Whatever the reason, birds are not flying in big flocks in Laos.  

Sticky rice, a tasty Laos staple food, being steamed on an outside fire.  

Lao-grown coffee is considered among the world's best.  It is served black and strong.  Traditionally, Lao coffee is roasted, ground and filtered through a sock-like cloth just before serving.  Coffee is usually served in a small glass, mixed with sweetened condensed milk and sugar. Iced coffee is found everywhere.  In central and southern Laos, coffee is almost always served with a chase of hot, weak Chinese tea.  Took me until just now to understand why we were getting served the cup of tea with our coffee:)

Around 5:30 everyday, the monks would bang the drum.  This was a deep, beautiful sound.  Its purpose was to call them for the evening chanting and meditation.  

We visited a Buddhist temple, and sat with a group of monks while they chanted.  It was a peaceful, and soothing sound.  

Some of the most impressive temples in the country are here in Luang Prabang.  The high-peaked roofs, the repeated flames, mythical water creatures, are all part of the Buddhist doctrines and cosmos.