Sculpting Buddha – A Meditative Exercise in Laos
On a shady street on which we regularly strolled during our stay in Luang Prabang, Laos, we watched a sculptor as he gradually turned rustic concrete into the smooth likeness of Buddha. I wonder what...
View ArticleWaiting in the Wings During the Golden Hour
It’s the sort of environment that could hold my attention for hours. In a heavily-carved and gilded structure that’s tucked away on the grounds of the Wat Xieng Thong temple complex, are stored a...
View ArticlePhoto du Jour #50: ‘Monk Beds’ in Luang Prabang, Laos
In Buddhism, it’s believed that followers can get good results by giving merit. One of the main approaches is by giving alms, through a Tak Bat ceremony or by donating items that are necessary for one...
View ArticlePhoto du Jour #51: Paper Cranes in Luang Prabang, Laos
A garland of pure white paper cranes hangs from a monks’ residential building within Luang Prabang’s picturesque Wat Xieng Thong temple complex. In Japan, the crane is a spiritual and holy creature,...
View ArticleA Monkey Tethered to Unexploded Ordnance in Rural Laos
Throughout Asia during these past few months, we had the opportunity to gleefully observe monkeys outside of customary zoo environments. Some monkeys gracefully walked on power lines as if they were...
View ArticleThe Ubiquitous Laotian Sinh, or Skirt
The Laos People’s Democratic Republic (P.D.R) is a joy to explore. It’s affectionately known as ‘Laos Please Don’t Rush‘ and when you get there, you see why – almost instantly. The locals are...
View ArticlePhoto du Jour #64: A Novice Monk in Luang Prabang, Laos
In the Southeast Asian nation of Laos, it is customary for young boys and young men to temporarily commit to monkhood, even if they do not remain in service for the rest of their lives. This custom...
View ArticleWelcome, 2013!
Greetings Dear Readers, and Happy 2013! 2012 was an outstanding year, and it’s been a great pleasure sharing our journeys with you and virtually traveling along on yours as well. Thank you for your...
View ArticleAn Afternoon at Buddha Park
Marry Buddhism, Hinduism and a touch of quirkiness, and the result is Buddha Park – a sprawling green space studded with more than 200 concrete sculptures near the Laotian capital city of Vientiane....
View ArticleLegacies of War Amidst a Promising Future in Laos
Riding through the countryside of Laos’ remote Xieng Khouang province, we spied verdant rolling hills, villagers of all ages escorting livestock on the dusty roadside, and giant craters disfiguring...
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