Setting out the Lanterns

Monks at a temple in Luang Prabang in October setting out lanterns for the light display to mark the end of Buddhist Lent, Boun Awk Phansa.

Fueling the Lantern Burners

A young monk in Luang Prabang setting up burners for a lantern display as part of Boun Awk Phansa in October.

Monday Morning Monks

The dogs of Vientiane are let out early, just in time to follow the monks and to make a huge annoying racket.

Temple Contemplation

This man was quietly watching tourists come and go at a temple in Luang Prabang. I thought he was very European with his Scottish tartan pants, French beret, but Laos sash.

MoreButterflies

Hao-Yang in Grade 10 took these photos of butterflies during our SALSA trip in September.  The top one was at a waterfall and was divine.  It had a pink torso and navy and black on the wings.

Laos Butterfly

Laos has an incredible richness of butterflies.

Most don't rest long enough to be photographed, but this one at a temple (Wat Chomkao Manilat) in Houy Xai, northern Laos on the Mekong, seemed to be enjoying the greens of the staircase wall.

One World Day

The parent fashion parade was a highlight of One World Day this year.

Chad, the PYP (Primary Years Program ) co-ordinator represented Australia in his life saving gear.

Thinle from Bhutan wore his gho and boots.

The most colorful was the Spanish teacher dressed in a Bolivian costumes with feathers, sequins and platform pink high heel boots.

The Irish were in Town

The Irish President was in town last week.  Missy the new librarian at VIS managed to attend a reception and meet him.  Michael D. Higgins truly is a leprechaun!!

Apparently he was once a poet.

Could the heading in one of the local papers have been any more Irish!!

Monday Morning Monks

Monks from Wat Simeung collect alms from a lay near the entrance to their wat.  A ritual that has been on going for at least one hundred years in this location, now watched over by a guru for Apple.

That Luang Festival at Wat Simueng

Hordes of people par-ambulating Wat Simeuang last Saturday night as part of the three day That Luang Festival.  The noise level has huge as they had boom boxes and sound systems - decorated with tinsel- along with chanting and singing and clapping. 

We went last year and returned this year to be part of the amazing festival. 

Selfies and Super moon

The crowd at That Luang on Sunday afternoon were obsessed with selfies - as  any group people are in these times.  As I was leaving the crowd was increasing, with many stopping at this slight rise in the path for a selfie in front of the stupa and the supermoon.

Ladies at That Luang

These ladies were in their "Sunday best" on Sunday at That Luang.  They were carrying their offerings of marigolds, incense and candles.

Super Moon and Palms

The super moon on Monday night coming up through the palm trees behind my apartment block.

Super Moon over That Luang

The super moon coincides with Buon That Luang - the most important festival in Vientiane and Laos. On Sunday there was a procession to the golden stupa of That Luang with people wearing their best clothes and bringing offerings to pay homage at the stupa.

Monday Morning Monks

Monks have special alms bowls to collect rice and other food from acolytes in the morning.  However plastic bags seem to very popular for collecting extra food.  Ugly and unsustainable I wonder why they just don't carry two bowls or bigger bowls.

Making Lanterns

A group of young monks working together to make paper lanterns at a monastery in Luang Prabang.

Monk with a Star

Another photo from Luang Prabang  with a young monk and his paper star lantern preparing for the festival of light held to coincide with the end of Buddhist Lent - Boun awk Phansa.

Young Monk in Luang Prabang

Last month, I was in Luang Prabang for a few days during my October break.  The town and temples were full of colour as preparations were underway for Lai Hua Fai Festival - the festival of lights.

Monday Morning Monks

Every morning, including Monday mornings, the monks of Vientiane leave their monasteries to collect alms. 

The Turnip Seller

This happy lady is the turnip seller.

Turnip season

Turnip season has arrived.  White turnips such as these are for sale on food stalls around town.

Ready for a Shave

It looks antique, but I think this barber's chair is used on a daily basis, in this outdoor shop in Hin Heup.

An Oaks Day hat

Oaks Day is traditionally ladies day, but I think this chap could win a prize with his gorgeous pink hat.

T shirts

Laos script on T - shirts is popular at every market I have visited.

One for the Cup?

Small horses were used as pack animals to take food and supplies into the kitchens used to supply the tree houses.  The hand woven bamboo muzzles were stylish and I liked the bells.