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I'll assume that you're talking about the main banner at the top of the main page. I used Adobe Photoshop. However I think if you look around on the internet (ex. download.com) you can find more cheap or free availble software packages that can do the same. I made it simply by putting a bunch of images together, it's honestly not that difficult or overly original. Although I'm glad to hear that you like our version of it.

It's a composition of several images into one banner. So remember these steps: find some pictures you like, crop them, feather/soften the edges if you like and put them all into a single image file, and add a title. And you've got yourself a collage banner. That's it!

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The IT industry in Laos is still quite small. At the time of this writing, there are about 20 computer retailers, 3 ISPs, 6 IT training organizations and 1 wireless network solutions company. Any one of these companies has diversified services and products in order to keep affloat. This is largely because the domestic demand is still low and the cost of such technology and services are still quite expensive. While there are civilian buyers most of these companies cater to government and NGOs working in Laos.

Some of the schools (university and colleges) have computer rooms and but even less have internet access.

The IT situation in Laos is improving; Mostly starting with the government itself, as more computer network initiatives are in full swing.

* ISP - internet service providers
** IT - information technology
*** NGO - non-government organization (ex. charity group)

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In a formal setting you can learn Lao language at universities. However this varies greatly from city to city or university. Often times you'll find Asian studies in cities where there's a large Asian population or the demand for such courses exist.

In the US, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Center for Southeast Asian Studies has a Summer Institute (camp) which offers several languages, including Lao. For more information head over to these links:

www.wisc.edu/ctrseasia/HmongLaoKhmer.html /wiscinfo.doit.wisc.edu/SEASSI/language_courses.htm

I've even discovered Lao language studies being made available at one Australian and Russian university. I'm sure there are more but be sure to look around as new programs pop up around the world.

For Lao weaving, the Center for Asian and Pacific Islanders (CAPI) has created The School for Weaving Arts (and Apprenticeships). Their work is to help promote and preserve traditional Lao weaving designs and technique. They offer beginner's programs and even a two year apprenticeship. For more info. click:

www.capiusa.org/weaving

In both the language and weaving programs, they are taught by experienced Lao persons.