Cute Little Girl With Her Pet Buffalo

Absolutely adorable photo of a cute little Lao girl with a big smile on her face.  She's in her village with her huge pet buffalo in tow.  What a wonderful shot.  Seeing this makes me smile along with her!

Photo Credit:  Marcio Machado, 2007.  Click link to see more of his photos.

Nice Scenic Path

Photo:  A path At Phasoum Waterfall, Pakse.  

Credit:  Toui Noui OuilOui Dk.  Posted by:  Glory of Laos on Facebook.

Convenience = Food sellers who come to you

While there is definite convenience when the food sellers come to you, I can't help but think this is also our (Lao) version of a drive-thru :p.

Photo Credit:  Sangkhane Phachanthavong on Facebook.

Home Decor - Lao Chic? Reflections...

Integrating Lao items (like a nice textile or a Buddha statue) with modern sensibilities into one's decor can be quite easy.  Having one's culture reflected in  home decor doesn't necessarily mean having to go wild on any single theme either.  Take a look at this.  It's a mix of antique vintage items combined with new store bought ones.  A combination of modern and traditional, ethnic and mainstream.  Remember:  Choosing the right accent piece(s) is key and it's important not to clutter.

I created this little vignette that I'm calling "Reflections". 

Lao Bamboo Soup

Found a nicely made video showing viewers how to make one of Laos' most traditional vegetarian dishes, Lao bamboo soup (gang naw my).

Posted by Youtube user House of X Tia.

Does Laos Have Minimum Wage?

It may be a surprise for some to learn that Laos, even though it is a poorer country, actually does have minimum wage laws.  The minimum wage was created as recently as 2005 when it was set to 290,000 kip per month (based on a typical work day of 8 hours, 26 days a month).  Four years later, in 2009, it was increased to 348,000 kip.  Another four years later, effective January 1st, 2013, the new wage had been set to 626,000 kip (approx. $80 USD / month; 1USD = 7,827LAK). Additionally, as of 2009, it became mandatory for employers to also include a daily meal allowance as well.

Lao Phrase of the Day: Traveling With My Friend(s)

Buddha on Ornate and Detailed Lotus Pedestal

 Artistic Credit: Unknown Artist(?)

UNESCAP's Video on Lao Handicrafts

Here's a video profile on Lao Handicraft's and its economic benefits.  It was a part of UNESCAP's A Matter of Rights series exploring the Right to Development.

Sashay and Work It! Laos Gets Its First Fashion Week 2014

Beautiful clothing, talented Lao designers, what more could one ask for?  The Lao fashion industry finally got its own and first ever Fashion Week.

Laos' Fashion Week was founded by Pany Saignavongs and supported by the French Embassy in Vientiane and local businesses.  Clothing from Phaeng Mai Gallery, Mandarina, Ministry of Silk, L'Elegant and Nittaya Somsanith were featured.  The event took place in the Grand Ballroom of the Settha Palace Hotel on March 6-7 2014.  Have a look at this video from LNTV.

Largest Lao Dance and Incredible Aerial Photography!

Watch this video as 4,200 Lao students perform the pasalop dance.  Along with incredible aerial photography and video cameras recording it.  Not to mention, they chose a beautiful location - the That Luang.

Posted by Youtube user Santi Baran.  Video by Perfect Solution Entertainment.

Lao Phrase of the Day: A Single Pair of Shoes