Christmas Scenes from Vientiane, LAOS

In Vientiane, we see signs of Christmas. There are various types of Christmas trees and other symbols.

Kris and Andy light the Advent Wreath at Church.















A Christmas tree at the Morning Market and the only snow you see in Vientiane is on this poster in front of the Market.

Poinsettias are abundant around town.















And this is the most unique Christmas tree that we saw. It's made out of beer cans from Beer Lao factory.


Andy is trying on his goalie gloves that he got as a present.

Christmas Carols At The US Ambassador's Home

On Saturday afternoon (Dec. 17), the people from Kris' church were invited to the US Ambassador's home to sing carols. The Ambassador, Karen B. Stewart, attends the church along with her personal secretary. We were treated to homemade cookies and soft drinks. This was a real treat for us.

This is the front entrance to the residence.

We had our photos taken with the Ambassador and her Secretary.







Kris and Nancy Ambassador's Secretary












Kris, Ambassador Karen, Ruthann, & Chet








There were several art pieces in the house on loan from the artists. There was a series of fabric wall hangings. One is behind us in the above photo. One wall hanging was make by Nancy Reno from Lancaster, PA.






Table with the goodies








Some scenes from the caroling.























Wendy, MCCer, GC Grad at the piano

Note that Wendy is barefooted. All our shoes were left at the front door. A list of all the attendees needed to be submitted a week before the event so that the list could be checked by the Embassy.

Our First Morning Walk in Vientiane

This morning, we took our first walk in Vientiane. It's not a good idea to walk until after 8:30 AM due to the traffic. Even at that time, we noticed significant increase in traffic volume. We also noticed the amount of construction that was occurring around the city. One of the walks that we do is to the monument That Luang. It has a large parking lot that many people use to walk, jog and exercise. However, 3 policeman stopped us and indicated that we couldn't walk in the parking lot. The reason, Parliament was in session today. So we said thank you and went to the sidewalk.

This building pictured above is the new police museum.

The large parking lot is where we usually walk, but today, not to happen. The buildings are the Parliament. This is as close as we could get today.

That Laung the most important national monument in Laos. It is a symbol of both Buddhist religion and Lao sovereignty. It is a large stupa, which is a burial place, and was built in the 3rd century BC. In all the temples, you can see stupas on the grounds since the bones of Lao peoples are buried in them after cremation.

Here are photos of some of the other sights that we saw this morning.

This is a reclining Buddha constructed out of cement and below is the model of what the Buddha will look like when completed.

Ice Cream delivery!!!

We met this woman who was selling brooms when walking home to Kris' house.

Visit to Laos and India

On December 8, 2011, we will fly from Chicago to Bangkok, Thailand.  We arrive in Vientiane on December 10.  Kris and Andy will have two weeks vacation during the time that we are visiting.  On January 15, 2012, we will fly from Bangkok to Hyderabad, India to join Stan and Bonnie King for a 3 week tour of India.  There will be 16 persons in the tour group.  This is our first visit to India.  Bonnie and Stan have previously taken groups to India.  They lived there for several years, thus making excellent tour guides.  Our return to the states will be on February 8, 2012.  At this point, we have no regrets in missing the cold that is anticipated for Northern Indiana.  We will be doing periodic posts on our blog.

A quote from Hans Christian Anderson describes our life at this point.
          "To move, to breath, to fly, to float,
           To gain all while you give,
           To roam the roads of lands remote:
           To travel is to live"

Fall Bicycling in Big Valley, Belleville, PA

The weekend of October 7 - 9, we went to Belleville to do the annual "Moon Pie Bike Ride". Our friends from Lancaster have invited us the past few years to join them on this ride. The Valley isn't flat by any means. Most of the 56.6 miles was rolling, however, there were several hills that were 9% to 15% grades. Not flat like Indiana! But it was fun. We stayed in a cabin on Stone Mountain overlooking the Valley. The changing colors of the leaves were at their peak. Here are some photos of our ride.

And yes, we did ride our tandem

Sunrise which we saw from the cabin where we spent the weekend








Here are some fall color scenes.

On our ride through the valley we saw numerous farm scenes.

On our way home, we stopped in Rockton, PA to visit the town where Ruthann's Father was born and her Brilhart Grandparents are buried.  As we entered Rockton, we saw these scenes of color reflected in the water of a dam.

We easily found the grave site.

It was a quick trip, but worth it.

The Monks

Each morning, we hear the gong at the Wat (Temple) close to Kris and Khamko's house sounding at 6:00 AM. This is the wake up call for the Monks. The Monks pass their house between 6:30 - 6:45 AM. Their task is collect food for the day. Mao usually is up and feeds them. Last year, we also went with her to help feed. They usually collect sticky rice in the baskets that they carry as well as other bars of candy and cookies. Money can also be given. After collecting the food from each individual, they offer a verbal blessing.

The Monks can eat until 12 Noon then not until the next morning. This morning when we went for our walk, we saw these monks finishing their food collection.

LAO Wedding

When we first arrived, we were invited to a wedding of Khamko's cousin's son. Ruthann attended with Kris and Khamko. I (Chet) didn't attend since I had a cold. Here are some pictures that Ruthann took.





This is the entrance to the reception. The family stood on the steps and greeted the guests. More persons attend the reception than the wedding. The bride and groom deliver invitations in person.








Kris and Khamko at dinner with a couple who knew Khamko's father.















There were 5 - 6 buffet tables set up around the room. Approximately 1000 persons attended the reception.






The Bride and Groom were married in the morning attended by family and friends.


The Bride and Groom circulated welcoming the guests.

Downtown Scenes from Vientiane

Today January 5, we spent the day downtown after dropping Andy off at school. Our first stop was Joma Bakery for breakfast. Our friends Judy and John Kolb who visited with us 3 years ago will remember this spot. It was a favorite. They have some of the best baked goods in Vientiane.


After our tea, coffee, egg bagel and chocolate chip muffin, we were off doing some shopping. Kris and Ruthann did the most of the shopping. We want to show you some of the scenes from the downtown area.






This is the Morning Market which is being totally rebuilt. However, some of the old part is being preserved.










This is the remaining roof line of the old market. We continue to be amazed at the amount of construction that is occurring in the city.













Looking toward Patuxay













The Palace, home of the President.









One of the newest additions to downtown is exercise equipment. The area along the Mekong River is being completely revamped. Part of the reason for revamping is to control the river that has tended to flood during the rainy season.




















Of course, we needed to try out the easy ones.









Here are some street scenes.








































There are numerous temples in the city. The city is divided into districts and villages. All persons would have a temple that they relate to.










There are many street artists in the city.









This is the Cultural Hall. Andy has had his year end program in this building.

One of the modes of public transportation is the Jumbo. This is a 3 wheeled motorcycle with a bed built of the back. All Jumbo drivers do take a break. This driver had a hammock in the back of the Jumbo to take his siesta!


Fruit and vegetable vendors are plenty on the streets. And the basket vendors can also be seen.




































This is the "Heavenly Fruit" stand.









How would anyone know which wire needs replacement if one isn't working?


One of Chet's favorite signs in Vientiane. This sign is at Swenson's, the first Western chain establishment in Vientiane.