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.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, January 3, 2011
A Morning Walk Around Vientiane
On Monday morning, the Government had declared this to be a holiday, since New Year was on the weekend. So Andy got another day of vacation. We decided to take a walk to a bakery for breakfast.
We continued our walk to visit Patuxay Park. This is a monument in the center of Vientiane. There is a legend that the French gave money to build a runway at the airport but this monument was built instead.
We climbed to the top of the monument to get a view of the city. It was a bit hazy but the view was great.
At night, the fountain has lights on it. It's quite an attraction.
Looking toward the palace.
Looking in the opposite direction toward Kris and Khamko's home.
At the top of the monument, Grandma and Andy pose for a photo by one of the iron sculptures.
There are many beautiful flowers around the monument. Ruthann caught this butterfly on one of the bushes.
It's time for a rest.
Mother and Daughter ham it up!
We continued our walk to visit Patuxay Park. This is a monument in the center of Vientiane. There is a legend that the French gave money to build a runway at the airport but this monument was built instead.
We climbed to the top of the monument to get a view of the city. It was a bit hazy but the view was great.
At night, the fountain has lights on it. It's quite an attraction.
Looking toward the palace.
Looking in the opposite direction toward Kris and Khamko's home.
At the top of the monument, Grandma and Andy pose for a photo by one of the iron sculptures.
There are many beautiful flowers around the monument. Ruthann caught this butterfly on one of the bushes.
It's time for a rest.
Mother and Daughter ham it up!
Lunch on the River in LAOS
One of our favorite activities here in LAOS is to have lunch on the river. We order our food and have it served on a boat. The food is served, we eat and the boat takes us up river for about 30 minutes. Then the driver turns off the motor and we slowly float down the river to our launching point. Here are some photos.
This is what our boat looked like.
We're eating our food. Notice, we are sitting on the floor of the boat.
Andy and Mao
When we boarded the boat and were ordering our food, we were told that there was no chicken. Several of the dishes we wanted had chicken in them, so we ate without any chicken. However, when we finished our river cruise and were leaving, chicken had arrived.
This is what our boat looked like.
We're eating our food. Notice, we are sitting on the floor of the boat.
Andy and Mao
When we boarded the boat and were ordering our food, we were told that there was no chicken. Several of the dishes we wanted had chicken in them, so we ate without any chicken. However, when we finished our river cruise and were leaving, chicken had arrived.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Christmas in LAOS 2010
We left the US on December 14 from Chicago arriving in LAOS on December 16. Kris and Khamko met us at the airport. We are always amazed at how the plantings in their yard grows from year to year.
They have lived in this house for 7 and 1/2 years. They planted all the trees and mango bushes.
After arriving on Thursday the 16th, we all left on Saturday for a visit to Phuket, Thailand. Kris and Khamko made arrangements for the Resort where we stayed. Our trip began in Vientiane taking a bus to Udon Thani in Thailand. Here we are at the bus station.
There are usually many persons who take the buses to various towns in LAOS.
We flew from Udon Thani to Phuket. Arrangements had been made to have the Resort to pick us up. The airport was about 45 minutes from the Resort.
Our hotel was on the bay side of Phuket, but there was a free shuttle that took us to the ocean side. This is the front entrance.
Our rooms were on the top floor and we had a nice view of the bay.
Here are some photos of swimming on the ocean side. Andy enjoyed swimming in the ocean and playing in the sand. Kris and Andy also kayaking.
At the hotel, breakfast was provided. It was a hugh buffet that was more than adequate. Fresh fruit, pastries, eggs, french toast, fried rice, fried noodles, various sausages, coffee and tea. That was the menu.
We returned to Vientiane on Friday, December 24 after spending the night in Udon Thani.
At Kris and Khamko's, there are three persons who live with them. Mao, cousin who has been with them since Andy's birth, Codd, a nephew and Tou a cousin.
Mao at work in the kitchen. She is a great cook!
Andy, Codd, and Tou examining Andy's Nintendo
On Christmas Day, presents were opened at 10:00 am, by Andy's request.
On Sundays at Kris' church, we see a connection to Goshen. On the wall in front of the room, is a wall hanging that was pieced by a friend of ours, Janet Shellenberger, and quilted by Mom Peachey. Janet was a health consultant with MCC.
Every afternoon, Andy has his time to exercise. It usually involves badmintton or soccer.
Andy is dressed in the yellow uniform. His friend Ai was playing also along with Codd.
Grandpa gets talked into playing badmitton.
Most mornings, Grandma walks and occassionally Grandpa joins her. In the morning, the streets are very busy. We also have seen preparations for the New Year celebration. It's impressive to see the construction that is occurring in the city.
As you can see, if the street is congested, the motor scooters will use the sidewalk. Care is needed when walking in the early mornings.
One of the many new buildings.
A street scene preparing for New Year celebration.
One of our favorite places to walk is at Thaut Luang. This is a special place for Buddists. The buildings are ornate and beautiful.
This is That Luang stupa. It was originally built in the 3rd Century. The stupa is a national monument and national symbol for LAOS. It is believed to contain the breast bone of the Lord Buddha.
There are several other buildings on the grounds.
On our way back to Kris', we stop and buy bread for breakfast. Interestingly, this woman called us Grandma and Grandpa since we have purchased bread from her other years.
They have lived in this house for 7 and 1/2 years. They planted all the trees and mango bushes.
After arriving on Thursday the 16th, we all left on Saturday for a visit to Phuket, Thailand. Kris and Khamko made arrangements for the Resort where we stayed. Our trip began in Vientiane taking a bus to Udon Thani in Thailand. Here we are at the bus station.
There are usually many persons who take the buses to various towns in LAOS.
We flew from Udon Thani to Phuket. Arrangements had been made to have the Resort to pick us up. The airport was about 45 minutes from the Resort.
Our hotel was on the bay side of Phuket, but there was a free shuttle that took us to the ocean side. This is the front entrance.
Our rooms were on the top floor and we had a nice view of the bay.
Here are some photos of swimming on the ocean side. Andy enjoyed swimming in the ocean and playing in the sand. Kris and Andy also kayaking.
At the hotel, breakfast was provided. It was a hugh buffet that was more than adequate. Fresh fruit, pastries, eggs, french toast, fried rice, fried noodles, various sausages, coffee and tea. That was the menu.
We returned to Vientiane on Friday, December 24 after spending the night in Udon Thani.
At Kris and Khamko's, there are three persons who live with them. Mao, cousin who has been with them since Andy's birth, Codd, a nephew and Tou a cousin.
Mao at work in the kitchen. She is a great cook!
Andy, Codd, and Tou examining Andy's Nintendo
On Christmas Day, presents were opened at 10:00 am, by Andy's request.
On Sundays at Kris' church, we see a connection to Goshen. On the wall in front of the room, is a wall hanging that was pieced by a friend of ours, Janet Shellenberger, and quilted by Mom Peachey. Janet was a health consultant with MCC.
Every afternoon, Andy has his time to exercise. It usually involves badmintton or soccer.
Andy is dressed in the yellow uniform. His friend Ai was playing also along with Codd.
Grandpa gets talked into playing badmitton.
Most mornings, Grandma walks and occassionally Grandpa joins her. In the morning, the streets are very busy. We also have seen preparations for the New Year celebration. It's impressive to see the construction that is occurring in the city.
As you can see, if the street is congested, the motor scooters will use the sidewalk. Care is needed when walking in the early mornings.
One of the many new buildings.
A street scene preparing for New Year celebration.
One of our favorite places to walk is at Thaut Luang. This is a special place for Buddists. The buildings are ornate and beautiful.
This is That Luang stupa. It was originally built in the 3rd Century. The stupa is a national monument and national symbol for LAOS. It is believed to contain the breast bone of the Lord Buddha.
There are several other buildings on the grounds.
On our way back to Kris', we stop and buy bread for breakfast. Interestingly, this woman called us Grandma and Grandpa since we have purchased bread from her other years.
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