Lao Seaweed Snacks

I've always been curious about how this particular snack, made from seaweed, is made.  It's so delicious, healthy and light.  It's often accompanied as a side snack during meals or as just a snack all on its own.

Photo Credit:  FoodFromNorthernLaos.com

LLR (book): The Politics of Ritual and Remembrance - Laos Since 1975

Title:  The Politics of Ritual and Remembrance - Laos Since 1975
By:  Grant Evans
Publisher/Year:  Silkworm Books, 1998; University of Hawai'i Press, 1998
ISBN:  9780824820541

Character Artwork

Randomly made these one day, out of boredom, years ago.  Surprisingly I found them hidden away in one of my Lao books where some of them I had used as bookmarks.  Just thought I'd share them below.  Do you recognize any of them?

Read below to see what I ended up using these for...

Images (from top center, clockwise):  Temple deity, kinari (kinalee), temple deity, temple lion (seeng), emblem of Lao Ministry of Education, naga (nak), temple bird (hong), temple deity (center image).

Driving Through Vientiane - Look at the Changes

If you're curious to see the streets of Vientiane today and how much it's changed along with all the new construction, cars and traffic as compared to the past, take a look at this video.

It's a nice clear video of a guy driving through downtown Vientiane to his home.  It may sound boring.  But for those out there who haven't visited Vientiane in the last 5-10 years, you may be surprised by what you see.  There's a noticeable reduction of motorcycles but lots more cars and lots more paved roads.

Credit:  Video posted by Youtube user tranbylamber

Getting Ready to Sell at the Luangprabang Night Market (video)

Here's a nicely made little video of the Luangprabang Night Market.  I like that the videographer went early to watch the merchants and vendors setup then they explore the market a bit. Take a look.



Project 07: Luang Prabang - Night Market (Laos) from C.Defryn Projects on Vimeo.

Lao Word of the Day: the Environment

New Lao Photo Magazine - Free!

Like these pictures?  It's from an awesome new Lao photographic magazine. It features the impeccably beautiful and engaging photographs of life in Laos, along with some other random photos of international locales.  The majority, if not all, photos are from its stable of Lao photographers in Laos.

What's more, is that the issues are available for viewing online or you can download them for free at their website!  So far they have just 2 issues but this is a wonderful start for them.  Check out the related links below.

From the April 2013 issue:

Buddhist Nun at the Wat Phu Festival.

Photo Credit: Pong Phoonsab, LaoPhotoMag.com