Tag: Southeast Asia
-
Twinkle, Twinkle Wat Xieng Thong – Luang Prabang, Laos
In the late afternoon sunlight, the small shrine’s mosaic-adorned walls shimmered like precious gems. As I shifted my footing and perspective — moving only mere inches at a time — different vignettes were illuminated by the vibrant rays. This Buddhist shrine, on which the cut glass portrays Buddhist imagery, is one of twenty structures in…
-
A Return to Angkor: The Tree-Adorned Temple of Ta Prohm
Regarded as one of Angkor’s most atmospheric temples, Ta Prohm is perhaps best known as the location in which the movie Tomb Raider was filmed (admittedly, I have not seen it). The circa 12th century temple’s gnarly, towering trees are at times indistinguishable from the stone walls, pillars, and foundations that they are devouring. And the setting…
-
Photo du Jour: Sunset Over the Mekong – Luang Prabang, Laos
‘Twas a lovely manner in which to be greeted in our newest home away from home city: a tangerine-colored sun swiftly slipping behind the mountains, slow boats gracefully coasting along the Mekong, and merchants carrying hundreds of baskets of oranges from the boats to trucks waiting on the quay. Ah, lovely Luang Prabang!
-
Little Ones, Big Smiles
Laos is a land of beautiful smiles, sported by those big and small! We encountered these little ones at play in their village, just before sunset. The boys played with slingshots; they also engaged in a bocce ball or pétanque-like game. Instead of a silvery ball, the resourceful kids tossed flip flops. They were as…
-
Photo du Jour: A Kaleidoscope of Incense – Hué, Vietnam
The roadside stands just outside of Vietnam’s former imperial city, Hué, overflow with bundles of incense. When viewed en masse, these harlequin sticks resemble a textured kaleidoscope. The resulting cinnamon and sandalwood scent that wafts through the air is intoxicating.
-
The Enduring Buddha at War-Ravaged Wat Phia Wat, Laos
Wat Phia Wat and its focal point — a war-scarred Buddha statue — are located in Muang Khoun, only 30 kilometers from Phonsavan, Laos. Muang Khoun was previously the region’s capital city, but all that remains of the capital today are the fragments of Wat Phia Wat, as well as a few stupas. Given rugged…
