Moments of sun, rain and always gold

With over 20 pagodas in the city proper, there is no surprise there are visible monks in Luang Prabang.

Admittedly, this one was more visible than most.
It is one of the more stylish approaches to protect against the elements I have ever seen.

Using umbrellas as sun shield was something I first saw in Southeast Asia. Now these phenomena are everywhere.
Even in the Norwegian mountains hikers and trekkers are using umbrellas.

#umbrella #orange #yellow #buddhism #luangprabang #luang #prabang #Laos #LaosPDR #sun #sunrise #Nikkor #NikonD800 #Nikon #58mm #niftyfiftyeight #f1_4 #D800 #citylife #city #ig_countryside #roadtrip #2015CE #countryside #simplelife #หลวงพระบาง : #ຫຼວງພຣະບາງ #Laotian #WorldCulturalHeritage #oldschool #novice #monk #young #citylife #citywalk

Enjoying a waterfall slowed down

The Kuang Si waterfalls south of Luang Prabang are famous as a visiting spot on a daytrip out from the town.
Even outside the landlocked country these waterfall complexes are famous. From the large waterfall upriver and the meandering river stream with its many smaller falls.
No wonder, it is a wonderful natural area. Spending time walking, relaxing and even take a bath on the designated spots is a half day well spent. The forest, flora and fauna are important parts in exploring this waterfall and stream.
Coming from a country so well endowed with river and river falls as mine in Scandinavia, I will still say Ta Kuang Si being worth the time, and the view.
Laos is using their many rivers and waterfalls to produce electric power for internal use and export. Hopefully they still let this waterfall be a reminder that there are other values in free river streaming and their waterfalls than money income.

There are trips done by car, minivans and tuktuk to this area from Luang Prabang. Food and drink services are available near the site.

#waterfall #river #meandering #veil #waterveil #stone #rainforest #2015 #naturephotography #landscapephotography #TatKuangSi #Waterfalls #Luang #Prabang #Laos #roadtrip #2015CE #luangprabang #luang #prabang #LaosPDR #Laos #Nikkor #NikonD800 #D800 #Nikon #20mm #f2_8 #countryside #simplelife #หลวงพระบาง : #ຫຼວງພຣະບາງ #Laotian #car2061 #buddhism #WorldCulturalHeritage

The classic touch from days gone by

There are still some of these classic German luxury cars spread around in South Asia. A timeless symbol of elegance, money and classic German engineering and design.

I have seen them in almost every country I have visited in the region. The Mercedes-Benz S280 was produced in this style between 1965 and 1973. Meaning by the end of the Laos Kingdom before it changed into PR Laos.

Having some well-maintained wooden houses in Southeast Asian style with some French colonial architecture framing this car sort of feels right. It tells a story of a time gone by. And some timeless style and elegance too.

Luang Prabang has been a World heritage Site since 1995. The city has been a capital in 2 former Laotian kingdoms. It has played a vital role as a religious centre for most of Laos history. There are more than 20 Buddhist pagodas in the city and close vicinity.

The city is surprisingly small, but the status as royal residence city for centuries makes for a well-designed city with interesting architecture and art. That includes some French inspired buildings, but with a distinct Southeast Asian flare. Local markets, shops and lots of restaurant and cafes contributes to Luang Prabang being a nice and quiet place. Well worth a visit.

https://www.britannica.com/place/Laos/The-arts

#roadtrip #mercedes #merc #classiccar #town #oldschool #2015CE #architecture #french #novice #monk #young #luangprabang #luang #prabang #LaosPDR #Laos #orange #laundry #cleaning #boy #boys #Nikkor #NikonD800 #D800 #Nikon #20mm #f2_8 #niftyfiftyeight #countryside #2015CE #citylife #simplelife #หลวงพระบาง #ຫຼວງພຣະບາງ #หลวงพระบาง : #ຫຼວງພຣະບາງ #Luang #Prabang #art #Mercedes #Benz #S280 #vintage #car #Laotian #number #plate #numberplate2061 #car2061 #buddhism #citywalk #town #WorldCulturalHeritage

I found absolutely delicious food at a #Laotian foodtruck at the #Utica #worldrefugeeday celebration. I loved the fried noodles, Lao’d chicken, beef jerky with sticky rice. We Uticans love our diverse welcoming, and inclusive city that treasures international cuisine, music, culture, and art!

A recent report from the Univ. of Hlth Sci. in #Vientiane identified substantial #airpollution related #healthrisk for street vendors who prepare charcoal/wood grilled meats. Also, the #risk was/is disproportionately 'weighted' toward #Laotian #women. #LaoPDR avg. annual est. #PM25 levels are 5X the #WHOAQG (2000, 2005, 2010-17) w/2019 avg. levels resulting in >8000 xs deaths. Poor econ. cond.+ ltd. occup. & env. htlth. regs make a lethal combo.
https://laotiantimes.com/2022/09/30/study-reveals-serious-health-risks-from-roadside-grill-smoke/
https://www.vientianetimes.org.la/freeContent/FreeConten2022_Smoke190.php

https://youtu.be/d_CaZ4EAexQ #kingofthehill #Chinese #Japanese #Asian #laos #laotian

Binly Documents the Often Forgotten Stories of Lao Americans

#photographyculture #aapi #asia #asianamerica #asianamerican #asianamericanphotographers #awareness #awarenessthroughphotography #diaspora #lao #laoamerica #laotian #people #photodocumentary #refugee #southeastasia