This beautifully decorated miniature temple is the house of the spirits. You can find it outside or inside almost every home and business in Laos. People belief that they share their space with the spirits and ancestors and that it is best to keep them happy by making daily offerings of incense, food or flowersContinue reading “Photo story: The Spirit house”
Tag Archives: Pakse
Photo story: Beauty salons in Pakse
Hairdresser, beauty salon, barber shop…nine I counted along my street. And many more in town. They capture my attention. Doors are open all day long. While I ride on my bicycle, I look left and right and catch a glimpse. A glimpse of a colorful decoration. A smile of a friendly hairdresser when I askContinue reading “Photo story: Beauty salons in Pakse”
ກາເຟ ລາວ – Lao Coffee
When talking about culinary experiences in Southern Laos, we can definitely not miss out to mention the Lao coffee and tea from the Bolaven Plateau. Since more than 100 years, the rich volcanic soils of the Bolaven provide an ideal climate for Arabica and Robusta coffee to grow. Though, Lao coffee is still relatively littleContinue reading “ກາເຟ ລາວ – Lao Coffee”
About the market and padaek
Going to the market is my (almost) daily routine – ok, kind of a routine, as it is every time a new experience – different smells, new herbs, other seasonal fruits or vegetables. It is about discovering with all the senses, continuously. The smell experience from my last Saturday’s market visit was shaped by aContinue reading “About the market and padaek”
About the papaya tree
Do you remember the papaya tree in front of my window? It is bearing the first fruits. And it is growing. Growing towards new heights, not far out of reach anymore. Soon I may harvest a fruity breakfast…in case the papayas are not grabbed before for the delicious and spicy papaya salad called “Dam MakContinue reading “About the papaya tree”
Small change – big impact
After I’ve been learning, practising and enjoying motorbiking for a few months, it was time for a change – time for a bicycle. This choice immediately converted me from one of the many motorbikers in Pakse into one of the few cyclists in town. Unexpectedly, it also gives me every day spontaneous sympathy and smilesContinue reading “Small change – big impact”
Rainy season – Green season
Almost in time with the official start of the European summer, the so-called rainy season reached Pakse in Southern Laos. This doesn’t sound like a big thing but still impressive what chain of changes this provokes. The landscape receives a times greener outfit – plants and trees are lusher. The rice starts growing in whatContinue reading “Rainy season – Green season”
French connection
While meandering through the streets of Pakse, Vientiane or other places in Laos, you can discover the historical connection to France. C’etait l’Indochine – Indochina. From the French-style baguette, to street signs, old buildings, bridges and ‘la vache qui rit’ – laughing cow with Lao-style ear rings (BeerLao!) Even in the Lao language you canContinue reading “French connection”
First impressions from Pakse – Southern Laos
Since a week I am in Pakse, a small town in Southern Laos. It’s a warm place. The thermometer reaches 35°. It’s summer, dry season. In the morning and evenings a wonderful wind blows some refreshing air over the roofs of the town. It’s located between the Mekong and the Sedone river. Green hills decorateContinue reading “First impressions from Pakse – Southern Laos”
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