The celebration of Christmas in Laos has become my favourite time of year. Throughout the capital there are hints of the Christmas season, but for the most part the commercialism of a western Christmas is absent and the focus is on time spent with friends.
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| Christmas Tree |
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This year's Christmas season began with the annual day trip to Nam Ngum (a lake created by Lao's first hydro electric dam). Carols sung in several languages filled the van as we drove to and from the dam. Upon arrival we searched for an appropriate boat to transport us for the day. It was a perfect day for a picnic lunch, swimming and a variety of games.
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| Group Photo at the Dam |
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| Memorizing the course before doing it blindfolded |
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| And now ready to do the course blindfolded |
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| Beautiful Women |
Later in the month the US Ambassador once again hosted the international church for a carol sing at her residence.
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| Group Photo at the US Ambassador's Residence |
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Attending the international church with Christians from many diverse countries provides a wonderful opportunity for expanding the Christmas Carol repretoire. This year the choir managed to sing songs in English, Lao, French, German, Indonesian and Malagasy.
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| Christmas Choir |
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As mentioned earlier throughout the city of Vientiane there are hints of Christmas. The hotels and restaurants catering to foreign visitors particularly show evidence of the season. The spectacular lights of the Mercure Hotel provided a wonderful place for a Christmas Eve photo shoot.
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| Christmas Eve |
Following the Christmas festivities in Vientiane, a small group of friends embarked on a vacation adventure to Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang.
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| Tham Jang Cave, Vang Vieng |
The road from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang winds through the mountains, leaving many a traveler feeling the effects. A road side mountain view provided a welcomed break.
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| Flying Free |
Upon arrival in Luang Prabang we enjoyed the Kuang Si Waterfalls and time spent exploring the old city. For $.60 we could access a bridge, built by local villagers for passage across the Nam Khan River.
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| Kuang Si Waterfalls |
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| Crossing the Nam Khan River |
New Year's Eve celebrations in Luang Prabang included sending paper latterns into the night sky at midnight.
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| Lighting the Lattern |
And thus begins a new year!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
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| Happy New Year |
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