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Hello, I'm Dimas and this is my once favorite page. I'll try to publish here more often 'cos there's a lot I'd like to share and I feel like this is still the best place where I can do it.
I'm an architect but also an illustrator, a self-taught photographer, a collage-maker and an embroidery lover who lives in Catamarca, a city located in the valey of the same name in NorthWestern Argentina. I'm now spending some time in Córdoba which's where I was born and also a place where I lived a great part of my life.
So, this is how my bed looked like about a week ago and while there was a heavy rain outside.
The quiet sleeper below is my only male cat -who's also considered my son - making himself comfortable on my pillow. Felipe was supposed to keep an eye on my bed but he's a better sleeper, as it's very clear.
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Hola, soy Dimas y esta es mi página alguna vez favorita. Voy a tratar de publicar aquí más a menudo porque hay mucho me gustaría compartir y siento que este sigue siendo el mejor lugar para hacerlo. Soy arquitecto pero también ilustrador y fotógrafo autodidacta, collagista y entusiasta del bordado. Vivo en Catamarca, una ciudad situada en el valle del mismo nombre en el noroeste argentino, aunque ahora me encuentre en Córdoba, donde nací y viví buena parte de la vida.
Bueno, así es como lucía mi cama hace una semana, mientras había una densa lluvia afuera. El del sueño tranquilo y tan cómodo en la almohada es mi hijo N. y se supone que Felipe, el de arriba, debería vigilar la cama pero tenía un sueño mejor, como es evidente.
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One of the most destructive farming practices was slash and burn, which was deforestation. Man’s agricultural activity could have caused climate change over 5000 years ago. These practices released large amounts of green house gases. Though they can't be compare with today's emissions but were large enough to increase the temperature by few Fahrenheit. Another destructive practice has been growing methane-bubbling crops. Methane is a very potent greenhouse gas; 23 times more effective in trapping heat than carbon dioxide CO2. Rice paddy fields are one of the major contributors of methane today. Rice was grown in large quantities even then so there must have been sufficient levels of methane, which could originate a possibility of climate change, thousands of years ago. William Ruddiman, a scientist who strongly believes man caused climate change several centuries ago. How? The practice of slash and burn made it possible. Man burnt down large area of forest covers and then used as his farm. Man shifted when his land productivity decreased as there was no need for people to take up efficient methods of cultivation. Land was present in excess so they were constantly on a move. It was later when population increased to a large number, the pressure to have high yields in lesser amount of land rose. Ruddiman examined the air bubbles, trapped in polar ice 5000 years ago, and found unexpected increases in carbon dioxide and methane. World methane production due to paddy fields has been estimated to be in the range of 50 to 100 million tonnes per annum. This level of greenhouse gas generation is a large component of the global warming threat produced from an expanding human population. But there's hope, recent studies have shown that methane can be significantly reduced while also boosting crop yield by draining the paddies allowing the soil to aerate, which interrupts methane production. German Max-Planck-Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, identified a group of microbes that play a big role in producing these emissions. The microbes absorb carbon released by the plants roots and use it to make methane, which is then released into the soil and emitted from there into the atmosphere. Until now, nobody knew which specific microbes were responsible for this process. More study is needed.
Despite Laos small population, undeveloped mineral deposits, and forest covering nearly 70 percent of the country, Lao's forests are threatened. Slash-and-burn agriculture, uncontrolled fires, commercial and illegal logging, and fuelwood collection resulted in the loss of 6.8 percent of the country's forests between 1990 and 2005. The deforestation rate has increased moderately since the close of the 1990s, but there is concern that the shift from a command economy toward a market-oriented economy will put increasing pressure on the forest resources of Laos. Despite these hurdles, there is hope for conservation in Laos. In an effort to protect the country's species richness, Laos recently established 18 National Biodiversity Conservation Areas including one known as Nakai Nam Theum National Biodiversity Area in the mountainous border area near Vietnam. During the 1990s researchers in this protected area discovered a new genus of cattle-like mammal along with two deer-like species. Photo of paddy fields taken on Don Khong island in the Mekong river.
Methaan: bekend van de gaskraan en scheikundeles, chemische formule CH4. Aardgas en moerasgas bestaan voor het grootste deel uit methaan. Methaan is een broeikasgas, het draagt net als koolzuurgas CO2 bij aan de opwarming van de aarde. Methaan is ruwweg 23 x zo effectief als koolzuurgas, het meest bekende broeikasgas. Omdat de CO2-concentratie in de atmosfeer echter nog vele malen hoger is dan die van methaan is CO2 toch het belangrijkste broeikasgas. Bovendien zet methaan in de lucht na verloop van tijd door oxidatie zelf om in CO2. De landbouw is een van de belangrijke producenten van methaan. Zo wordt in de spijsvertering van koeien veel methaan geproduceerd, net als in de bodem van natte rijstvelden. Methaan ontstaat ook op stortplaatsen van afval, wanneer de afbraakprocessen van dode biomassa onder zuurstofloze omstandigheden plaatsvinden. Dit gebeurt ook in de natuur. Er wordt dan vaak gesproken van moerasgas. Net als CO2 neemt het de laatste eeuw sterk toe in de atmosfeer, deels door menselijk toedoen. Gaslekken en de landbouw zijn belangrijke methaanbronnen. Veel methaan komt uit rijstvelden, dat zijn eigenlijk kunstmatige moerassen. Van nature ontstaat moerasgas doordat bacterien organische stof - bijvoorbeeld resten van dode planten - verteren. Dat gebeurt alleen onder strikt zuurstofloze omstandigheden, zoals die in een met water verzadigde moerasbodem heersen. Vooral in het Noorden van Rusland, Siberie, Canada en Alaska strekken zich gigantische moerasgebieden uit. Deze moerasgebieden produceren ook grote hoeveelheden moerasgas of methaan. Vorming van moerasgas is sterk gevoelig voor warmte: methaan bacterien produceren meer methaan bij een lekker temperatuurtje. Dat betekent dat de opwarming van de aarde door het broeikaseffect zou kunnen leiden tot meer methaan, dus meer meer broeikaseffect, nog hogere temperaturen, nog meer methaan..... enzovoort. Een zichzelf versterkende, positieve terugkoppeling in het broekaseffect. De wereldbevolking blijft groeien en zal zich moeten voeden: dat betekent steeds meer rijst verbouwen. Maar er is hoop, volgens German Max-Planck-Institute er is een biologische manier om het broeikasgas van methaan af te breken namelijk via bacteriën. Door middel van de rijstvelden te bemesten met stikstof. De mest stimuleert namelijk methaan-etende bacteriën. Deze bacteriën zijn trouwens ook in staat zijn om allerlei verontreinigingen in bodem of water op te ruimen. Belangrijke beestjes kortom. Maar meer studie is nodig.
- The Netherlands reached their third World Cup final with a 3-2 win over Uruguay in a dramatic semifinal in Cape Town on Tuesday.
The Dutch will play the winners of the second semifinal between Germany and Spain for the ultimate prize in football at Soccer City on Johannesburg on Sunday.
Second-half goals from Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben put the Dutch 3-1 up but Maxi Pereira summed up the never-say-die spirit of the Uruguayans with an injury-time strike to ensure a frantic finish.
Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk was proud of his team, who have won all six matches in the finals, the best record of any side.
"It's amazing that we have managed to do this. It's been 32 years (that the Netherlands last played in a final). It is unbelievable. We can be very proud for such a small country," he told AFP.
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Holland - Brazil 2-1
-- The Netherlands came from a goal down to beat 10-man Brazil 2-1 in their World Cup quarterfinal clash in Port Elizabeth on Friday. An early goal from Robinho had put Brazil in command, but in the second half the Dutch drew level when Wesley Sneijder's cross was deflected into his own net by Felipe Melo. Inter Milan's Sneijder then headed his team ahead in the 68th minute after Arjen Robben's corner had been cleverly flicked on by Dirk Kuyt. A miserable afternoon for Melo was completed when he was sent off for stamping on Robben. The Dutch will play either Uruguay or Ghana in the semifinals, but for Brazil and coach Dunga it is a bitter defeat. The inspirational Sneijder was surprised to score the winner with a rare headed goal. The ball slipped on my bald head and went into the net, a great feeling. --Wesley Sneijder This was my first header here, I don't think it will happen again, but it was greathe told AFP. The ball slipped on my bald head and went into the net, a great feeling.
The 26-year-old added: If you can eliminate Brazil, one of the best teams in this championship the first feeling is relief, we always believed in it.
Goddelijke kanaries overvleugeld door Oranje: 2-1. Historische zege! Eindelijk heeft Oranje afgerekend met het 'Brazilië-syndroom'. Aan de hand van Wesley Sneijder knokte Oranje zich ten koste van de Zuid-Amerikaanse sambavoetballers naar de halve finale! Met een assist en een wonderschone goal van de 26-jarige Inter-vedette werd het ticket voor de halve finale van het WK voetbal in Zuid-Afrika verzilverd; 2-1. Bondscoach Bert van Marwijk is nog slechts twee zeges verwijderd van dé missie: wereldkampioen worden!
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Laos has remained virtually unchanged for half a century. Rich in history and culture, Laos and its peoples, more than 47 ethnic groups, harmonize life to ancient rhythms and traditions that evoke timeless Asia. The vast majority of Lao people live in Laos is approximately 4 million. Laos is generally very rural areas, and Many Lao people support by agriculture, with rice being the most important crop. Women hold dual responsibility for farm at home. In rice farming women in Laos have a substantial role. Traditionally, men plough, make bunds and prepare seedbeds, and women do more than half of the transplanting of rice, weeding, harvesting, threshing and post-harvest operations. Aside from this enumerated work, a gender division of labour exists in Laos which assigns women the major responsibility for childcare and housework. As household size averages seven people these tasks require numerous hours of work each day in addition to women's work outside their home. Such hard life for elderly women where life expectancy is 59 years est. 2008. Although the trappings of the modern world are becoming increasingly visible, Laos remains the least developed country in Southeast Asia. Laos has enjoyed high economic growth, despite poor national infrastructure and a dominant, inefficient agriculture sector. It is also heavily reliant on international assistance programs. In 1998, Laos began formal negotiations with the World Trade Organization. In 2008 a 5.60 US$/day per capita.
Along the way to Wat Luang temple in Pakse we met this old woman. She was sitting in front of her house busy with household duties. Lao women have played a central role in the national country's and household economies over the past two decades. Women's participation exceeds men's in the economically active population. Due to dual responsibility for farm and household they are usually overburdened with work. At home some of these duties include water collection, which may take two to three hours a day; husking rice for family consumption, which may require two hours of work; milling rice; and caring for the sick and the elderly. Girls assist their mothers with these chores and they are often made responsible for care of younger kids. In spite of their major economic contribution, women are generally not considered as workers. However, women, particularly older ones, do control household budgets and share in financial decision making. However, for some intangible reason, the Lao people are still wonderfully friendly, hospitable and passionate. They do not have much, but show it off with pride and wear warming smiles.
Laos, is nog één van de weinige overgebleven communistisch regimes en is ook één van de armste naties van Azië. De huidige regering kwam aan de macht in 1975 en legde onmiddellijk een onbuigzaam socialistisch economisch programma op. Verandering begon in 1986 met de losmaken van beperkingen op privé-onderneming. Sinds dien heeft Laos een hoge economische groei, ondanks arme nationale infrastructuur en een overwegende, ondoelmatige landbouwsector. Het is ook zwaar afhankelijk van internationale hulpprogramma's. In 1998 begon Laos formele onderhandelingen met de Wereld Handelsorganisatie. De gemiddelde verdienste per dag is 5,60 US$ per hoofd.
Opvallend is de sterke positie die de vrouwen binnen de familie innemen en ze doen zelfs het meeste werk op de rijstvelden. De natte rijstbouw is het voornaamste middel van bestaan. De vrouwen en mannen in Laos blijven ondanks hun moeilijke bestaan altijd vriendelijk en gastvrij. Ze hebben niet veel maar stralen altijd met trots hun warme glimlach uit.
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Laos is blessed with some of Asia’s nicest rivers, and many of them are mellow. Children spent the day at school, and by the afternoon they were doing the chores required of them…building a fire for the kitchen, sweeping the leaves into a pile, or caring for the young siblings strapped to their back …young boys and girls from the age of seven or eight attentive to the baby’s every need. Amongst this was the laughter of children playing in the river. But sometimes they skip their days at school, going fishing and collecting snails from the river, or using long bamboo poles to knock crickets from the trees. They eat the crickets live or drop them into bottles and take them home for lunch or dinner.
Photo taken nearby the Tad Lo waterfall near the little town Kieng Than Lei - Laos. This lovely girl were playing at the riverside with her big brothers. Her bigger brothers spend most of their days not at school, but fishing and collecting snails from the river. School is important for ethnic minority kids, they should attend and complete primary education in order to overcome rural/urban, ethnic in the area of literacy and education. But it isn't that easy. The reason to skip school are the family economic considerations, involvement in family maintenance and subsistence tasks, the lack of perceived benefits from education. While poverty and lack of access are issues. In addition to these, ethnic minority kids have to face further barriers to education, including the distance from school facilities, their extreme poverty, and additional cultural barriers and the lack of fluency in the national language, Lao. The ethnic kids speak their own language. About 32% of all Laotians are related to Ethnic groups. Totally 160 ethnic groups and speak 82 distinct living languages.
...an old lady washing her clothes in the river gave us a beautiful smile; the Laos people are so friendly. Kids have a great time running on the rampart, swimming in the Sexet river at the Tad Lo waterfall, taking boat rides along the river and playing. A bit futher south men washing their elephants in the river. Lao seems a bit like heaven, the laughter is often & sincere, the rivers are cool and clean and not a speck of modern civilization in sight. In my perspective it is some of the best Laos can offer.
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Yes, the thing that strikes many visitors to Laos, besides the beauty and solitude of the place, is the incredible number of Buddhist monks walking around. Dressed in those trademark saffron robes, you'll easily spot them walking in pairs, usually with an umbrella in hand to ward off either sunrays or raindrops. In the early morning hours, when they make their daily alms rounds through town, it seems as if a wave of orange is flowing down the streets.
Their lifestyle is shaped so as to support their spiritual practice, to live a simple and meditative life. Photo taken at the temple Wat Luang in Pakse. A monastery located next to the Xe Don river. This eldery monk was hanging out of his window socializing with his fellow monks. A fast 300mm zoom shot - 1/200s, ISO200 and F4.0. We had a friendly chat with the local people and monks. Lao monks are very friendly and approachable. We donated some money to this Buddhist community. Most people donate food to the monks to gain merit and improve their karma. The temples of Laos were once seen as "Universities" for monks. Lao monks are highly respected and revered in Lao communities. Many of the novice monks come from poor villages throughout Laos and live and study. Many of them are teenagers and not yet full-fledged men of the cloth like this eldery monk.
Lao monks are very friendly and approachable. Pay a visit to any temple in town and it's highly likely that a polite young monk - or group of them - will initiate a conversation with you. Most of these curious, conservational monks are of the novice variety, that is, they are usually teenagers still in school and not yet full-fledged men of the cloth. Many of the novice monks come from poor villages throughout Laos to live and study at one of the twenty-odd temples scattered around Luang Prabang. Obviously, being Buddhist monks, they are focused on learning about the teachings of the Lord Buddha, but novices also study a variety of academic subjects and languages such as Pali, French and English. Many of them can also speak Thai, a language that is quite similar to their native Lao. Those monks that want to pursue their education at a university must relocate to the capital of Vientiane and do so at one of the larger temples located there.
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Don Khong is the main island in the South Mekong river region know as the 4000 islands, one of the most scenic areas in Laos. The interior of Don Khong is almost entirely given over to rice cultivation. The major pastime on Don Khong is cycling around the countryside. Both in the early morning and late afternoon, this is an excellent way to pass a few hours, though it's best to avoid the middle of the day when the heat is oppressive. There are a few small villages scattered around the island's edge along with some interesting little temples and pleasant riverside scenery, but overall the main attraction here is the gentle pace of life. The floodplains of the Mekong River provide the country's only lowlands and its major wet-rice fields. Laos has a centrally planned economy based primarily on agriculture (including rice, sweet potatoes, sugarcane, cassava, and opium poppies) and international aid. Women hold dual responsibility for farm at home. In rice farming women in Laos have a substantial role. Traditionally, men plough, make bunds and prepare seedbeds, and women do more than half of the transplanting of rice, weeding, harvesting, threshing and post-harvest operations. In some areas the traditional task division has changed due to lack of male labour. Women are increasingly involved in land preparation, irrigation and preparing bunds and seedbeds.
I think the best way to explore Laos is by bicycle or feet. Meeting friendly Lao people in the small villages, like here on the Mekong island Don Khong, along the way and enjoying its countryside. I had to stop many times to make a photo. A beautiful scenery of paddy fields and it's gentle pace of life.
Si Phan Don, ook bekend als 4 duizend eilanden is gelegen in het zuiden van Laos. Hier is de Mekong op sommige gebieden wel 14 km breed. Het grootste eiland in de Mekong is Don Khong en meest ontwikkelde van deze eilanden. Eerst zijn we met een klein bootje naar het grootste eiland gegaan: Samengevat: peace & happiness. Voor de gemiddelde toerist is er erg weinig te doen, maar voor mij is de omgeving schitterend en heel rustgevend. De omgeving nodigt uit tot het maken van flinke wandelingen, maar je kunt het eiland ook prima per fiets verkennen. We hebben onze slaapplaats gevonden in een prachtig hardhouten chalet, waar alles oude klassieke rijkdom uitstraalde. We hebben dan ook maar een fiets gehuurd en een rondje gemaakt. Werkelijk prachtig en heerlijk om door onbedorven dorpjes en de prachtige groene rijstvelden te rijden waar iedereen ons zwaaiend met Sabaidee begroette. Opvallend is de sterke positie die de vrouwen binnen de familie innemen en ze doen zelfs het meeste werk op de rijstvelden. Een Aziatische rijstboer gebruikt geen machines, maar zaait, plant uit en oogst met de hand. Ploegen gebeurt meestal met een waterbuffel of met handtractor. Wist je dat een kleine rijstboer in Azië zo’n 80 kilometer achter zijn buffel aanloopt om één hectare rijstveld om te ploegen? Meestal verbouwt hij de rijst voor zichzelf en zijn gezin op een eigen stukje grond. Vaak echter dwingt geldgebrek hem de ganse oogst te verkopen. Dankzij de aanleg van dammen krijgen de velden het hele jaar voldoende water en kunnen de boeren tweemaal per jaar oogsten. Mannen en vrouwen hebben het werk op de velden netjes verdeeld. Mannen verzorgen de dijken, ploegen de velden, brengen de rijstplantjes aan - ze balanceren met hun draagstok op de dijkjes. Vrouwen staan acht tot tien uur per dag in het water om met gebogen rug de plantjes uit te zetten. De natte rijstbouw is het voornaamste middel van bestaan.
For those who wonder..so far this is our 6th day in Laos...
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I have travelled all my life but never before have I been in a country where the principal characteristic of the people seems to be their smile. Despite Laos poverty and isolation, its people were some of the kindest and most outgoing we've ever met. Its delightful old world charm has not been despoiled by the slow but steady pace of modernization. A number of kids played along the paddy fields greeted us. This is Laos, a land of ethnically diverse inhabitants but where gentle, open, beaming smiles surround you wherever you go. And never since my school days have I heard so much giggling, both in cities and in the countryside, as both young and old go about their daily activities. A naturally sweet nature seems to have survived centuries of fighting and turbulent change, while the results of the intense barrage of bombs and Agent Orange dropped on Laos during the Vietnam war still affects, in some way, almost every family in the country. To Westerners, with our grumbles and grouses about the slightest inconveniences to our lives, it is a revelation. Until recently Laos was an Asian backwater. When it opened its doors again to foreign visitors in the Nineties there were few modern amenities and no tourist infrastructure. Now this sleepy, rural land is waking up to tourism.
Photo of a lovely smiling girl taken on the island Don Khong - Laos. The main little island located in the Mekong river. While her father is ploughing in the rice fields and her mother transplanting rice seedlings this young girl is taken care of the youngest family member hiding behind her. A great place to explore some of the lesser-known areas of the southern region of Laos. A place to meet the friendly Lao people despite their poverty and isolation.
Si Phan Don, ook bekend als 4 duizend eilanden is gelegen in het zuiden van Laos. Hier is de Mekong op sommige gebieden wel 14 km breed. Het grootste eiland in de Mekong is Don Khong en meest ontwikkelde van deze eilanden. Eerst zijn we met een klein bootje naar het grootste eiland gegaan: Samengevat: peace & happiness. Voor de gemiddelde toerist is er erg weinig te doen, maar voor mij is de omgeving schitterend en heel rustgevend. De omgeving nodigt uit tot het maken van flinke wandelingen, maar je kunt het eiland ook prima per fiets verkennen. We hebben dan ook maar een fiets gehuurd en een rondje gemaakt. Werkelijk prachtig en heerlijk om door onbedorven dorpjes en de prachtige groene rijstvelden te rijden waar iedereen ons zwaaiend met Sabaidee begroette. Een land naast Thailand van de glimlach. De glimlachjes die ik hier overal krijg toegeworpen zijn oprecht. Ik voel me jarig, alsof ik de hele dag kadootjes krijg. Naast vriendelijk is Laos ook nog eens mooi. Als er een Authentiek Azië; bestaat, moet het Laos zijn. En als je ook maar enigszins je best doet om contact te krijgen met de bevolking zal je worden uitgenodigd om binnen te kijken en wat te eten en drinken. We hebben verder naar veel kinderen gezwaaid, veel glimlachjes teruggegeven. Zeker voor de avontuurlijke reiziger herbergt dit land een grote hoeveelheid aan onontdekte natuurschatten, vriendelijke mensen en een gevoel dat veel nog puur is.
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Our Tad Lo Resort has a spectacular setting perched above the Sexet River at Tad Lo waterfall with an incredible ambiance and great views of Tad Lo and Tad Hang waterfalls just below. We enjoy the natural surroundings exploring by foot or elephant. Tad Lo spreads over a beautiful forest in the Bolaven Plateau. The gushing waters of the waterfall fall in to a pool beneath which will beckon anyone out there for a cool dip. Tad Hang is the first set of falls you'll see when you arrive -- they are the smallest and gentlest of the three, but provide the best opportunity for taking a dip. The water is admittedly a bit murky, but not unhealthy. You'll spot a lot of locals fishing in the waters as well. Locals are still employing traditional fishing techniques. Men hunt and fish with throw nets and hooks while women with dip nets and baskets. She manage to catch a few tiddlers and store them into a small woven baskets on her waist. The Sexet river plays a vital role in the lives of the local inhabitants who are mainly engaged in fishing. Sticky rice and fish which will serve as a mid-day meal. There are many fish dishes in Laos.
Tad Lo waterfall is located on the Bolaven Plateau and is a great spot to find the locals fishing. Also children from the 'ethnic villages' spend most of their days not at school, but fishing and collecting snails from the river which runs through Tad Lo. There are some nice waterfalls and pools. It's a great area for trekking, and there are many ethnic villages nearby.
Tad Lo is in Salavan Province, but most commonly visited on trips based from Pakse, 85 km away via the Salavan Road - Route 20. It's something of a budget traveler's paradise, but we were surprised at how few backpackers are actually onto this fact. Tad Lo is really a series of three falls: Tad Suong, Tad Lo and Tad Hang. Most accommodation is grouped in the village of Kieng Than Lei. The first is right next to the village, the second is about a 1km walk upstream and the third is about 8 km upstream. The second waterfall can be easily found by following the jungle path on the left hand side of the river facing upstream. You will hear it before you see it, and there is a home-made set of steps to take you down to the bottom of the waterfall. You can also hop around the large stones at the top of the waterfall, and even jump off if you have the cohones! although check the area you're jumping into first!.
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Pakse or Pakxe is a city in the Champasak province of Laos. It's one of the biggest towns in Laos and a major transportation hub for southern Laos. But it's is still a small town so walk around. Otherwise there are enough tuk tuks around. There's not so much to do in Pakse but this is the base for travel to the Bolaven Plateau and Si Phan Don. It's quiet town. located between the two lazy rivers, the Mekong and Xe Don river. Life flows slowly here, just like the muddy Mekong. The people are gentle and unassuming. Pakse was founded by the French in 1905 as an administrative outpost. Pakse was later the capital of the Lao Kingdom of Champasak, which was abolished in 1946 when the Kingdom of Laos was formed. It still retains its old French town charm. Unfortunately the old houses are gradually disappearing to make way for modern buildings. Along the river bank is a delightful and enjoyable esplanade. Thailand is very close. From the checkpoint border of Chong Mek you can reach Ubon Ratchatani.
A young Lao monk crossing the French bridge in Pakse on his way to Monastery Wat Luang. The temples of Laos were once seen as "Universities" for monks. Lao monks are highly respected and revered in Lao communities. The French brigde crossing the Xe Don river. A few miles further this river flows into the mighty Mekong.
Pakse is de hoofdstad van de provincie Champasak in Laos. In 1905 werd dit plaatsje door de Franse gebouwd. In de stad staan een paar Franse koloniale gebouwen maar veel is er verdwenen. Wel is er nog een Franse brug over de Xe Don. Dit stadje met z'n met een provinciaal karakter ligt stil en rustig tussen de twee rustige rivieren de Mekong en de Xe Don. Er is een bootdienst naar het zuiden Si Phan Don. De aanlegsteiger is in de buurt van de monding van de Xe Don rivier. Pakse heeft twee busstations voor het openbaar vervoer. Eén ten behoeve van het verkeer naar het noorden en één voor verkeer richting zuiden. Er is niet zoveel te doen in Pakse, maar dit is de basis voor reizen naar de Bolaven Plateau en Si Phan Don. Het leven gaat hier rustig z'n gangetje, zo rustig als de stroming van de modderige Mekong rivier. Ik geniet van de alledaagse dingen die er te zien vallen in het dorp. Een wandeling langs de tempel Wat Luang en een bezoek aan een school voor monniken. Het gewone leven van de Lao langs de rivier. De restaurants zijn gelegen op de belangrijkste straat tussen de rotonde en de Franse brug. De meeste hotels en pensions in Pakse zijn te vinden langs de hoofdweg tussen de Franse brug en de rotonde.
Somos las gatas menos puras, que la noche abraza y siempre guarda, sacándole punta a las cuchillas, doradas de nuestras zarpas.
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1. centre There's a story for every homeless, 2. Her million miles eyes, 3. Just curious and cautious, 4. Enjoying the moment, 5. A well deserved break, 6. Secret Warchild, 7. Portrait of a Lao Monk, 8. Live a simple and meditative life, 9. A moment in thoughts, 10. A moment lost..., 11. Collecting maize for morning market sales, 12. Unchanged Laos for half a century, 13. Hard life in Vientiane
I'm almost at the end of my photos of our trip to Laos. Of all the places we've visited, Laos probably wins the award for Friendliest Country. Despite Laos poverty and isolation, its people were some of the kindest and most outgoing we've ever met. Bolaven Plateau greatly suffered during the Vietnam War. Laos was one of the most heavily bombed theaters of the Second Indochina War. Laos has remained virtually unchanged for half a century. Rich in history and culture, Laos and its people, more than 47 ethnic groups, harmonize life to ancient rhythms and traditions that evoke timeless Asia. Although the trappings of the modern world are becoming increasingly visible, Laos remains the least developed country in Southeast Asia. A country where experienced travelers will appreciate breathtaking scenery and of course the friendly people.
This holiday in Laos I tried to focus more on outdoor portraits photos. I’m learning that portrait photography can be tough in more than one way. Capturing a portrait of somebody is one of the hardest things to get right. The trick is to remember that it is as much about recording the subject's personality as it is about simply photographing their face. But on the street you don't have the time like in a studio. Just a few seconds the catch a glimpse of somebody. Not all portraits need to have a smile, capture the serious emotions too. Some of my favorite portraits have no hint of a smile in them, and they’re highly emotional. The shadow is an important part of the image. A dominantly dark or low-key image will naturally draw your eyes to the lighter parts. These tend to have a grittier and harder look to them than the high-key images. I hope you like my portrait photo's. I enjoyed traveling in Laos and made a selection of my most faved portrait photos. Thanks for all faves, comments and invites ;-)
Laos is een prachtig land met ongerepte natuur, exotische dieren en vriendelijke mensen. De Laotiaanse mensen zijn over het algemeen beschouwd als een van de meest open, vriendelijke mensen in de wereld. Relatieve isolement van het land heeft geleid tot Laos behoud van veel van zijn traditionele levensstijl. Het land is een arm land, met nog onbedorven wildernis en een bevolking van 5,5 miljoen mensen. Zeker voor de avontuurlijke reiziger herbergt dit land een grote hoeveelheid aan onontdekte natuurschatten, vriendelijke mensen en een gevoel dat veel nog puur is. Laos is ook een prachtig land om portret foto's te maken.
Deze vakantie wilde ik mij dus meer focussen op portret foto's. Een goed portret maken op straat is een uitdaging. Het is misschien wel het moeilijkste onderwerp dat er is. Op straat heb je niet al de tijd zoals in een studio, soms maar enkele seconden om een uitdrukking of emotie vast te leggen. Straat portret fotografie vind ik een erg leuke en spannende bezigheid. Je wil mensen op de foto zetten zonder dat ze het merken zodat ze zijn zoals ze echt zijn of zich op dat moment voelen. Dan zit je ook niet met de overweging om het te vragen want dan is het moment weg. De belichting op straat is meestal verre ideaal maar soms hebben juist donkere schaduwen een groots effect. Schaduwen zijn mooi! Niet perse in het gezicht, maar het liefst achter en om je model heen. Zelf ben ik ook wel aangenaam verrast van m'n reis foto's van Laos. Dit is een collectie van m'n meeste faved portret foto's van Noord Laos. Iedereen bedankt voor jullie commentaren, uitnodigingen en faves ;-)
Created with fd's Flickr Toys
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A Bhikkhuni is a fully ordained female Buddhist monastic. Male monastics are called Bhikkhus. Buddhism is unique in that Buddha, as founder of a spiritual tradition, explicitly states in canonical literature that a woman is as capable of nirvana enlightenment as a man, and can fully attain all four stages of enlightenment. Yes, the thing that strikes many visitors to Laos, besides the beauty and solitude of the place, is the incredible number of Buddhist monks walking around. Bhikkhus are dressed in those trademark saffron robes and Bhikkhunis dressed in white, you'll easily spot them walking in pairs, usually with an umbrella in hand to ward off either sunrays or raindrops. In the early morning hours, when they make their daily alms rounds through town, it seems as if a wave of orange is flowing down the streets.
Meditation is for the Bhikkhunis the road to enlightenment. Their lifestyle is shaped so as to support their spiritual practice, to live a simple and meditative life. Photo taken at a temple at village Kieng Than Lei. We had a friendly chat with the local people and monks. This elderly Bhikkhuni reached the age of "cow-sib" which means she's 90 years old. She still helps at the temple. Bhikkhunis are very friendly and approachable. We donated some money to this Buddhist community. Most people donate food to the monks to gain merit and improve their karma. The temples of Laos were once seen as "Universities" for monks. Lao monks are highly respected and revered in Lao communities. Many of the novice monks come from poor villages throughout Laos and live and study.
Een bhikkhuni is een non in het boeddhisme. Het dagelijks leven en veel van de regels voor bhikkhuni's komen sterk overeen met die van bhikkhu's de boeddhistische monniken. Voor bhikkhuni's is er echter een striktere discipline. Een van de redenen hiervoor is dat in de tijd van de Boeddha vrouwen onder bescherming stonden van mannen. De Orde van Bhikkhuni's is daarom ook ondergeschikt aan de Orde van Bhikkhu's, die een begeleidende en overziende rol speelt in de Orde van de Bhikkhuni's. Een groot deel van de Laostiaase bevolking, zo’n 60% is boeddhist. Men hangt het zogenaamde Teravada-boeddhisme. In het Theravada wordt meditatie benadrukt als een essentieel onderdeel van het pad naar verlichting, samen met moreel gedrag en wijsheid. Het brengen van een einde aan het lijden is het hoofddoel van het Theravada boeddhisme. De Boeddha legde verder een zeer gedetailleerde gedragscode voor de Monniken neer: de Vinaya. Over het algemeen worden monniken door de Boeddha aangemoedigd om wereldse aangelegenheden en passies achter zich te laten, zodat zij gemakkelijker in staat zijn een staat van vrede en wijsheid te bereiken, en sterke ongezonde emoties zoals haat, verlangen en lust te overwinnen. De monniken altijd kaalgeschoren met sandalen aan de voeten zijn niet meer weg te denken uit het straatbeeld van Laos. De monniken in oranje gewaden en bhikkhuni's altijd in het wit zoals deze oude non van negentig jaar oud. Ze help nog steeds in de tempel van het Kieng Than Lei dorp vlakbij de Tad Lo waterval.
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Please take your time... and enjoy it large on black
Don Khon is the main island in the South Mekong river region know as the 4000 islands, one of the most scenic areas in Laos. The interior of Don Khong is almost entirely given over to rice cultivation. The major pastime on Don Khon is cycling or walking around the countryside. Both in the early morning and late afternoon, this is an excellent way to pass a few hours, though it's best to avoid the middle of the day when the heat is oppressive. There are a few small villages scattered around the island's edge along with some interesting little temples and pleasant riverside scenery, but overall the main attraction here is the gentle pace of life. The floodplains of the Mekong River provide the country's only lowlands and its major wet-rice fields. Laos has a centrally planned economy based primarily on agriculture (including rice, sweet potatoes, sugarcane, cassava, and opium poppies) and international aid. Women hold dual responsibility for farm at home. In rice farming women in Laos have a substantial role. Traditionally, men plough, make bunds and prepare seedbeds, and women do more than half of the transplanting of rice, weeding, harvesting, threshing and post-harvest operations. In some areas the traditional task division has changed due to lack of male labour. Women are increasingly involved in land preparation, irrigation and preparing bunds and seedbeds.
I think the best way to explore Laos is by bicycle or feet. Meeting friendly Lao people in the small villages, like here on the Mekong island Don Khon, along the way and enjoying its countryside. I had to stop many times to make a photo. A beautiful scenery of paddy fields and it's gentle pace of life. During rice planting and harvesting time, many farmers in Laos would stay on the rice fields until the work is done. This is their second home and usually too busy to cook good meals. One thing for sure, the next time I have a sticky rice basket full of sticky rice I will appreciate it more knowing how much effort has gone through to get it on my table.
Si Phan Don, ook bekend als 4 duizend eilanden is gelegen in het zuiden van Laos. Hier is de Mekong op sommige gebieden wel 14 km breed. Het grootste eiland in de Mekong is Don Khong en meest ontwikkelde van deze eilanden. Eerst zijn we met een klein bootje naar het grootste eiland gegaan: Samengevat: peace & happiness. Voor de gemiddelde toerist is er erg weinig te doen, maar voor mij is de omgeving schitterend en heel rustgevend. De omgeving nodigt uit tot het maken van flinke wandelingen, maar je kunt het eiland ook prima per fiets verkennen. We hebben onze slaapplaats gevonden in een prachtig hardhouten chalet, waar alles oude klassieke rijkdom uitstraalde. We hebben dan ook maar een fiets gehuurd en een rondje gemaakt. Werkelijk prachtig en heerlijk om door onbedorven dorpjes en de prachtige groene rijstvelden te rijden waar iedereen ons zwaaiend met Sabaidee begroette. Opvallend is de sterke positie die de vrouwen binnen de familie innemen en ze doen zelfs het meeste werk op de rijstvelden. Een Aziatische rijstboer gebruikt geen machines, maar zaait, plant uit en oogst met de hand. Ploegen gebeurt meestal met een waterbuffel of met handtractor. Wist je dat een kleine rijstboer in Azië zo’n 80 kilometer achter zijn buffel aanloopt om één hectare rijstveld om te ploegen? Meestal verbouwt hij de rijst voor zichzelf en zijn gezin op een eigen stukje grond. Vaak echter dwingt geldgebrek hem de ganse oogst te verkopen. Dankzij de aanleg van dammen krijgen de velden het hele jaar voldoende water en kunnen de boeren tweemaal per jaar oogsten. Mannen en vrouwen hebben het werk op de velden netjes verdeeld. Mannen verzorgen de dijken, ploegen de velden, brengen de rijstplantjes aan - ze balanceren met hun draagstok op de dijkjes. Vrouwen staan acht tot tien uur per dag in het water om met gebogen rug de plantjes uit te zetten. De natte rijstbouw is het voornaamste middel van bestaan.
Laos is blessed with some of Asia’s nicest rivers, and many of them are mellow. Children spent the day at school, and by the afternoon they were doing the chores required of them…building a fire for the kitchen, sweeping the leaves into a pile, or caring for the young siblings strapped to their back …young boys and girls from the age of seven or eight attentive to the baby’s every need. Amongst this was the laughter of children playing in the river.
Photo taken nearby the little town Pakxe - Laos. Boys playing in the afternoon at the rampart of the Mekong river.
...an old lady washing her clothes in the river gave us a beautiful smile; the Laos people are so friendly. Kids have a great time running on the rampart, swimming along the side of the Mekong river, taking boat rides along the river and playing. A bit futher south men washing their elephants in the river. Lao seems a bit like heaven, the laughter is often & sincere, the rivers are cool and clean and not a speck of modern civilization in sight. In my perspective it is some of the best Laos can offer.
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Please take your time... and enjoy it large on black
Don Khong is the main island in the South Mekong river region know as the 4000 islands, one of the most scenic areas in Laos. The interior of Don Khong is almost entirely given over to rice cultivation. The major pastime on Don Khong is cycling around the countryside. Both in the early morning and late afternoon, this is an excellent way to pass a few hours, though it's best to avoid the middle of the day when the heat is oppressive. There are a few small villages scattered around the island's edge along with some interesting little temples and pleasant riverside scenery, but overall the main attraction here is the gentle pace of life. The floodplains of the Mekong River provide the country's only lowlands and its major wet-rice fields. Laos has a centrally planned economy based primarily on agriculture (including rice, sweet potatoes, sugarcane, cassava, and opium poppies) and international aid. Women hold dual responsibility for farm at home. In rice farming women in Laos have a substantial role. Traditionally, men plough, make bunds and prepare seedbeds, and women do more than half of the transplanting of rice, weeding, harvesting, threshing and post-harvest operations. In some areas the traditional task division has changed due to lack of male labour. Women are increasingly involved in land preparation, irrigation and preparing bunds and seedbeds.
I think the best way to explore Laos is by bicycle or feet. Meeting friendly Lao people in the small villages, like here on the Mekong island Don Khong, along the way and enjoying its countryside. I had to stop many times to make a photo. A beautiful scenery of paddy fields and it's gentle pace of life.
Si Phan Don, ook bekend als 4 duizend eilanden is gelegen in het zuiden van Laos. Hier is de Mekong op sommige gebieden wel 14 km breed. Het grootste eiland in de Mekong is Don Khong en meest ontwikkelde van deze eilanden. Eerst zijn we met een klein bootje naar het grootste eiland gegaan: Samengevat: peace & happiness. Voor de gemiddelde toerist is er erg weinig te doen, maar voor mij is de omgeving schitterend en heel rustgevend. De omgeving nodigt uit tot het maken van flinke wandelingen, maar je kunt het eiland ook prima per fiets verkennen. We hebben onze slaapplaats gevonden in een prachtig hardhouten chalet, waar alles oude klassieke rijkdom uitstraalde. We hebben dan ook maar een fiets gehuurd en een rondje gemaakt. Werkelijk prachtig en heerlijk om door onbedorven dorpjes en de prachtige groene rijstvelden te rijden waar iedereen ons zwaaiend met Sabaidee begroette. Opvallend is de sterke positie die de vrouwen binnen de familie innemen en ze doen zelfs het meeste werk op de rijstvelden. Een Aziatische rijstboer gebruikt geen machines, maar zaait, plant uit en oogst met de hand. Ploegen gebeurt meestal met een waterbuffel of met handtractor. Wist je dat een kleine rijstboer in Azië zo’n 80 kilometer achter zijn buffel aanloopt om één hectare rijstveld om te ploegen? Meestal verbouwt hij de rijst voor zichzelf en zijn gezin op een eigen stukje grond. Vaak echter dwingt geldgebrek hem de ganse oogst te verkopen. Dankzij de aanleg van dammen krijgen de velden het hele jaar voldoende water en kunnen de boeren tweemaal per jaar oogsten. Mannen en vrouwen hebben het werk op de velden netjes verdeeld. Mannen verzorgen de dijken, ploegen de velden, brengen de rijstplantjes aan - ze balanceren met hun draagstok op de dijkjes. Vrouwen staan acht tot tien uur per dag in het water om met gebogen rug de plantjes uit te zetten. De natte rijstbouw is het voornaamste middel van bestaan.
For those who wonder..so far this is our 6th day in Laos...
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Please take your time... and enjoy it large on black
Champasak lies on the western bank of the Mekong river - Southern Laos, while the main route to the south - route 13 is on the eastern side. Getting to and from Champasak will involve a crossing of the Mekong as the town sits on the West bank. Our tuk-tuk will join our crossing. The ferry, which carries vehicles, even buses and people is more like a group of canoes tied together to make a large raft. A wooden platform mounted across three separate hulls; the height of marine technology. We decided to wait outside the tuk-tuk in case an emergency exit was needed. The ferry was driven by an old truck engine. We had to wait till the ferry was fully loaded. Crossing takes about 15 minutes, but loading and unloading takes a lot longer since there is no regular landing-stage just the river bank. Besides this the Captain needs to maneuver broadside which makes it even harder to anchor. Basically Laos is not the best place in the world to be if you are impatient or in a hurry. It took us about 1.5 hour to cross the mighty Mekong river. The ferry point is a quite busy place, actually a small market. There are eateries on the river bank but we decided to eat later and cross the river first. But women selling also food on the ferry. A vendor had just delivered a soup. I enjoy the river scenes of people having food on the raft and smaller rafts, just fit enough to ferry a couple of bikes making their way across as well. It's quite a happening. Half the fun of traveling here is in the travel itself.
Photo of Captain with chinese bamboo hat crossing the mighty Mekong river to Champasak - Southern Laos. He's looking very serious since his skill is needed since there is no regular landing-stage just the river bank. Besides this the ferry needs to maneuver broadside which makes it even harder to anchor.
Onze tuktuk reed ons van Houay Sae - route13 naar de ferry alwaar wij de Mekong rivier overstaken richting Champasak. De veerpont is niet meer dan twee aan elkaar gebonden sloepen met een platform van planken. Eigenlijk een groot vlot op drijvers dat door een oude vrachtwagenmotor wordt voortbewogen. De overtocht is op zich al een belevenis. Er gaan zoveel auto’s op tot er geen één meer bij kan. Zodra we erop zijn gaat de ferry uiteraard nog niet varen, we moeten wachten tot deze vol is... wat ook nog even duurt. De overtocht opzich duurt niet lang maar het aanmeren wel aangezien er geen steiger is alleen de ruige oever van de Mekong rivier. Het moeilijke voor de kapitein is dat de boot dwars moet aanmeren. Er wordt gemanoevreerd naar een goeie plek alwaar de autobussen "veilig" via twee planken op de kant kunnen komen. Het is behoorlijk druk op en rond de veerboot. Eigenlijk een kleine markt zowel aan de oever als op de veerboot. Op de ferry worden verschillende dingen verkocht, lemon-juice wat vers wordt gemaakt, diverse gegrilde stukken vlees op spies etc etc. Een delicatesse hier is kip-embryo, dus een gekookt kuiken in een ei. Onze tuktuk ging mee naar de overkant. Champasak ligt eigenlijk nog 2km zuiderlijker. Onze tuktuk chauffeur was zelf ook nog nooit in Champasak geweest waardoor we eigenlijk Champasak in eerste instantie voorbij reden. We hadden zelfs het idee dat Champasak een groot stadje was, maar was niet meer dan wat huizen aan één weg. Uiteindelijk toch bij plaats van bestemming gekomen en accommodatie gevonden.
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Please take your time... and enjoy it large on black
Most lowland rice in Laos is transplanted as opposed to direct-seeded. Wet-season rice production typically begins in Mar or early June at the start of the monsoon rains with the planting of the rice nursery. Following sufficient rain, the seedling nursery is prepared by plowing and puddling using a harrow. This is often done by buffalo. Seedlings grow for about 30 days in the nursery, although may transplant at any time from 25 to 40 days or long depending on rainfall. Sufficient rainfall is required to plow the main field and prepare for transplanting. Most lowland rice landscapes feature small huts in and around the rice paddies. These huts which provide a place to rest and eat while working in the field and the guard the crop. Harvesting is done manually and the harvest is usually bundled and left in the field for a few days to dry. Once dried, rice is often stored for a short period in the field before threshing by piling the cut rice neatly into a large round stack with the rice particles in the middle of the stack to protect them from the rain and rodents. In many of the larger lowland rice-growing areas, threshing is becoming increasingly mechanized.
Traditionally, men plough with their buffalo, make bunds and prepare seedbeds, and women do more than half of the transplanting of rice, weeding, harvesting, threshing and post-harvest operations. A good way to explore the daily life in Laos is by bicycle or feet. Meeting friendly Lao people in the small villages, like here on the Mekong island Don Khong, along the way and enjoying its countryside. I had to stop many times to make a photo. A beautiful scenery of rice fields where three women transplanting rice in the wet green paddy fields. Getting wet shoes is part of living in Laos especially during raining season. I also didn't keep my shoes dry taken this photo and other photos in the paddy fields.
Werkelijk prachtig en heerlijk om door onbedorven dorpjes en de prachtige groene rijstvelden te rijden waar iedereen ons zwaaiend met Sabaidee begroette. Opvallend is de sterke positie die de vrouwen binnen de familie innemen en ze doen zelfs het meeste werk op de rijstvelden. De mannen ploegen de rijstvelden meestal met hun hand tractoren of met waterbuffels. De natte rijstbouw is het voornaamste middel van bestaan. De Aziaten gooien geen enkel deeltje van de rijstplant op de composthoop, maar zijn creatief in het verwerken van rijst. De stengel wordt gevlochten tot lonten en touwen. Van de korrels wordt wijn of bier gebrouwen. De vliesjes (zemelen) worden vaak toegevoegd aan natuurvoeding. Kaf wordt verbrand in kachels voor de warmte. De as van het kaf doet doffe, verkleurde tanden glanzen.
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Please take your time... and enjoy it large on black
1. centre Lost his soul gained in his own world, 2. The life of a Lao monk, 3. Friendly Lao woman at work, 4. Living a simple and meditative life, 5. Her sincere eyes tell a story, 6. Charming Lao man with soulful eyes, 7. Buffalo girl, 8. Untold story of a retired General, 9. Where the smile have been?, 10. A life of sacrifice and timeless beauty, 11. Captain manoeuvring on mighty Mekong, 12. Her eyes caught mine, 13. Monastic wisdom of the Elders
I'm almost at the end of my photos of our trip to Southern Laos. Of all the places we've visited, Laos probably wins the award for Friendliest Country. Despite Laos poverty and isolation, its people were some of the kindest and most outgoing we've ever met. Bolaven Plateau greatly suffered during the Vietnam War. Southern Laos was one of the most heavily bombed theaters of the Second Indochina War. Laos has remained virtually unchanged for half a century. Rich in history and culture, Laos and its people, more than 47 ethnic groups, harmonize life to ancient rhythms and traditions that evoke timeless Asia. Although the trappings of the modern world are becoming increasingly visible, Laos remains the least developed country in Southeast Asia. A country where experienced travelers will appreciate breathtaking scenery and of course the friendly people.
This holiday in Laos I tried to focus more on outdoor portraits photos. I’m learning that portrait photography can be tough in more than one way. Capturing a portrait of somebody is one of the hardest things to get right. The trick is to remember that it is as much about recording the subject's personality as it is about simply photographing their face. But on the street you don't have the time like in a studio. Just a few seconds the catch a glimpse of somebody. Not all portraits need to have a smile, capture the serious emotions too. Some of my favorite portraits have no hint of a smile in them, and they’re highly emotional. The shadow is an important part of the image. A dominantly dark or low-key image will naturally draw your eyes to the lighter parts. These tend to have a grittier and harder look to them than the high-key images. I hope you like my portrait photo's. I enjoyed traveling in Laos and made a selection of my most faved portrait photos. Thanks for all faves, comments and invites ;-)
Laos is een prachtig land met ongerepte natuur, exotische dieren en vriendelijke mensen. De Laotiaanse mensen zijn over het algemeen beschouwd als een van de meest open, vriendelijke mensen in de wereld. Relatieve isolement van het land heeft geleid tot Laos behoud van veel van zijn traditionele levensstijl. Het land is een arm land, met nog onbedorven wildernis en een bevolking van 5,5 miljoen mensen. Zeker voor de avontuurlijke reiziger herbergt dit land een grote hoeveelheid aan onontdekte natuurschatten, vriendelijke mensen en een gevoel dat veel nog puur is. Laos is ook een prachtig land om portret foto's te maken.
Deze vakantie wilde ik mij dus meer focussen op portret foto's. Een goed portret maken op straat is een uitdaging. Het is misschien wel het moeilijkste onderwerp dat er is. Op straat heb je niet al de tijd zoals in een studio, soms maar enkele seconden om een uitdrukking of emotie vast te leggen. Straat portret fotografie vind ik een erg leuke en spannende bezigheid. Je wil mensen op de foto zetten zonder dat ze het merken zodat ze zijn zoals ze echt zijn of zich op dat moment voelen. Dan zit je ook niet met de overweging om het te vragen want dan is het moment weg. De belichting op straat is meestal verre ideaal maar soms hebben juist donkere schaduwen een groots effect. Schaduwen zijn mooi! Niet perse in het gezicht, maar het liefst achter en om je model heen. Zelf ben ik ook wel aangenaam verrast van m'n reis foto's van Laos. Dit is een collectie van m'n meeste faved portret foto's van Zuid Laos. Iedereen bedankt voor jullie commentaren, uitnodigingen en faves ;-)
Created with fd's Flickr Toys
© all rights reserved
Please take your time... and enjoy it large on black
Laos wet season runs from around May to October, and as with many Southeast Asian countries, the wet season is characterised by a downpour for a few hours each day rather than all-day torrential downpours. While the rainy season tends to strike Laos pretty much, in such forestry area the higher you are, the more rain you get. August is the wettest month. All in all, land transport during Laos wet season can be slow and soggy. Laos pretty mountainous lends itself to landslides, some minor, some not-so-minor. Also, with all this rainfall, the rivers can become beastly and delays due to bridges being down are not uncommon. Don't be surprised if your trip takes longer than expected. There are some advantages of this season which are lower temperatures, cleaner air and it's very quiet.
On this rainy morning there is not much to do in Laos. The relaxed atmosphere was perfect for unwinding, resting in my hammock on my balcony and reading my Laos travel book, a break from the fast pace of the outside world. But I did have to go back inside to get my camera. I just had to take this photo of this boat on the mighty Mekong streaming along with the dark rainy clouds. The logboat is going downstream the Mekong. The boatman turned his motor off to save fuel.
The flat plains and rice fields in the Laos appear to be nearly endless. The hot sun, torrential rain and hard work in the fields definitely takes its toll on the people. They enjoy their breaks, take life slowly, and somehow still smile the entire time. The Mighty Mekong cuts through this area along the east border. Laos is truly a Mekong country, the river runs its full length. It is a quiet, unexplored jewel of Southeast Asia with only 4 million people. Landlocked between China, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, Laos has long remained isolated. Despite the fact that it was heavily bombed in the '60s and early '70, its culture and scenery remain intact, from the lush green mountains of its North to the ancient archeaological treasures of its South. You will not find large numbers of tourists as its leaders are worry of the difficulties mass tourism can cause.
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Please take your time... and enjoy it large on black
Champassak is the southernmost province of Laos and was part of the large Khmer empire in the past. The provincie is considered to be the cradle of traditional Laotian culture. This certainly is true for the valley of the Mekong river populated by Lao Loum. Tropical forests cover more than half of the country's total land area; only a tiny portion of its total area is suitable for agriculture. The floodplains of the Mekong River provide the country's only lowlands and its major wet-rice fields. Laos has a centrally planned economy based primarily on agriculture (including rice, sweet potatoes, sugarcane, cassava, and opium poppies) and international aid. Women hold dual responsibility for farm at home. In rice farming women in Laos have a substantial role. Traditionally, men plough, make bunds and prepare seedbeds, and women do more than half of the transplanting of rice, weeding, harvesting, threshing and post-harvest operations. In some areas the traditional task division has changed due to lack of male labour. Women are increasingly involved in land preparation, irrigation and preparing bunds and seedbeds.
Of all the places we've visited, Laos probably wins the award for Friendliest Country. Despite Laos poverty and isolation, its people were some of the kindest and most outgoing we've ever met. Photo of a smiling girl at work at the paddy fields near Champasak. Lao women have played a central role in the national country's and household economies over the past two decades. Women's participation exceeds men's in the economically active population. Due to dual responsibility for farm and household they are usually overburdened with work. At home some of these duties include water collection, which may take two to three hours a day; husking rice for family consumption, which may require two hours of work; milling rice; and caring for the sick and the elderly. Girls assist their mothers with these chores and they are often made responsible for care of younger kids. In spite of their major economic contribution, women are generally not considered as workers. However, women, particularly older ones, do control household budgets and share in financial decision making. However, for some intangible reason, the Lao people are still wonderfully friendly, hospitable and passionate. They do not have much, but show it off with pride and wear warming smiles.
Laos, is nog één van de weinige overgebleven communistisch regimes en is ook één van de armste naties van Azië. De huidige regering kwam aan de macht in 1975 en legde onmiddellijk een onbuigzaam socialistisch economisch programma op. Verandering begon in 1986 met de losmaken van beperkingen op privé-onderneming. Sinds dien heeft Laos een hoge economische groei, ondanks arme nationale infrastructuur en een overwegende, ondoelmatige landbouwsector. Het is ook zwaar afhankelijk van internationale hulpprogramma's. In 1998 begon Laos formele onderhandelingen met de Wereld Handelsorganisatie. De gemiddelde verdienste per dag is 5,60 US$ per hoofd. Opvallend is de sterke positie die de vrouwen binnen de familie innemen en ze doen zelfs het meeste werk op de rijstvelden. De natte rijstbouw is het voornaamste middel van bestaan. De vrouwen en mannen in Laos blijven ondanks hun moeilijke bestaan altijd vriendelijk en gastvrij. Ze hebben niet veel maar stralen altijd met trots hun warme glimlach uit.
EXPLORE#352- 1 de febrero de 2009
1.Hoy hace un año que subí mi primera foto a Flickr.
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2. Mi nombre de pila completo es María Micaela.
3.Nací hace ya muchoooooos años en Santurtzi o Santurce,como mas os guste y es dondo resido habitualmente.
4.Estoy casada felizmente con un andaluz de Jaén,como decía mi ya fallecido padre,hemos fundado la "Vascoandaluza".
4.Tengo un hijo ,Andoni, de 18 años ,estudiante de Bachillerato y aspirante a hacer la carrera de Historia de la que es un apasionado.
5.Mi afición por la fotografía comenzó hace aproximadamente tres años , asisti a un curso de fotografia digital impartido por el Area de la Mujer del Ayuntamento de Santurtzi,ya que no sabía ni encender la
cámara,despues otro cursillo de Photoshop ,y así empecé a entusiasmarme,soy totalmente autodidacta,pero siempre he seguido los consejos de Patricia ,nuestra profesora en ambos cursillos,nos enseñó
admirablemente y cada vez que disparo me acuerdo de las reglas que nos marcó,tambien veo muchisimas fotografias (otro de sus consejos ),así conocí la página de Flickr.
6.Mi cámara ,es una humilde y sencilla compacta,Canon Powershot A520 ,a la que creo que saco buen rendimiento acompañandome con algún "truquillo" que otro de Photoshop.
7.Estoy pensando en comprarme una reflex,pero me frena lo grandes que son ,yo llevo mi cámara siempre en el bolso y con una reflex no sería posible,eso si la próxima ,reflex o no ,será Canon ,soy canonista .como
mi profesora Patricia.
8.Actualmente tengo un trabajo apasionante ,estresante y muy muy gratificante,soy cuidadora de personas con demencias tipo Alzehimer.
9.Debido a mi trabajo,ahora no os puedo visitar tanto,ya que antes trabajaba media jornada y ahora tambien por las mañanas,pero en cuanto tengo un ratito ,como dice mi marido,ya estoy" flickrceando".
10.Estoy totalmente asombrada por la cantidad de vuestras visitas en este año,más de 200.000,supongo que será porque mis fotos os gustan ,lo cual agradezco proundamente.
11.Me encanta viajar y la única pena que tengo es que depues de habernos recorrido,Italia Francia y Portugal ,en caravana además de toda España,no hay una provincia española que no haya pisado,fuera la época en
que no era aficionada a la fotografía y me da una rabia persar todos los sitios bonitos que he visitado y no he fotografiado.
12.Me gusta mucho leer temas relacionados con la medicina,me encantan las novelas de Robin Coock,y la psicología ,psiquiatría y geriatría,todos estos temas están relacionados con mi trabajo y me ayudan
bastante,aparte de mis estudios de auxiliar, a saber como tratar a las personas con demencias .
!3.Soy bastante buena cocinera,el bacalao al pil-pil o a la vizcaina ,o cualquier plato típico vasco ,mi paella es famosa y hoy por ejemplo he puesto un pollo con salsa de almendras que estaba para cuparse los dedos.
14.Aparte de Santurtzi he vivido ocho años en Berriz,provincia de Bizkaia,y dos años en Alicante ,unos meses en Elche y el resto en Torreviela.
!5.Me gusta muchisimo la playa,y la mar,muchos de vosotros me llamais ,la fotografa de la mar,soy de familia marinera mis dos abuelas sardineras,mi abuelo materno tenía un barco con un nombre muy poético
"Goizeko izarra ",para que os entereis todos, "Estrella de la mañana "y mi pade era patrón de remolcador,como veis todo relacionado con la mar.
16.Tengo pocos pero muy buenos amigos ,entre ellos algunos de la época en que viví en Berriz y Alicante.
1.Hoy a year ago that I got my first photo to Flickr.
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2. My full name is Maria Micaela.
3.Nací years ago muchoooooos Santurtzi or in Santurce, but as you like and is usually where I live.
4.Estoy happily married with an Andalusian Jaén, in the words of my late father, we have founded the "Vascoandaluza.
4.Tengo a son, Andoni, 18, and high school students aspiring to get a degree in history from which one is passionate.
5.Mi passion for photography began about three years ago, I attended a digital photography course taught by the Area Women's Ayuntamento Santurtzi because neither knew nor turn the
camera, then another course of Photoshop, and began to enthusiasm, I am completely self taught, but I have always followed the advice of Patricia, a teacher in our two courses, taught us
admirably and every time I remember shooting the rules we set, I also see plenty of pictures (another of his advice) and I met Flickr page.
6.Mi camera, is a humble and simple compact Canon Powershot A520, which I think I draw good performance along with some "tricks" that other Photoshop.
7.Estoy thinking of buying a reflex, but it slows me how big they are, I always carry my camera bag and with a reflex would not be possible, that if the next reflex or not, is Canon, I canonist. As
my teacher Patricia.
8.Actualmente have an exciting job, very stressful and very rewarding, I am caregiver for people with dementia type Alzehimer.
9.Debido my job, now I can not see much because it worked before half-time and now also in the mornings, but when I have a little, as my husband says I am "flickrceando.
10.Estoy totally amazed by the amount of your views on this year more than 200,000, I guess it will be because you like my photos, which I appreciate proundamente.
11.Me love traveling and the only pity is that after I have traveled, Italy France and Portugal, in addition to caravan across Spain, there is a Spanish province that has not stepped outside the time
was not fond of photography and gives me an angry Persian all sites I've visited beautiful and I have not photographed.
12.Me enjoy reading topics related to medicine, I love the novels of Robin Coock, and psychology, psychiatry and geriatrics, all of these issues are related to my work and help me
quite apart from my studies to help to know how to treat people with dementia.
! 3.Soy pretty good cook, cod pil-pil or Bilbao, Basque or any dish, my paella is famous today for example I put a chicken in almond sauce that was to cuparse fingers.
14.Aparte Santurtzi I lived eight years in Berriz, Vizcaya province, and two years in Alicante, Elche in a few months and the rest in Torreviela.
! 5.Me much like the beach and the sea, many of you call me, the photographer of the sea, I am of my two grandmothers family marinera Sardinero my maternal grandfather was a boat with a very poetic name
"Goizeko Izarra, entereis that ye all," Morning Star "and my employer was PADE tug as you see everything related to the sea.
16.Tengo few but very good friends, including some of the time when I lived in Berriz and Alicante.
español
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Please take your time... and enjoy it large on black
Our Tad Lo Resort has a spectacular setting perched above the Sexet River at Tad Lo waterfall with an incredible ambiance and great views of Tad Lo and Tad Hang waterfalls just below. We enjoy the natural surroundings exploring by foot or elephant. Tad Lo spreads over a beautiful forest in the Bolaven Plateau. The gushing waters of the waterfall fall in to a pool beneath which will beckon anyone out there for a cool dip. Tad Hang is the first set of falls you'll see when you arrive -- they are the smallest and gentlest of the three, but provide the best opportunity for taking a dip. The water is admittedly a bit murky, but not unhealthy. You'll spot a lot of locals fishing in the waters as well. Locals are still employing traditional fishing techniques. Men hunt and fish with throw nets and hooks while women with dip nets and baskets. She manage to catch a few tiddlers and store them into a small woven baskets on her waist. The Sexet river plays a vital role in the lives of the local inhabitants who are mainly engaged in fishing. Sticky rice and fish which will serve as a mid-day meal. There are many fish dishes in Laos.
Tad Lo waterfall is located on the Bolaven Plateau - Laos and is a great spot to find the locals fishing. Also children from the 'ethnic villages' spend most of their days not at school, but fishing and collecting snails from the river which runs through Tad Lo. There are some nice waterfalls and pools. It's a great area for trekking, and there are many ethnic villages nearby.
Tad Lo is in Salavan Province, but most commonly visited on trips based from Pakse, 85 km away via the Salavan Road - Route 20. It's something of a budget traveler's paradise, but we were surprised at how few backpackers are actually onto this fact. Tad Lo is really a series of three falls: Tad Suong, Tad Lo and Tad Hang. Most accommodation is grouped in the village of Kieng Than Lei. The first is right next to the village, the second is about a 1km walk upstream and the third is about 8 km upstream. The second waterfall can be easily found by following the jungle path on the left hand side of the river facing upstream. You will hear it before you see it, and there is a home-made set of steps to take you down to the bottom of the waterfall. You can also hop around the large stones at the top of the waterfall, and even jump off if you have the cohones! although check the area you're jumping into first!.
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Laos has remained virtually unchanged for half a century. Rich in history and culture, Laos and its peoples, more than 47 ethnic groups, harmonize life to ancient rhythms and traditions that evoke timeless Asia. Although the trappings of the modern world are becoming increasingly visible, Laos remains the least developed country in Southeast Asia. A country where experienced travelers will appreciate breathtaking scenery and ofcourse the friendly people.
Photo of two little girls strolling arm-in-arm down the road at their hometown Kieng Than Lei. A snapshot which shows the innocence of childhood. Hopefully they always feel the lasting love of friendship. This little village is located on the Bolaven Plateau and is a great place to explore some of the lesser-known areas of the southern region of Laos. These sweet girls were so happy that I took a photo of them ;-)
Laos is een prachtig land met ongerepte natuur, exotische dieren en vriendelijke mensen. Het land is een arm land, met nog onbedorven wildernis en een bevolking van 5,5 miljoen mensen. In Laos zijn zo'n twintig natuurgebieden die door de overheid zijn aangewezen als National Protected Area. Door deze bescherming wordt het unieke landschap en de flora en fauna zoveel mogelijk behouden De gebieden bestaan uit tropische regenwouden, kalkstenen rotsformaties, inheemse flora en fauna en andere wildlife. Zeker voor de avontuurlijke reiziger herbergt dit land een grote hoeveelheid aan onontdekte natuurschatten, vriendelijke mensen en een gevoel dat veel nog puur is.
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Please take your time... and enjoy it large on black
Laos is blessed with some of Asia’s nicest rivers, and many of them are mellow. Children spent the day at school, and by the afternoon they were doing the chores required of them…building a fire for the kitchen, sweeping the leaves into a pile, or caring for the young siblings strapped to their back …young boys and girls from the age of seven or eight attentive to the baby’s every need. Amongst this was the laughter of children playing in the river. But sometimes they skip their days at school, going fishing and collecting snails from the river, or using long bamboo poles to knock crickets from the trees. They eat the crickets live or drop them into bottles and take them home for lunch or dinner.
Photo taken nearby the Tad Lo waterfall near the little town Kieng Than Lei - Laos. These ragged little urchins spend most of their days not at school, but fishing and collecting snails from the river. School is important for ethnic minority kids, they should attend and complete primary education in order to overcome rural/urban, ethnic in the area of literacy and education. But it isn't that easy. The reason to skip school are the family economic considerations, involvement in family maintenance and subsistence tasks, the lack of perceived benefits from education. While poverty and lack of access are issues. In addition to these, ethnic minority kids have to face further barriers to education, including the distance from school facilities, their extreme poverty, and additional cultural barriers and the lack of fluency in the national language, Lao. The ethnic kids speak their own language. About 32% of all Laotians are related to Ethnic groups. Totally 160 ethnic groups and speak 82 distinct living languages.
...an old lady washing her clothes in the river gave us a beautiful smile; the Laos people are so friendly. Kids have a great time running on the rampart, swimming in the Sexet river at the Tad Lo waterfall, taking boat rides along the river and playing. A bit futher south men washing their elephants in the river. Lao seems a bit like heaven, the laughter is often & sincere, the rivers are cool and clean and not a speck of modern civilization in sight. In my perspective it is some of the best Laos can offer.
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Please take your time... and enjoy it large on black
Of all the places we've visited, Laos probably wins the award for Friendliest Country. Despite Laos poverty and isolation, its people were some of the kindest and most outgoing we've ever met. We visited a Kieng Than Lei village along the Sexet river. A number of kids played along the beach and greeted us, including this little boy at his home. Walking is by far the best way to get around this small village. And during our strolls we'd often bump into the same kids over and over. A small village next to the Tad Lo waterfall. We enjoy the natural surroundings exploring by foot or elephant. Tad Lo spreads over a beautiful forest in the Bolaven Plateau. At this elevated area you can soak up the fresh climate. The water is admittedly a bit murky, but not unhealthy. You'll spot a lot of locals fishing in the waters as well. This journey enabled me to enjoy in the scenery of Sexet river life – river shores with water buffalos quenching their thirst, fishermen throwing the net from small wooden boat to catch meal for the family and villagers, children playing and splashing in the shallow waters, women and men bathing, some washing laundry and some washing vegetables and dishes… villages with sows and cows, vegetable gardens. What a beautiful journey. Tad Lo is really a series of three falls: Tad Suong, Tad Lo and Tad Hang. Most accommodation is grouped in the village Kieng Than Lei. Tad Lo is in Salavan Province, but most commonly visited on trips based from Pakse, 85 km away via the Salavan Road - Route 20. It's something of a budget traveler's paradise, but we were surprised at how few backpackers are actually onto this fact.
Photo of a little boy at home taken in Kieng Than Lei. A little village located on the Bolaven Plateau. A great place to explore some of the lesser-known areas of the southern region of Laos. A village to meet the friendly Lao people despite their poverty and isolation.
Laos is traversed by a thousand rivers that teem with life. The Sexet river is like an important artery, and means life in the jungle, it means water for drinking, washing, and irrigation. It means a disposal bin, playground for children, agriculture, and food. It also provides for a magnificent view of the countryside. But these rivers that are the lifeline of rural communities and local economies may soon be blocked, diverted and decimated by dams, according to a new report from International Rivers. The Lao government hopes to transform the country into the battery of Southeast Asia by exporting the power generated by numerous hydroelectric projects.
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Please take your time... and enjoy it large on black
Of all the places we've visited, Laos probably wins the award for Friendliest Country. Despite Laos poverty and isolation, its people were some of the kindest and most outgoing we've ever met. We were on our way to Salavan also Saravane which means one million days. A number of kids played along the road and greeted us. We enjoyed the natural surroundings exploring by local bus. Salavan spreads over a beautiful forest in the Bolaven Plateau. At this elevated area you can soak up the fresh climate and the friendly atmosphere. Bolaven Plateau greatly suffered during the Vietnam War. The Bolaven Plateau was one of the most heavily bombed theatres of the Second Indochina War. Laos has remained virtually unchanged for half a century. Rich in history and culture, Laos and its peoples, more than 47 ethnic groups, harmonize life to ancient rhythms and traditions that evoke timeless Asia. Although the trappings of the modern world are becoming increasingly visible, Laos remains the least developed country in Southeast Asia. A country where experienced travelers will appreciate breathtaking scenery and ofcourse the friendly people.
From the little village Kieng Than Lei at Tadlo waterfalls we took a bus trip to Salavan. The scenery was very good, the plateau is crossed by several rivers and has many scenic waterfalls. The scenery got even better the further East we went, rolling high hills and scattered farms and villages. Salavan province is home to the Phu Xieng Thong National Biodiversity Conservation Area, covering nearly 1,000 sq km in the western part of the province next to the Mekong river. It is thought that asiatic black bear, banteng, clouded leopard, Douc langur, elephant, gibbon, guar, Siamese crocodile and tiger and inhabit this area. This snapshot was taken from our bus window on our way to the capitol of Salavan province. A sincere smile I won't forget. A great place to explore some of the lesser-known areas of the southern region of Laos. A province to meet the friendly Lao people despite their poverty and isolation.
Laos is een prachtig land met ongerepte natuur, exotische dieren en vriendelijke mensen. Het land is een arm land, met nog onbedorven wildernis en een bevolking van 5,5 miljoen mensen. In Laos zijn zo'n twintig natuurgebieden die door de overheid zijn aangewezen als National Protected Area. Door deze bescherming wordt het unieke landschap en de flora en fauna zoveel mogelijk behouden De gebieden bestaan uit tropische regenwouden, kalkstenen rotsformaties, inheemse flora en fauna en andere wildlife. Zeker voor de avontuurlijke reiziger herbergt dit land een grote hoeveelheid aan onontdekte natuurschatten, vriendelijke mensen en een gevoel dat veel nog puur is.
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Please take your time... and enjoy it large on black
Xekong or Sekong is a province of Laos, located in the south-east of the country. Xekong is among the most remote areas of Laos and it's rugged,wild and very scenic, but transportation is very difficult, especially by land in the rainy season. The eastern districts of Dakchung and Kaleum, in particular, are characterized by mostly mountainous terrain which is rugged and difficult to access. This isolation has meant that forest cover, biodiversity, and ethnic traditions have changed less in recent years than in other areas in Laos. However, the province has become much less isolated in recent years with the upgrading of a major road up from the Mekong valley. Remaining forest cover in Xekong Province is high. Much of the natural forest in Xekong has never been subject to commercial logging, but this is unfortunate changing. Xekong is ethnically diverse. Only about 3% of the population is ethnic Lao. The vast majority 97% come from one of at least 14 distinct ethnic minority groups. Fishing is a very important part of the economic activities in the Sekong area. The Sekong river plays a vital role in the lives of the local inhabitants who are mainly engaged in fishing. Sticky rice and fish which will serve as a mid-day meal. There are many fish dishes in Laos.
Photo taken of a friendly fisherman repairing his nets. Even severely damaged fishing nets can be repaired. New material, skill, technique and hard work can do the trick. I have travelled all my life but never before have I been in a country where the principal characteristic of the people seems to be their smile. This is Laos, a land of ethnically diverse inhabitants but where gentle, open, beaming smiles surround you wherever you go. A naturally sweet nature seems to have survived centuries of fighting and turbulent change, while the results of the intense barrage of bombs and Agent Orange dropped on Laos during the Vietnam war still affects, in some way, almost every family in the country. To Westerners, with our grumbles and grouses about the slightest inconveniences to our lives, it is a revelation.
Sekong of Xekong is een provincie van Laos. Het ligt in het zuidoosten van het land. Het uiterste zuiden van Laos biedt ongeëvenaarde afgelegen districten en wordt langzaam ontwikkeld tot een uniek trekking gebied. Hoewel veel toeristen meteen doorrijden naar het verre zuiden is er in het midden en zuiden van Laos veel meer te zien en te ervaren - Wees dus niet te gehaast. Attapeu, Sekong en Salavan zijn allemaal de moeite waard om te bezoeken. In een klein dorp zit een vriendelijke visser z'n netten te repareren. De visserij is economisch zeer belangrijk en een essentiële bron van proteïne in het lokale dieet. Het leven gaat hier zeer gemoedelijk, zo rustig als de stroming van de modderige Xe Khong rivier. Je gemoedstoestand wordt al gauw één met deze prachtige en rustgevende omgeving. Zeker voor de avontuurlijke reiziger herbergt dit land een grote hoeveelheid aan onontdekte natuurschatten, vriendelijke mensen en een gevoel dat veel nog puur is.
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Buddhism in Laos is largely of the Theravada school. Nearly 60% of the Lao population is Buddhist of the Theravada school, though Buddhism in this country has become integrated with folk beliefs such as ancestor worship. Buddhism was based on the religious movement founded in the sixth century B.C. by Siddhartha , later known as the Buddha, who urged the world to relinquish the extremes of sensuality and self-mortification and follow the enlightened Middle Way...... The focus of this religion is on man, not gods; the assumption is that life is pain or suffering, which is a consequence of craving, and that suffering can end only if desire ceases. The end of suffering is the achievement of nirvana often defined as the absence of craving and therefore of suffering, sometimes as enlightenment. Like in most other Theravada nations, Buddhism in Laos is represented primarily by the presence of Buddhist monks, who serve as officiants on ceremonial occasions, as well as being responsible for preserving and conveying the teachings of the Buddha.
Their lifestyle is shaped so as to support their spiritual practice, to live a simple and meditative life. Photo taken at temple Wat Luang in Pakse. This monk’s school in an original wooden building was set up already in 1942 in the same monastery. Higher Buddhist education in Southern Laos was provided for students who came from the four southern provinces. We had a friendly chat with the local people and monks. Lao monks are very friendly and approachable. We donated some money to this Buddhist community. Most people donate food to the monks to gain merit and improve their karma. The temples of Laos were once seen as "Universities" for monks. Lao monks are highly respected and revered in Lao communities. Many of the novice monks come from poor villages throughout Laos and live and study.
Een groot deel van de Laostiaase bevolking, zo’n 60% is boeddhist. Men hangt het zogenaamde Teravada-boeddhisme. In het Theravada wordt meditatie benadrukt als een essentieel onderdeel van het pad naar verlichting, samen met moreel gedrag en wijsheid. Het brengen van een einde aan het lijden is het hoofddoel van het Theravada boeddhisme. De Boeddha legde verder een zeer gedetailleerde gedragscode voor de Monniken neer: de Vinaya. Over het algemeen worden monniken door de Boeddha aangemoedigd om wereldse aangelegenheden en passies achter zich te laten, zodat zij gemakkelijker in staat zijn een staat van vrede en wijsheid te bereiken, en sterke ongezonde emoties zoals haat, verlangen en lust te overwinnen. Een Monnik zoals hierboven in z'n oranje gewaad, kaalgeschoren en met sandalen aan de voeten is niet meer weg te denken uit het straatbeeld van Laos.
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Please take your time... and enjoy it large on black
The water buffalo or domestic Asian water buffalo is a large bovine animal, frequently used as livestock in Laos and southern Asia. All the domestic varieties and breeds descend from one common ancestor, the Wild Water Buffalo, which is now an endangered species. Buffalo are used as draft, meat, and dairy animals. Their dung is used as a fertilizer and as a fuel when dried. Adult Water Buffalo range in size from 400 to 900 kg. Here on Don Det the water buffalo is still used for ploughing rice fields. Water buffalo behavior sometimes differs from cattle. For example, most water buffaloes are not trained to be driven. Instead, the herdsman must walk alongside or ahead of them. They then instinctively follow. They also rub against trees more often than cattle do, and they sometimes de-bark the trees causing them to die. Water buffalo spend much of their day submerged in the muddy waters. Water buffalo also prefer to feed in grasslands on grass and herbs. Many farmers in Laos own water buffalo(es) for plowing the land for farming, and one of the questions that my kid were asked was, ‘How many teeth does a water buffalo have on top and bottom?’ I think it doesn’t take a genius to answer this question, but it does take a real farmer because most of us don’t pay much attention to water buffaloes even when they’re smiling at us. Most people just assumed that water buffaloes have a full set of teeth on top and bottom, but the ones in Laos only have teeth on the bottom, please correct me if yours have teeth on top! Water Buffaloes are color blind, therefore it’s not wise to wear bright color clothing around them, if you don’t want to get chased by one.
In Laos, one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia, domesticated water buffalo are used plowing rice fields, for their meat, hides, and milk, and also and transportation. The buffalo is a classic work animal of Asia. Traditionally, men plough with their buffalo, make bunds and prepare seedbeds, and women do more than half of the transplanting of rice, weeding, harvesting, threshing and post-harvest operations. A good way to explore the daily life in Laos is by bicycle or feet. Meeting friendly Lao people in the small villages, like here on the Mekong island Don Det, along the way and enjoying its countryside. I had to stop many times to make a photo. A ploughman with his water buffalo working hard puddling the rice fields. When they’re working, they worked hard, but water buffaloes in Laos are being replaced by tractors as Lao people called it steel buffalo. But the buffalo produces free fertilizer and does not require diesel fuel. As fuel becomes scarce and expensive in these countries, the buffalo is being used more frequently as a draft animal.
Een waterbuffel of karbouw is een groot rund. Het is met afstand de bekendste en meest wijdverbreide soort Aziatische buffel. In het wild komt het dier nog voor maar is een bedreigd diersoort. Daarnaast wordt de waterbuffel veel als werkdier gehouden, bijvoorbeeld voor het ploegen van de rijstvelden, met name in Azië. Volwassenen dieren kunnen 300 tot 1200 kg zwaar worden. Waterbuffels kunnen zo'n 25 jaar oud worden. De melk van de waterbuffel wordt door vele volkeren gedronken. De melk heeft een hoog vetgehalte. Verder wordt de waterbuffel vooral gebruikt als trekdier voor de ploeg in rijstplantages. Het vlees wordt in bepaalde gebieden gegeten als vervanging voor rundvlees. De huid levert taai en nuttig leer. De regentijd is een druk seizoen voor de boeren, nu is de tijd om rijst aan te planten, de kinderen hebben drie maanden schoolvakantie en kunnen daardoor meehelpen op de velden. Hier en daar ligt een waterbuffel zijn kostje te herkauwen of baddert wat in het modderige water. Een Aziatische rijstboer gebruikt geen machines, maar zaait, plant uit en oogst met de hand. Ploegen gebeurt meestal met een waterbuffel of met handtractor. Wist je dat een kleine rijstboer in Azië zo’n 80 kilometer achter zijn buffel aanloopt om één hectare rijstveld om te ploegen? Meestal verbouwt hij de rijst voor zichzelf en zijn gezin op een eigen stukje grond. Vaak echter dwingt geldgebrek hem de ganse oogst te verkopen. Dankzij de aanleg van dammen krijgen de velden het hele jaar voldoende water en kunnen de boeren tweemaal per jaar oogsten. Mannen en vrouwen hebben het werk op de velden netjes verdeeld. Mannen verzorgen de dijken, ploegen de velden, brengen de rijstplantjes aan - ze balanceren met hun draagstok op de dijkjes. Vrouwen staan acht tot tien uur per dag in het water om met gebogen rug de plantjes uit te zetten. Ze verdienen één dollar per dag. Met dat geld kunnen ze vier kilo rijst kopen.
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Don Khon island which sometimes is mistaken for the larger Don Khong island to the north is a small island in the Mekong river located in the South of Laos close to the border of Cambodia. Coconut palm trees are cultivated on the island. This island is a major tourist centre in the south of Laos major in relative terms and has many bungalows still without electricity. On the west side of the island are the Tat Somphamit rapids. We stayed at the Seng Ahloune Guesthouse. This family-run guesthouse has been operating for ten years under the able Captain Cu of Thep. When he is around, things hum. Checks every box: great value for money, comfy bed, clean, heaps of character: carved wooden doors, hammocks, on stilts over Mekong. Restaurant serves tasty Lao food. The island beauty is best appreciated by riding a bicycle around the few sights, swinging in a hammock, reading a book and chatting with locals and travellers alike.
Photo of my the main road on Don Khon island to the Tat Somphamit rapids - Southern Laos. A good way to explore the daily life in Laos is by bicycle or feet. Meeting friendly Lao people in the small villages, like here on the Mekong island Don Khon, water buffaloes along the way and enjoying its countryside. I had to stop many times to make a photo.
Don Khon eiland is een oase van rust want gemotoriseerd verkeer is er nog vrijwel onbekend. Je kunt hier heerlijk wandelen langs tempeltjes, rijstvelden, lotusvijvers en kleine dorpjes. Don Khon is wel een beetje een backpackers paradijs met goedkope bamboehutjes, pancakes en Frans stokbrood. Je kunt Don Khon per boot bereiken vanaf Ban Nakasang. Don Khon heeft geen electriciteit. Met een oude Franse spoorbrug die het eiland met Don Det verbindt, heeft Don Khon nog een aantal andere opmerkelijke overblijfselen uit de Franse periode: vervallen villa's, de Franse steiger aan de andere kant van het eiland en de karkassen van een oude stoomlocomotief. En niet te vergeten de grote Phi Li waterval, ook vaak de Tat Somphamit genoemd. Deze stroomversnelling ligt op 20 minuten wandelen ten zuiden van de spoorbrug. Vanaf een zandplaat iets ten zuiden van de oude Franse steiger in Ban Khon Tai maak je de meeste kans de zeldzame Irrawaddy zoetwaterdolfijnen te zien. Wij verblijven op het eiland Don Khon in het Seng Ahloune Guesthouse. Houten bungalows met fan naast het water van de Mekong met eigen hangmatten en badkamer. Verzorgde inrichting en muskietennet. Lekker en goed restaurant. Minpunt: door het gebrek aan elektriciteit heb je niks aan de fan ;-)
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Continuing our trekking from the Tad Yuang falls we visit a close-by small village, walking along their coffee plantations of the Bolaven Plateau. The plateau, with its high elevation and cool weather is well suited for coffee cultivation, and is known for producing the best Lao arabica. The Bolaven plateau has the perfect weather for coffee.
Back at our Tad Fane resort, I order a hot "cafe Lao". A teenager in a white long-sleeved shirt and traditional Lao sarong taps the boiler professionally. She spoons the coffee into the homemade filter then pours in hot water, pausing to allow the black Robusta brew to drip into the glass of condensed milk below. I stir it up and take a sip - the warm evening's day gets a little hotter. The best coffee, they say, is like fine wine. It has the power to transport the discerning drinker to its place of origin. Just how fine can Lao coffee be? I'm no connoisseur so it's difficult to say, but the ordinary cup of Robusta gives a powerful caffeine kick that keeps me going all day. But Lao coffee has its own tale to tell. "In January, the berries ripen," and the Bolaven Plateau sees an influx of young pickers from all over Laos. It's a romantic place and a lot of them arrive with their sweethearts - January is always a busy month for weddings ;-)
At Bolaven Farms, Integrated Organic System is making credit available for training, teaching agriculturist and qualifying resident farmers. Bolaven Farms works together with the Laos government. This way farmers are empowered to break the cycle of poverty. A place where hopefully farmers could become proud land owners with productive family farms. The resident farmers believe in sowing the seeds of hope.
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Our next port of call was Paksong, a stepping stone to bring us to Tad Fane, an out-of-the-way village where we were to get a taste of local Laos life. We started in Sekong by local bus. Local busses in Laos are a truly unique experience. As a westerner you'll never get the opportunity to pay the local price but the benefit is that you're almost always guaranteed an actual seat. Busses in Laos are packed quite literally to the rafters. People sit 3 to a seat, or if there is no room stand in the aisles or sit on crates of Beer Lao which every local bus seems to have a sideline delivering. Strapped to the roof we have seen ; bags of rice, motorbikes, chickens with their feet cruelly bound and yet more Beer Lao. You can forget about aircon, some busses may have a rusty fan attached to the ceiling, but more often than not all the windows are wedged open, which doubles up as a solution to motion sickness. Basically Laos is not the best place in the world to be if you are impatient or in a hurry. We have had a 70 km journey which took us more than 3 hours. Your best bet is to sit back should you have a backrest and enjoy the fabulous scenery and rural life.
Photo taken out of the bus window. Many people selling food when a bus happens to stop. A food pitch stop on the small market of Thateng located on the Bolaven plateau - Laos. Women trying to sell food and beverages near their food stall. They do not sell the usual Mars, Snickers, Bounty, M&M, Lays chips or even Coca Cola. They sell their own eggs, rice, fried chicken, roasted maize, dried meat, fried bananas, fresh fruit, bread, etc. and local beverages. There were things I could have passed seeing on display, such as dried rats, squirrels, snakes, guinea pigs, bats still twitching and other nameless "treats". Abstraction made of these dishes that no kind Lao would offer a foreigner. Welcome to remote Southern Laos!
On Route 16 on the road to Paksong we stopped at a small market town Thateng. It's a busy day market frequented visited by many tribal groups. I do like the food here in Laos, Laap, a national dish consisting of finely ground meat with finely ground herbs and vegetables, is a vile affair, but I love the sticky rice. The Lao store it in woven boxes they sling over their shoulder, and when it's time for a snack they plunge a hand in and knead out a mouthful-sized ball. The rice is so sticky to itself it leaves the box clean. I also love the way food is wrapped into banana leaves, that can be disposed of anywhere in this jungle-claimed country. Best of all though was a dainty of black rice I bought on the street: it comes stuffed in a bamboo tube that has been stripped of its hard outside. When hungry, you strip the bamboo away from the rice, leaving just one strip for your fingers to hold, and then you can munch on the rice – and drop the bamboo once you're done.
Bagpipes are a class of musical instrument, aerophones using enclosed reeds fed from a constant reservoir of air in the form of a bag. Though the Scottish Great Highland Bagpipe and Irish uilleann pipes have the greatest international visibility, bagpipes have historically been found throughout Europe, and into Northern Africa, the Persian Gulf, and the Caucasus. The term is equally correct in the singular or plural, although in the English language, pipers most commonly talk of "pipes." During the expansion of the British Empire, spearheaded by British military forces which included Highland regiments, the Scottish Great Highland Bagpipe was diffused and has become well-known worldwide.
Just caught a lovely moment of a baby watching the Scottish Bagpiper. Captured in city center of Edinburgh - Scotland.
De doedelzak is een bijzonder oude vorm van blaasinstrument. Vermoed wordt dat het instrument ca. 2000 v.Chr. is ontstaan in de regio India en Pakistan en vervolgens door de tochten van Alexander de Grote naar het westen is gebracht. Doedelzakken kwamen al voor in het oude Egypte en Turkije en hebben zich in de Romeinse tijd over geheel Europa verbreid. In Duitsland, Schotland, Ierland, Galicia en Spanje en Servië zijn ze in de loop der eeuwen een onderdeel van de cultuur geworden. De bekendste vorm is waarschijnlijk de Schotse highland doedelzak, hoewel dit eigenlijk een buitenbeentje is. Het is een bijzonder luid instrument dat bedoeld is voor het slagveld, met een beperkte toonomvang van 1 octaaf plus 1 noot. De Ierse doedelzak daarentegen is een minder snerpend kamerinstrument dat geschikt is voor samenspel met fluit, viool, banjo enz. en dat een bereik heeft van 2 octaven.
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The villagers who live in the Bolaven Plateau are largely self-sufficient, growing rice, fruit and vegetables, coffee and raising water buffalo, pigs, chickens, and cows. This surrounding it is very peaceful, scenic and no other tourists to be found. In Laos more than 60-80% of the families raise a few sows for food purpose. The pigs are often held on a free-range basis and are destined to find most of their food on their own, but they are also fed by-products from crop production. A great place to explore some of the lesser-known areas of the southern region of Laos.
During our trekking to the Tad Yuang waterfall we met this little cowboy taking care of his cattle. A big smile when I took this photo. What a beautiful journey.
Its delightful old world charm has not been despoiled by the slow but steady pace of modernization. Happy cows grazing and swinging their tails. Happy cows come from Laos. The main cattle breed in Laos is related to the Chinese Yellow cattle. It is well adapted to the environment and conditions on small-holder farms. This southerly province is hidden gem in Laos. Well off the beaten path and generally not heavily visited by tourists, those who make their way down here are never disappointed. Explore the Dong Hua Sao National Protected Area’s dense forests and waterfalls. View the local way of life and enjoy a relaxing evening at the Tad Fane waterfall. There is much to do for the outdoors type of traveler.
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Buddhism in Laos is largely of the Theravada school. Nearly 60% of the Lao population is Buddhist of the Theravada school, though Buddhism in this country has become integrated with folk beliefs such as ancestor worship. Buddhism was based on the religious movement founded in the sixth century B.C. by Siddhartha , later known as the Buddha, who urged the world to relinquish the extremes of sensuality and self-mortification and follow the enlightened Middle Way...... The focus of this religion is on man, not gods; the assumption is that life is pain or suffering, which is a consequence of craving, and that suffering can end only if desire ceases. The end of suffering is the achievement of nirvana often defined as the absence of craving and therefore of suffering, sometimes as enlightenment. Like in most other Theravada nations, Buddhism in Laos is represented primarily by the presence of Buddhist monks, who serve as officiants on ceremonial occasions, as well as being responsible for preserving and conveying the teachings of the Buddha.
Their lifestyle is shaped so as to support their spiritual practice, to live a simple and meditative life. Photo taken at temple Don Khong. Mathematics lesson is given to the young monks. This monk’s school in an original wooden building in the same monastery - Wat Jon Thong. Higher Buddhist education in Southern Laos was provided for students who came from the four southern provinces. We had a friendly chat with the local people and monks. Lao monks are very friendly and approachable. Before I know it I was teaching English to the young monks and explained about our little country Holland. The temples of Laos were once seen as "Universities" for monks. Lao monks are highly respected and revered in Lao communities. Many of the novice monks come from poor villages throughout Laos and live and study.
Een groot deel van de Laostiaase bevolking, zo’n 60% is boeddhist. Men hangt het zogenaamde Teravada-boeddhisme. In het Theravada wordt meditatie benadrukt als een essentieel onderdeel van het pad naar verlichting, samen met moreel gedrag en wijsheid. Het brengen van een einde aan het lijden is het hoofddoel van het Theravada boeddhisme. De Boeddha legde verder een zeer gedetailleerde gedragscode voor de Monniken neer: de Vinaya. Over het algemeen worden monniken door de Boeddha aangemoedigd om wereldse aangelegenheden en passies achter zich te laten, zodat zij gemakkelijker in staat zijn een staat van vrede en wijsheid te bereiken, en sterke ongezonde emoties zoals haat, verlangen en lust te overwinnen. Een Monnik zoals hierboven in z'n oranje gewaad, kaalgeschoren en met sandalen aan de voeten is niet meer weg te denken uit het straatbeeld van Laos.
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introduction:
People living in communities along the Sexet or Xeset river are of ethnic minority groups. All communities living along these rivers catch fish, cultivate rice and vegetables, and many families have small-scale coffee plantations, the harvest of which is their major source of cash income. Village people also cultivate fields along the edge of the river and make gardens in the fertile soils of the riverbanks, with the Xeset River being a plentiful and convenient source of water for their crops and their livestock. Some of these villages rely on the Xeset as their source of drinking water, at least during the dry season. After they built of the 1st Xeset dam in 1991 with a capacity of twenty megawatts the locals saw that some types of fish disappeared from their Xeset river.
Xeset hydroelectric dam:
In Oct 2009 the Government of Lao PDR's finished building - with cooperation of China, the 2nd Xeset hydroelectric dam with a capacity of 4 times the 1st Xeset dam for an amount of US$135.5 million. Minister of Energy said the project will contribute towards local and national socio-economic development. It is also an indication of the friendly cooperation between Laos and China, there will be others projects to follow. Benefits from the project also include energy reduction, support for the irrigation and industry sectors, tourism and employment for local villagers. Electricity is becoming increasingly important in the lives of Lao residents, namely those people in the cities who rely so heavily on electricity. The objective of being industrialised and modernised relies on electrical energy as a first priority. The Government said to face the difficult challenge of electrifying 70 percent of all households by the year 2010, and 90 percent by 2020. They are proud to succesfully implement the 2nd Xeset dam. The dam is the power to reduce poverty. So far it has spent over US$1.1 million on compensation for land, cultivation, lost assets, public buildings, health training, medical check-ups for the people of surrounding villages, road repairs, bridges, clean water for villages, water storage areas, regular inspection of water quality and fish, and fish release. There are already plans for a 3rd Xeset dam.
The officials hope the new dam will not kill too many fish and the fish will be able to use many of the other channels in the area when they are migrating up or down. Such channel is extremely crucial for fish. They just think the fish will figure it out. Meanwhile, scientists and researchers are coming in and trying to maintain the Lao's livelihood of fishing and stop a huge food shortage. It is obvious that more studies need to be done to see if the fish can use th channels to migrate upriver.
Local communities:
With much of the Xeset River's flow being extracted by the 2nd Xeset dam, the people living in communities along the Sexet river are likely to see the disappearance of not only their fish, but almost all of the benefits that they receive from their river. When the official came to survey, the locals dare not oppose them. We are afraid. If we do not agree, they might arrest us. The locals said to them that they do not understand about what the benefits of the dam would be. The officials's answer was, The construction of the dam brings many benefits, like export of electricity. People will have electricity. Trees will be cut and exported which brings revenue to develop our nation. The goverment did build a water supply system for them. But the locals are not happy, because using water from the river is very convenient. Well, the most percentage of the power produced will be exported to Thailand and some for town and village electrification. A local ethnic Lao man of Set Khot village, who completed his studies in Germany, observed that, In Germany they have stopped building dams in many places, because of the impact on the environment. The forest is destroyed, people are displaced; the results are not worth the benefits. Only our country say that you will become rich if you build dams. As for the local ethnic groups, they do not want the dam to be constructed.In Laos, only the officials will get rich. The people will remain poor.
Photo of little boy fishing with his dip net taken on the Xeset river - Laos. At this time I took this photo the 2nd Xeset dam wasn't finished yet. I hope the 2nd dam doesn't effect his life along the river too much. But I guess it must be wishful thinking.
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Life flows slowly in Laos, just like their Mekong river. The people are gentle and unassuming. Lao People are sincere attitude and very humility. They put both palm together in front when meet others. Lao people like smoking, chewing betel nut, and most of them like drink. Some monks are smokers, whilst they, in fact, should be used as non-smoking role models. But there is no anti-smoking policy in temples. Elderly men like to smoke weed grown by the banks of the mighty Mekong River. Most of Laos are Buddhists. They eat relatively simple. Normally they eat rice and fish, the pork and lamb is for celebrate a festival Lao people prefer slightly acid, spicy and sweet flavor. Lao's characteristics meals are bamboo rice, Palm rice and so on. Most of the elderly enjoy the opium pipe in the evenings. They say it helps to relieve the aches and pains of old age and feel they earned this right after a lifetime of backbreaking work in the fields.
Photo of a man smoking marijuana in front his home in Kieng Than Lei. This little village is located on the Bolaven Plateau and is a great place to explore some of the lesser-known areas of the southern region of Laos. The Elderly men in Laos like to smoke. Smoking is higher among males 68% than females 16%. The highest smoking rate was reported in Southern Laos 53%.Smoking rate was higher in rural area 45% than urban areas 27%. Smoking rate was higher among the older age groups.
The number of smokers will double by the year 2020 unless the Government take effective action now. In Laos, more than 68 per cent of adult men are smoking. Laos is also the world's third largest producer of opium, a narcotic whose cultivation was encouraged by former French colonial administrators and the medicinal use of which remains common for pain relief. Medical experts warn that while opium is not as readily addictive as its derivative, heroin, withdrawal symptoms are painfully similar. Long criticized by the United States and other nations for weak anti-narcotics laws, Laos outlawed opium smoking less than a decade ago. The exact number of foreign opium smokers in Laos is impossible to determine, but conversations with young Western travelers suggest that many have tried or intend to try opium at least once during their visit here.
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Around the beautiful Bolevan Plateau of Laos be prepared to create your own adventure rather than having it served to you on a platter. From Sekong you can take a 8 hour boat trip down to Attapeu, but with the rising costs of petrol, the asking price is now US$65 for the boat and you can't take a bike. Also only two people allowed on the boat. The Sekong River during the raining monsoon is fast and at times dangerous -- two Malaysians drowned some time ago. They skipper was not sure if this trip was possible now. For this reason we didn't dare to take this trip. Another option from Sekong is heading to the Keng Luang rapids where you can charter a small boat upriver to Kalim. The trip takes about seven hours, but should not be attempted before December due to the danger of flash floods -- Kalim can also be reached by road (hint).
The evening falls in Sekong. We stay at the only hotel Dong Xang next to Xe Khong river. A family snapshot taken before dinner: from left to right Samantha, Bunrod, BieJee and Kanitha. In the background you can see the Xe Khong river running through the Dong Amphan National reserve. The Eastern border of Dong Amphan follows the international boundary with Vietnam. Dong Amphan covers 1,975 km2 and is located in the north-east of Attapeu Province. It is very remote and mounatinous. Access is mainly limited to dry season only although this can still be hazardous and time consuming. There are impassable rapids on the river approximately 35km from the Attapeu. A dirt road roughly follow this river. A network of well-established walking trails exists, interconnecting villages. Population density of 8 persons/km in the province. For us the world seems to stop here. Within the park, animals include elephants, grey-faced tit-babber, and the yellow-cheeked gibbon. You can wander around aimlessly and that is about it. Welcome to remote Southern Laos!
Hier op de Bolevan Plateau van Laos moet je het meeste zelf regelen. We wilden van Sekong met de boot, door één van de mooiste regenwouden ter wereld, varen naar Attapeu. Een avontuurlijke boottrip van zo'n 8 uur. Maar door het regenseizoen durfde de bootman het niet aan. Wel weer als we meedere boten namen, met niet meer dan twee personen per boot. De Sekong River kan op sommige plekken erg hard stromen en is niet ongevaarlijk. Twee maleisische jongeren zijn enkele jaren op deze bootreis verdronken. We hebben toch maar besloten deze trip af te zeggen. De schipper stond ook niet echt te trappelen om te gaan. We houden wel van avontuur maar we willen wel blijven leven. We hebben overdag vanaf ons terras een prachtige kijk op het weelderige groen en modderige rivier Xe Khong in het zuiden van Laos. 's Avonds bij het restaurant genieten we van een kleurrijke zonsondergang en de rust op het indrukwekkende hoogland. Af en toe zien we een bootje langs varen. Leven in het regenwoud begint met zonsopkomst en eindigt na zonsonderdang. Aan de overkant lijkt de wereld te eindigen. Hier begint het Dong Amphan National park met een oppervlakte van 1,975 km2. Morgen besluiten we wat we gaan doen. Nu eerst dinner bij het enige restaurant Dong Xang aan het water. Nog even een familie kiekje: v.l.n.r. Samantha, Boenlot, BieJee and Kanitha.
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SAIL AMSTERDAM is a large maritime manifestation held every five years in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Tall ships from all over the world visit the city to moor in its Eastern harbour, and people can then visit the ships for four days free of charge. The event was organised for the first time in 1975 to celebrate the 700th anniversary of Amsterdam, under the name Sail Amsterdam 700. Sail is one of the largest maritime manifestations in the world, and the largest event of any kind in the Netherlands. Tens of tall ships and hundreds of other historical ships are involved. Numerous other ships and boats are present besides the participating ships, amounting to more than 10,000 boats. The event attracts around 2 million visitors. The amount of tall ships vary from 50 to 100 (those with at least 3 masts). Other historical ships number around 600. There were also several ship replicas, hundreds of classical sail- and steamships and some modern marine ships. The tall ships were moored in the IJ harbour and in Amsterdam North (across 't IJ) and in the Oosterdok nearby, where one can also find the Dutch Maritime museum with its replica of a Dutch East India Company VOC ship. On the first day, the ships gather in the sluice of IJmuiden for the Sail In or Parade of Sail through the North Sea Canal to Amsterdam, led by the event's flagship the Clipper Stad Amsterdam accompanied with the Dutch crown prince Willem Alexander. Amsterdam's harbour is known to be very shallow a centuries old problem and the Stad Amsterdam is a 'deep' ship. But luckily the ground is also very soggy, so there is not likely to have been any damage. Every day during SAIL, there will be all kinds of activities at various locations which are free to the public. In other words, SAIL is one big celebration for everyone and you don’t even need to be a boat lover or water sports enthusiast! Every day ends with fireworks shows on the water.
Crew member of the Indonesian Dewaruci taken at the Noordwal of the IJ harbour. The Dewaruci is the only tall ship with a maritime music band which performed a live show on the deck of the ship on the 3th day of SAIL event.
SAIL AMSTERDAM is een om de vijf jaar gehouden Nederlands maritiem evenement met een duur van 5 dagen. Het evenement werd voor het eerst gehouden in augustus 1975 tijdens de viering van het 700-jarig bestaan van de stad Amsterdam. Tijdens de voorbereidingen werd voorgesteld een nautisch evenement te organiseren in de haven van Amsterdam waarbij de aandacht gericht zou worden op de haven en de stad. Er werden schepen uit de hele wereld voor dit evenement ‘Sail Amsterdam 700’ uitgenodigd. Na het succes van ‘Sail Amsterdam 700’ werd besloten in 1980 weer een Sail Amsterdam te organiseren. In Duitsland wordt sinds 1986 het enigszins vergelijkbare evenement Sail Bremerhaven gehouden. Het evenement begint met een Sail-In parade bestande uit 50 tall ships grote zeegaande zeilschepen en honderden andere bijzondere schepen. Die vertrokken vanmorgen in IJmuiden en voeren over het Noordzeekanaal naar Amsterdam. Het schip dat de parade van Sail 2010 leidde, de Clipper Stad Amsterdam, werd vergezeld met prins Willem Alexander aan boord en werd met officieel protocol verwelkomd. Dat gebeurde door kanonniers die waren gekleed in 17e-eeuwse kleding. Vanaf de kop van de Sixhaven vuurden zij met kanonnen een aantal saluutschoten af. Sail is nu het grootste publieksevenement van Nederland. Sail Amsterdam heeft zaterdag een megadrukke dag beleefd. Bijna 500.000 bezoekers kwamen op het scheepvaartevenement af. Een van de redenen van de drukte was dat het zaterdag weekend was, en ook nog eens het laatste van de zomervakantie in de Amsterdam. Op het water zag het zwart van de pleziervaarders. Veel mensen kwamen met een bootje naar Sail, dat op en rond het IJ plaatsvindt. Ze kwamen terecht in een lange botenfile. Zangeres Ellen ten Damme sluit deze derde dag van Sail af met onder meer het nieuwe havenlied van Amsterdam. Het nieuwe Amsterdamse havenlied In de haven van Amsterdam van de Zaanse band Zänph is nu gratis te downloaden op www.havenlied.nl Elke avond wordt Sail beëindigd met een knallend vuurwerk spektakel.
Juan Jesús Villaverde es un escultor autodidacta que trabaja el hierro reciclado. Su primera obra data del año 1996 y fue una composición realizada con utensilios de hierro que colocó sobre una antigua reja de ventana. Desde entonces utiliza exclusivamente piezas usadas como herramientas, aperos de labranza y piezas de maquinaria, todas de hierro con acabado oxidado.
Juan Jesus Villaverde is a self-taught sculptor who works iron recycling. His first work dates from 1996 and was a composition made of iron utensils placed on an old window screen. Since then only used as tools used parts, farm implements and machinery parts, all rusty iron finish.
Fotografía: Edward Sheriff Curtis / Wikimedia Commons.
Los Inupiat (también conocidos como Iñupiaq o Inupiaq) son un grupo indígena de Alaska cuyos territorios tradicionales se extienden desde Norton Sound en el mar de Bering hasta la frontera más septentrional entre Canadá y Estados Unidos.
Edward Sheriff Curtis (16 de febrero de 1868, cerca de Whitewater, Wisconsin, EE. UU. - 19 de octubre de 1952, Los Ángeles, California) fue un fotógrafo y etnólogo estadounidense autodidacta, famoso por documentar las culturas indígenas de Norteamérica.
Su trabajo más destacado es "The North American Indian", una impresionante colección de veinte volúmenes sobre las tribus indígenas de EE. UU. y Canadá.
A pesar de su éxito inicial, Curtis vivió de manera modesta y su obra fue olvidada después de su muerte. No obstante, desde los años 70, su trabajo ha sido reconocido por su valor artístico y etnográfico.
The Inupiat (also known as Iñupiaq or Inupiaq) are an indigenous Alaskan group whose traditional territories extend from Norton Sound on the Bering Sea to the northernmost border between Canada and the United States.
Edward Sheriff Curtis (February 16, 1868, near Whitewater, Wisconsin, U.S.A., February 16, 1868, near Whitewater, Wisconsin, U.S.A. - October 19, 1952, Los Angeles, California) was a self-taught American photographer and ethnologist, famous for documenting the indigenous cultures of North America.
His most notable work is "The North American Indian", an impressive twenty-volume collection on the Indian tribes of the USA and Canada.
Despite his initial success, Curtis lived modestly, and his work was forgotten after his death. Since the 1970s, however, his work has been recognized for its artistic and ethnographic value.
© Restauración y coloreado: Jaime Gea Ortigas.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEpbENgFXZI
Possiblement un dels fotògrafs que millor ha vist el Corpus Valencià hagi estat Francesc Jarque. Testimoni d'això va ser la publicació l'any 1978 conjuntament amb l'arqueòleg Enric Llobregat del llibre "el Corpus de València". De formació pràcticament autodidacta va compaginar més tard la docència a l'Escola d'Arts i Oficis de València amb la direcció artística de l'agència de publicitat Publipress (moltíssim més que una agència de publicitat). El seu compromís social el va fer integrar-se al moviment artístic "Estampa Popular Valenciana" on va coincidir amb artistes com Alfaro, Solbes, Toledo, Valdés o Cardells. Els més de 130.000 documents del seu arxiu fotogràfic adquirits per la biblioteca Valenciana són sens dubte un inventari gràfic imprescindible de la realitat valenciana en tots els seus àmbits. Sens dubte amb Jarque es tanca una època d'esplendor en la fotografia valenciana. En 1981 va rebre el premi a la llibertat d'expressió de la Unió de Periodistes ja que va estar condemnat a un mes -i va complir gairebé tota la condemnat a la presó Model València per haver-se negat a lliurar un rodet de fotografies a la policia durant una manifestació no autoritzada. Era acadèmic numerari de la Reial Acadèmia de Belles Arts de Sant Carles.
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Posiblemente uno de los fotógrafos que mejor ha visto el Corpus Valenciano haya sido Francesc Jarque. Testimonio de ello fue la publicación en el año 1978 al alimón con el arqueólogo Enric Llobregat del libro “el Corpus de València”. De formación prácticamente autodidacta compaginó más tarde la docencia en la Escuela de Artes y Oficios de Valencia con la dirección artística de la agencia de publicidad Publipress (muchísimo más que una agencia de publicidad). Su compromiso social le hizo integrarse en el movimiento artístico “Estampa Popular Valenciana” donde coincidió con artistas como Alfaro, Solbes, Toledo, Valdés o Cardells. Los más de 130.000 documentos de su archivo fotográfico adquiridos por la biblioteca Valenciana son sin duda un inventario grafico imprescindible de la realidad valenciana en todos sus ámbitos. Sin duda con Jarque se cierra una época de esplendor en la fotografía valenciana. En 1981 recibió el premio a la libertad de expresión de la Unión de Periodistas ya que estuvo condenado a un mes -y cumplió casi toda la condena- en la cárcel Modelo Valencia por haberse negado a entregar un carrete de fotografías a la policía durante una manifestación no autorizada. Era académico numerario de la Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Carlos.
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This is not one of the acrobatic scenes from the Matrix trilogy or any other action film. It's a scene from a sepak takraw match, a particularly popular sport in Southeast Asia. Essentially a net game played with feet, sepak takraw is a hybrid of football soccer and volleyball with a bit of gymnastics and kung fu thrown in. Countless variations of the game are played throughout the region, but the basic objective of each is to keep the hollow, grapefruit-sized ball from touching the ground by keeping it airborne with the feet, knees, head, shoulders, elbows - or almost every part of the body, except the hands. Sepak takraw or kick volleyball is a sport native to Southeast Asia, resembling volleyball, except that it uses a rattan ball and only allows players to use their feet, knee, chest and head to touch the ball. It is a popular sport in Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Philippines and Indonesia. In Lao the call it twine and kick while in Thailand it is called takraw. Similar games include footbag net, footvolley, football tennis, Bossaball, jianzi and sipa. Sepak is the Malay word for kick Takraw is the Thai word for the hand-woven ball originally used in the game. So the game is essentially kick ball.
Photo of kids playing a game of Sepak takraw taken in Kieng Than Lei. This little village is located on the Bolaven Plateau and is a great place to explore some of the lesser-known areas of the southern region of Laos. The area surrounding it is very peaceful, scenic and no other tourists to be found.
The first sepak takraw ball was made out of rattan. Most rattans differ from other palms in having slender stems, 2–5 cm diameter, with long internodes between the leaves. The sepak takraw ball shall be spherical in shape, made nowadays of synthetic fiber or one woven layer. In Bangkok, murals at Wat Phra Keow which was built in 1785, depict the Hindu god Hanuman playing sepak takraw in a ring with a troop of monkeys. Other historical accounts mention the game earlier during the reign of King Naresuan 1590 – 1605 of Ayutthaya. The game remained in its circle form for hundreds of years, and the modern version of sepak takraw began taking shape in Thailand sometime during early 1740s. In 1866 the Siam Sports Association drafted the first rules for takraw competition.
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Laos is blessed with some of Asia’s nicest rivers, and many of them are mellow. Children spent the day at school, and by the afternoon they were doing the chores required of them…building a fire for the kitchen, sweeping the leaves into a pile, or caring for the young siblings strapped to their back …young boys and girls from the age of seven or eight attentive to the baby’s every need. Amongst this was the laughter of children playing in the river. But sometimes they skip their days at school, going fishing and collecting snails from the river, or using long bamboo poles to knock crickets from the trees. They eat the crickets live or drop them into bottles and take them home for lunch or dinner.
Photo taken nearby the Tad Lo waterfall near the little town Kieng Than Lei - Laos. These ragged little urchins spend most of their days not at school, but fishing and collecting snails from the river. School is important for ethnic minority kids, they should attend and complete primary education in order to overcome rural/urban, ethnic in the area of literacy and education. But it isn't that easy. The reason to skip school are the family economic considerations, involvement in family maintenance and subsistence tasks, the lack of perceived benefits from education. While poverty and lack of access are issues. In addition to these, ethnic minority kids have to face further barriers to education, including the distance from school facilities, their extreme poverty, and additional cultural barriers and the lack of fluency in the national language, Lao. The ethnic kids speak their own language. About 32% of all Laotians are related to Ethnic groups. Totally 160 ethnic groups and speak 82 distinct living languages.
Rivers, mountains and forests thanks to these natural resources this planet can host many forms of life. Lao people depend on natural resources for their livelihood, their relationship with nature is very close. Their livelihood is inseparable from nature. For centuries throughout Laos, people have depended on rich biodiversity. Pa Dek is an essential food for Lao people. Every meal includes some. Pa Dek can be mixed in to add flavor to any Lao food. Pa Dek itself is the main food of Laos. Pa Dek is a non perishable food. Once it is prepared, it can be keep for a year or more even without refrigerating. Pa Dek can be kept in an airtight jar. With Pa Dek, people are happy, they rest assured that they have a long term supply of food for their family. Pa Dek is made from fish that people catch from natural bodies of water. They maybe rivers, lakes, ponds, wells, or wetlands, depending on the season. People catch fish for Pa Dek at the start of the rainy season. At this time, water levels in the rivers are higher, and fish begin migrating to spawning areas. When water levels begin to lower, fish again come downstream for dry season. Lao people know they can catch the most fish in the rainy season.