For two weeks I criss-crossed parts of northern Laos, spent time in small villages in the mountains of Phongsaly province way up north, and followed the Nam Tha river deep into Bokeo province in the north west. Two completely amazing weeks, bu oh, how great to - eventually (see coming post) - get back to Vientiane (but impossible I belive to not get back slightly different).
Little house on the prarie.
Deep forest as far as you can see. Probably not for very much longer though, as it is quickly being replaced by Chinese rubber plantations.
Upstream beautiful Nam Tha river, still floating slowly. But again, most likely not much longer at all. A hydropower project is about to convert the whole area into a giant dam, of course swallowing every little village along its shores. But the Chinese need the power as well. To make more stuff for us rich consumers around the globe.
Evening gathering and talks around the fire after a long and hard day's work on the rice fields.
A few things to sell - and hopefully to buy - at the monthly river side market.
Preparing the barsi ceremony. For blessings on very special occations like weddings, births or if someone's off on a long journey. Or for special guests from far away.
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