Inspirational Luang Prabang
After crossing the Thai-Laos border in Chiang Khong, we traveled for two days along the Mekong River to reach Laung Prabang. This city was declared by UNESCO as a heritage site in 1995 due to the unique fusion of traditional Lao -European architecture and culture. Laung Prabang is a welcoming town with two rivers surrounding it, it is a lovely place to explore and wonder about life.
We felt inspired to capture the colors and intensive beauty of Laung Prabang with the lens of the camera. The desire to take these photographs came after enjoying the contrasting colors of the bright robes of monks and novices of all ages against various surroundings. We also felt fascinated by this city while observing fishermen working at sunset on the river, detailed mosaics and sculptures of Buddhist temples, innocent smiles of Laos’ children playing in the streets, and blue water limestone pools at Kuang Si falls.
One of our most memorable experiences in Laung Prabang was volunteering at the local library, helping youth with the desires of improving and practicing their English communication skills. We were fortunate to meet Bee and Phone, a 16-year-old Buddhist novice monk and a 23-year-old university student, respectively. In a three-hour conversation we all shared information regarding our countries of origin, families, daily life, interests, and dreams for the future. We were impressed by Bee and Phone’s commitment and passion to learn as they both moved away from their families to pursue a better education in Laung Prabang.
Phone is currently in his first year of college and he wants to become a teacher. He is originally from the north of Laos, near the border with China, and he identifies himself as part of the Khammu community. Phone attends the local library on his free time following his goal of learning more English.
Inspired by his cousin, Bee decided to become a Buddhist novice at the age of thirteen. Although he isn’t interested in becoming a monk, he is eager to continue living in the monastery for three or four more years until completing his high school degree. Bee is also taking English and French classes. He appreciates the life he has at his temple and the opportunity of meeting people from different countries in Laung Prabang.
Meeting Phone and Bee left us a sweet taste of Laos’ culture. We have so much admiration for this society where traditions and education are highly valued. The world continues to reward us with the most precious gift: kindhearted people. When the inevitable time to say good-bye arrived, Bee prayed for the safety and happiness of our journey while embracing both of our wrists with his beautiful orange bracelets š
