One of the good things about living in Laos is that the local Wat (temple) is within a walking distance, I can’t say the same here in the United States. We have so many temples here in North Carolina, but all are about 45 minutes to 1.50 hours drive, as for this one, Wat Greensboro is about 1 hours and 25 minutes drive for us.

We had a good turn out, this is the line for morning Almsgiving.

Jaydee Cide or sand stupas are still very fascinating to me. As for this year, my wish is still the same as last year, when I built the Jaydee Cide, I made a wish and donated the good merits for my mom that is no longer with us.

Lodh nom songk, or pouring water on Buddha images.

This one is new to me, rubbing on the Buddha images, I wonder if he asked for a lottery number.

Many beautiful ladies came out today.

Young worshipers…

And faithful Buddhist…

No, not ghosts and goblins, but I did have a good scare today. As I was walking to the sim (worship hall), I could feel someone right behind me, too close I thought to myself, so I turned to look and faced this.

I must have had that look on my face, and she said, “No! No! Don’t be scared.” She was waving her white hands right in my face, that didn’t help, I backed away.

The food venues were busy, especially the Spicy Papaya Salad, aka Tum Maak Houng venue.

I know these ladies, they were there to help raise funds for the temple.

I didn’t get to take many food photos, but hope that this will more than make up for it. This is the food offered to the monks, there are 6 monks at our local temple.

And my GI Joe sister volunteered to do the dishes today… brave soul, although later on she had some help.

I guess not so much fun for her, but I can’t say the same about others, there was a live band.

And no, the monk didn’t sing.

Our local temple celebrated Lao New Year this weekend, but other Wat are celebrating Next Weekend, so hope you can make it to the celebration.

Sok Dee Pee Mai and Happy Lao New Year.