Laos

The morning street markets in Luang Prabang are open daily and all about fresh food. You can buy exciting fresh nibbles such as these crickets (see also PiP) - (just fry with a little chilli and other spices). If you wish, while they cook, you could sing along with this. Explored.

At the morning street market in Luang Prabang, Laos. HFF and have a great weekend, everyone.

Collecting the morning groceries at the street market, Laos. Best viewed on black. Explored.

Two youngsters climbing on what I presume was their dad's prized motorcycle. Seen in Luang Prabang, Laos. Musically, there's only one way to go!

"A shaman is a person regarded as having access to, and influence in, the world of benevolent and malevolent spirits, who typically enters into a trance state during a ritual, and practices divination and healing." - Wikipedia. I was shown into a small hut in a Hmong settlement where, in the near darkness, a hooded and blindfolded figure was chanting while jigging on a plank and being slowly rotated by a helper. In front of him was a small candle with various offerings while, at the rear of the hut, a dead pig was mounted on a frame (see inset) above another flame. I took my photos and quietly made my departure so that I did not disturb them, though I would like to have known what event had brought about the ceremony.

At one of the many monasteries in Luang Prabang, Laos. HFF and best wishes for the weekend, everyone. Explored.

Not far from Luang Prabang. There is a series of falls here. Explored.

The main Kuang Si falls - see also the shot below. This was taken during the monsoon season, when the volume of water is greatest.

The intensive bombing of Laos was a very secret part of the war in SE Asia: over two million tons were dropped, making it by far the most heavily bombed country on earth. This seems an appropriate song. Many bombs are unexploded (and still kill people yearly) while some enterprising (and very brave/foolhardy) people now collect them for scrap - or for making fences. Despite its sad past, the country is now peaceful, so HFF. Explored.