Good Luck and Bad Luck

“Time is not waiting for anybody” was my thought while I was sitting in the library at my school one day last week. This was the day that I finished my final test for the term and I will have holiday for two weeks to do whatever I wanted.

The bell rang; I took my bag and drove to my house. As soon as I reached the house, I felt that I was over the moon; nothing was in my head now. I opened the door and started listening to music in order to take rest. I slept about ten minutes. Then, I had to wake up from a sweet dream because of the sound of my mobile phone.

“That was terrible,” I thought in my mind. I picked up the phone call quickly. After I finished talking on the phone, I jumped up and down because I was extremely happy. The woman who called me was Afesip‘s secretary. She said that I had a job interview there tomorrow. Afesip is an organization that is responsible for helping victims of sex slavery and children. In that organization, I applied for the job of marketing officer last week. So, I had prepared for an interview all day. For example, I went to the Internet café to search their website; I read about their organization background in order to make me more confident during an interview.

The day of interview came, I woke up quickly and took a shower and eventually went to the temple. The reason that I went to the temple was to gain confidence. Then I drove to their office as soon as possible because I had an interview at 1:00 PM. After I reached their office, I glanced in the room and saw that many people were busy. Most of them were Lao and foreigners. Anyway, I was not scared anymore. Why? Because I well-trained. I walked toward the door with self confidence; I opened the door and said “Sabaidee” to them, and they smiled to me in a friendly manner.

The secretary was a woman who invited me in the room and brought me a glass of water. Then, they called my name to go to another room. I opened the door and said hello to the four people inside. They were the ones who will interview me; one man and three women. I looked at their eyes to analyze them and knew that they looked intelligent. So, I am sure that I must win this position.

Next, they asked me many questions, such as: why they should hire me; tell about their organization background; why I was a match for that position. I finished the interview eventually and shook hands with them and said goodbye.

The day later, they called me to say that I was hired! I knew the salary was $250 per month, which is quite high for someone like me in Laos. Anyway before they called, I had gone to register for the new term at school. The teacher told me that I must complete six subjects because this year was the last year of my study. If I do not follow the rules, I might not finish university. Finally, I had to refuse that job with Afesip because of my studying. So, for me this became good and bad at the same time.

Anyway, even though I lost an excellent job, I am not sorry because I had gained experience from that interview and it might help me to know how to be good at problem solving in dealing with the next interview in the future after I finish university.

12:55 PM ICT Permalink |

Vang Vieng Trip, Part 2

After we walked down to the ground, the weather changed immediately, from cold to hot with sunshine everywhere. So, because of the hot temperature, all of us swam in the pond, which was at the entrance to the cave. The water was so clear; even we were able to glance at the fishes and the rocks under it. We jumped in the water and swam for about 30 minutes. Then, we continued to the next plan. The next plan was jumping.

We rented boats to go there. We paid about 1000 baht for seven boats. There were two people per boat, and we took it along the Song River. It took about 15 minutes to reach our destination. Along the way, we saw many tourists that were paddling between two sides of the river banks. For example, some people danced and drank beer Lao, some were eating, and some swam on the Song River. Those were things that I saw. Anyway, I didn’t focus on those things; I only focused on the beautiful cliffs, natural flowers, and birds. However, one thing I remember was some of my friends kicked our boat. Then, we fell into the water eventually and we got wet. “That was so cool,” I yelled at my friend. They laughed and then we keep going.

Finally, we reached the jumping place. When I saw it the first time, it looked like a high building, and had one line. That means you have to take the line from the top and jump to the river. It was so dangerous. However, I saw many tourists doing it, and they were self confident. Why was I scared? I must do this, to find the freedom for me and get rid of my weak points, I thought. Then, there was a man who was so kind. He took us up there. All of my friends who have never done it before screamed, even me, because it was so high.

Anyway, I must fight with the weak point that occurred in my heart. I walked with my friends, mainly men. For the women in our group, they refused to do it. Therefore, there just only me and two other men. We walked up to the top and jumped. The first time I reached the top of the building, I felt my heart stop beating. “Jump now,” one of my friends said to me. I know how you would feel if you were me at the situation. Finally, I decided to jump and closed my eyes. “Boom!” My body fell down from the line into the river. I heard everybody scream. Someone said I’m great! Suddenly I reached the riverbank, and I knew I was still alive. We played about two hours more, and then we decided to go back Vientiane.

This is my special memory and it will stay with my forever. Vang Vieng is a very interesting place where you can see a lot of sightseeing places, such as caves, historical sites, and beautiful scenery. If you have a chance, please come to visit Laos.

07:18 PM ICT Permalink |

Beautiful Sightseeing in Vang Vieng

January 13 was a special day for me and my friends who study at The Lao- American College; it was the start of our holiday after studying hard for four months. We wanted to spend a holiday together, so our plan was go to Vang Vieng, a beautiful city with mountains, not far from Vientiane, on the road north towards Luang Prabang.

I woke up that Sunday at 4 AM while the alarm clock rang next to my bed. The weather was so cold outside and a little windy, therefore, I ran to the bath room as soon as possible to take a shower, packed my clothes, and eventually drove my motorbike to my friend’s house at That Luang village. As soon as I got my friend’s house, about seven people were waiting to me at the front door.

“Hurry up, Lar,” said one of my friends, a cute girl with long dark hair. Then, I took my bag to the car and everybody got inside. The car ran faster out of the Vientiane to Vang Vieng. It took about three hours. The road has too many sharp curves, and it was on the mountain. I glanced out of the window and saw forests with natural flowers. Cows walked cross the road in some places. There were some houses and people among the two sides of the streets. It was so beautiful and my eyes were wondering if what I saw was a picture. Eventually we reached Vang Vieng.

I felt so tired because the car was crowded with people. But after we got out of the car I was so happy because I liked this adventure. In Vang Vieng I saw a lot of foreigners and tourists. Mostly they were from Korea, Thailand, Laos, and also some Westerners there. Some were walking and some sat at restaurants. Vang Vieng is small city, surrounded by mountains and incredible cliffs. There were some traditional houses and temples. Later, we went to the Gold Crab Cave, about 7 Km away. When we arrived there, I saw the high cave with the green pond in front of the cave door. There were colorful fishes and many rocks.

We bought the ticket to go inside. We paid 20,000 thousand kip to the old man who takes care of the cave. We walked up to the cave door, but we had to climb up to the cave door because there was no ladder. So, it was so hard and difficult for us. I was tired, but suddenly we reached the cave door, and looked inside the cave. We saw the most beautiful natural architecture; it seemed like a palace. It looked like maybe some people built it, but no; it was natural. As we walked inside, I saw the beautiful Buddha images, water, and incredible rocks in the cave. It was quite a big and wide cave. We took some photos and finally we walked down from the cave to our next destination.

… to be continued

09:37 AM ICT Permalink |

The New Year and the beginning of new thing

On December 31, New Year’s Eve, I think it was important for everyone around the world to celebrate the New Year with friends, parents, or family. For me, this event was about beginning new things, and to leave the bad things that happened to us back with the old year.

On New Year’s Eve, I had a small party with my friends at The Lao- American College. Everyone said that we have to celebrate with each other because this would be our last year of studying together. So, I agreed with them. There were about eight people at our party, everyone wore red and white. That was our concept to come to the party.

When it was time for the party to begin, I went to the college. I saw that everyone was in red, and smiled in a friendly manner to me. While I was walking to the yard of the school, I was impressed by Christmas trees decorated with Santa Claus toys, bells, and New Year’s cards. Between the gates I saw candles with colorful lights. “Is it a dream or it is real?” I thought, again because I never had seen anything like this before in my whole life.

Suddenly, one of my friends, who is so cute, tall, and a little sexy, took me to the School hall. At that time, I felt so cold and my lip was dry because of the wind. Anyway, I opened the door and my eyes were wandering around the room, along with my friend. I saw some people were dancing, singing, and eating. The atmosphere was so special. I had delicious foods, such as grilled chicken, pizza, egg rolls. After we had dinner, we danced and had a little something to drink. Most songs that we danced to were Hip-hop, Pop, Rock, and R&B.

After about three hours had gone by, the most exciting time began; it will be 12:00 midnight soon. Suddenly, everyone stopped do everything, they stood still, and we counted from ten to one together. Boom! One of my friends was shooting fireworks into the sky, and everything became noisy again.

The last words that we said together were: “Happy New Year 2008.” To start the New Year we danced a little bit and eventually said good bye to everyone and went to sleep.

03:07 PM ICT Permalink |

Unlucky Christmas

It was December 25, and I think people around the world who were Christian or not Christian, were waiting for the special celebration called Christmas Eve. Even me, I’m Buddhist, but I have my own views; I love all of special Celebrations.

On Christmas day I woke up early in the morning to prepare what I was going to wear to a party that night. I had a plan to celebrate with friends who studied with me at the college. In the morning, the sun rose quickly with a little wind. Frankly, the weather in Laos has changed. I felt so hot during most of the winter. The weather is not cold like it used to be.

Anyway, I went to the bathroom and took a shower. Eventually I had breakfast with my family. When my father and my mother saw me in red, they said I looked great. I told them I will go my friend’s house. After we finished talking, I said goodbye to my parents and drove toward the city. On either side of street in Vientiane there weren’t any decorations or anything about Christmas because it was not a Lao custom or festival. We can see the beautiful Christmas trees only in pubs, hotels, and restaurants.

At my friend’s house, there were eight people wearing red. Most of them were my friends from school. We spent time talking about how we will celebrate Christmas. Then, we shared some money to buy some food and drinks at the market close to my friend’s house; we cooked and decorated the Christmas tree together. Moreover, some listened to music, some sang songs, and danced. It was so fun to spend time with my friends because my brain will have time to relax after studying so hard in school.

We had dinner together and drink some Pepsi until 11 pm, then we said goodbye to each other. After the party finished, I drove to my house. On the street, something that I didn’t expect happened; my motorbike broke. Oh my goodness, it was too unlucky. Then, I tried to ask for a help from some people and the police who stood at the office in front of me. But no one helped me! It was too bad. Fortunately, I called my father to bring a car come to save me.

Twenty minutes later, he came with my brother-in-law. I put my motorbike on the car and then went back home. When I reached my house, I felt more relieved and went to bed because it was 1 am. “Goodbye my unlucky merry Christmas,” I thought to myself and then slept immediately.

07:45 PM ICT Permalink |

Love of Siam

On December 18, after I finished my Philosophy class (the most boring subject for me), I went to the Itec Theater, which is about 4 km far from my school in Vientiane. I planned to see a romantic movie at Lao Itec. The movie was called “Love of Siam”. This is a Thai movie with a romantic and drama style, about the meaning of love in family and friends.

After we had lunch together at school, my friend and I went to Itec immediately because the movie was going to show soon and we wanted to get there as soon as possible to buy the tickets. Along with my friend four other people joined us. After we bought the movie ticket, we went in to the theater. When we entered it looked so crowded. The room was dark and a little cold. Luckily, that atmosphere is not to watch a Ghost movie, but it was for a love movie.

Before the movie started, everyone felt happy and they were waiting to see it. Some screamed, and some kept quiet. Anyway, I felt very excited because I love this movie very much. The love of the actress and actor was not a happy ending because the actor was gay, and he loved his friend who had lived with him since they were little boys. Suddenly the love scene began, and everyone screamed. So did I. After the love scene between the actor and second actor stopped, I felt relieved.

When the movie ended, I felt that was the same with my life. That is why I love it so much, because it can tell me that love is everything and everywhere. It doesn’t mean that love only between men and women, but love was not divided. We can love everyone, it depends how much we are open-minded to the new thing happening inside our heart. So, if you have a chance to watch this movie, your feeling might change because this movie can teach you what love is.

05:14 PM ICT Permalink | Comments [1]

The speech contest

November 28 was one of the important days for me because I had a speech contest at The American Center, at my school. This speech contest was held by the US Embassy in Vientiane.

The topic was “Going to study English Aboard.” The awards that three winners would get were: a Talking Dict that cost $130 for the first winner, TOFEL books that cost $100 for the second winner, and a TOFEL book that cost $50 for the third winner. There were 27 students who joined the contest, including me.

At the time that the US representative opened the competition, everyone sat in their chairs. I sat near my friends, and I noticed that both of committees were from the US embassy, I saw many teachers sitting behind us. Suddenly, a woman who looked intelligent opened the competition with a good speech that lasted for three minutes. At that time, I was feeling so nervous because I was the third presenter. My knees were shaking and my face became red because of anxiety. I know that you will understand how I felt at that time.

The committee called the names. After the first presenter and the second had presented, she called my name. I walked to the stage immediately and said hello to my friends and the other people. Then, I started to present my speech. Luckily, I was not nervous any more; I knew how to present automatically. I made eye contact to deliver my speech to the audience like a professional. Wow! Every one paid attention in listening to me.

Three minutes later I ended my presentation and everyone clapped their hands. I smiled and eventually walked to my seat. At that time, I felt more relieved, like a bird that is ready to leave from the earth. Later after everyone had finished speech contest, three committee members told us to have something to drink before they announced the three winners. Five minutes later. After we finished some drinks, the committee announced the names of winners. I was so excited and so were they. The woman named Ms. Doungmany was the First winner, then they called Mr. Sengsoulixay ---me --- as the second winner. Both of us walked to the stage full of happiness. They gave us awards and took some photos.

My friends said congratulations to me. I was so happy even though I was not the first winner, but I knew I did my best in the speech contest. I knew that we won because of international characters and ideas. These things will help me in the future. This was a good experience.

07:29 PM ICT Permalink |

That Luang Festival

I think all of you might know about That Luang, the biggest stupa in Laos. This yellow stupa is very important for Lao people and Buddhism because it contains relics from the lord Buddha, brought from India. Lao people have respected and worshipped this stupa for many centuries, from our Ancestors to the new generation. Moreover, it is also the symbol of Lao culture, traditional styles and beautiful architecture.

In order to worship the stupa, Lao people organize an annual festival on the full moon in November. There are four days that we celebrate, and this year they were November 21 to 24.

On the first night there were many booths selling things such as clothing, cosmetics, food, drinks, games, and technology. It made me feel excited when I went there. On December 23, it was a Friday night; my family took the Car from Donoon village to the That Luang festival in downtown Vienitane. My mother, my sisters and my nieces and nephews screamed because they were happy. And so was I. As our car drove as fast as possible on the street, I noticed that there were many cars on the street with a lot of people. Everyone drove the cars hurriedly. Eventually we reached our destination. My brother-in-law drove the car to parking lot, and everyone got out of the car and walked toward the That Luang. Suddenly we stopped in front of six or seven police; they checked our clothes and everything in order to prevent crime. Then, after the checking was finished, my family separated from each other.

I walked alone around the festival. It was crowed with a lot of people. I walked slowly to look at clothes which were by Chinese people. Some prices were so expensive, but some were cheap. While I was looking at clothes, I saw a little boy who was cute and lovely, wearing a yellow shirt. He walked and cried, many people were looking at him and thought that he might be lost and not able to find his parents. Therefore, I walked toward him and asked him, “What is happening?” He said he got lost. I hugged him and told him it was okay. Later, I took him to security and told them about the little boy. They said thank you to me. I looked at the little boy and smiled in a friendly manner before I said goodbye. Next, I took the lotus flower with a candle inside the That Luang to worship the lord Buddha. After I finished, I went back to our car and eventually we went back to my house.

On November 24, the last day of Festival, my family woke up at 4 a.m. to go to That Luang because we wanted to give alms in the morning. Many people were colorfully dressed in silk. It seemed like we went to the paradise. The weather was a little cold, but it was good. There were many monks there also. We brought some fruit, money, and candy to put in the monk’s bowl. Finally, we had breakfast with chicken soup and took some photos before we went back home.

09:46 AM ICT Permalink |

My Job Interview

Last Friday, I was so happy that my Sociology instructor chose me to interview for a new job as a sales representative. He said that only five students would interview with the American Health Care Company. When he told me about the monthly salary, I felt excited automatically because it was about $1,000. Oh my god, I thought, if I get this job, I will be rich soon. However, in my mind, I believed him about fifty-fifty because I didn’t know if that salary is true or not. Anyway, he gave me the company’s information to prepare before having an interview on Tuesday.

Later, I took this good news to tell my family and they claimed that it was impossible for me to get $1,000 per month. They said that this was Laos not America.

The time passed quickly and it became Tuesday, the day that I have an interview. I woke up so quickly, took a shower, and had breakfast as soon as possible. Then, I drove my motorbike to their office in downtown Vientiane. As soon as I reached their company, my heart was beating faster and faster. “Oh, please help me pass this nervous interview,” I prayed. Finally, I walked in the office and gave my CV to the receptionist. She took me to interview with the executive, who was tall and looked like a powerful man. I calmed down, and then introduced myself to him. He asked me many questions, and I answered him back like a professional.

About 10:30 that morning the interview eventually finished. The man told me that the job position was salesman, not representative. Which means what my teacher told me did not match what I applied to do. And the salary was $100 not $1000. What should I do? I think I will dislike this job because I have had a bad experience before about this type of position with another company. So, the way to stop everything is to refuse the job. I told him sorry, but I don’t think I matched this position. “Please find another person who was match for it,” was the last thing that I told him. Then, he thanked him for my time, we shook hands, and I walked out.

About this kind of job, I think that if we don’t like what we do, we should stop. Even if we do it, and there are not any good results for it.

09:43 AM ICT Permalink |

The Language of Britney

When I started study to English in secondary school, I studied at the Lao youth child Development center. I had to learn how to pronounce the words correctly, and practice the accent. However, I used to think those ways were not enough for me to understand how to be a professional in English. So, I tried to find more ways to improve my English skills by reading English newspapers, English novels, Magazines, and listening to American music. It was hard for a countryside boy to learn because it is not my native language. Anyway, I try to think in an international way, and this was the first step to encourage me to study.

As soon as I learned the words from listening to American music, I learned many things from the songs which maintained the idioms and rhythm like the Lao Language. Through the songs I learned more about Western culture and I also more about singers, My favorite artists at that time were Backstreet Boys, Justin Timberlake, and Christina Aguilera. But, one who I love the most because of her performances and her job is Britney Spears. Especially, her album “Baby One More Time.” After that I followed her later albums, such as: “Oops! I did it Again,” “Britney”, “In the Zone,” and her new album, “Blackout.”

Britney Spears is incredible girl in my eyes; she is so lovely, and a hard working woman, even though before she had bad behavior. For instance, she spent a lot of money, got drunk all the time, smoking in front of her two babies….then, many people around the word try to ban her and hate her about her bad behavior. But, we must understand; now she has a mental disorder. Maybe, she has a major depression. Who knows? Please don’t look only at her personality. I focus on her work performance more than her personality. Up until now, I still listen to her song and the new single in her new album “Gimme more.”

That song can make us happy. It cheers me up when I feel under the weather. And also it can change my emotions, which is why music is the second basic need for me. What about you?

11:01 PM ICT Permalink |

The Beginning of Everything

The weather has changed since I saw the weather forecast last Saturday. Monday was the day that everyone begins to work and do everything. I know that everyone might think the same as me, and still feel lazy because of the day off on Sunday, but we have to go to work and study every Monday. This is life; I wake up and take a shower and hurry because I have to do an assignment for my sociology class, and I have an Effective reading quiz also. I eat noodle soup and drive to school at seven in the morning. After I reach the Lao-American College, the teacher, who is American, comes in the class. I start doing my assignment until I finish. It takes two hours.

Then the class breaks and it is the time for having lunch. I run to the American Center to register for a speech competition. It will be held by the US embassy in Laos later this year. I think that it will be a challenging experience for me, which is why I want to show my knowledge in this competition. The speech competition will hold on November 28. So, I hope everyone who reads my story will cheer for me. So, I stay at school today to design my own advertisement for my philosophy class homework in order to kill the time.

Furthermore, at about 3:30 P.M, the UN’s representatives come to my school to give students awareness about how to apply for a job at the UN organization. It might be interesting, and my goal is to work with UNDP. After that, I went back home. Monday was an interesting day.

11:09 AM ICT Permalink |

Modern Laos

Laos today is a developing country. Since colonial times, Laos has developed in many ways. For example: Lao government has improved in education, and now there are many schools, especially colleges and universities that provide education for the new generation.

There are many international organizations that have come to help Laos, such as the UN, JICA, and many other NGOs. Moreover, new buildings have been built and more streets paved. Lao people have a new feeling and emotion after living under the painful experience for many centuries. Furthermore, there are not has any war since 1975, and there is conflict like in other countries. Anyone who interested in visiting Laos will see why it is a peaceful place.

My aim in this post is to update you, so you know about the Laos government’s plan for next year. Tourists and foreigners who don’t know about Laos, and who never have come to Laos, think that Laos might be dangerous place, and there is too much jungle and everywhere looks like the countryside. However, I want you to consider again. At present, the government is building the biggest stadium in Laos in order to be host of ASEAN Games in 2009. There is also the new shopping mall in downtown Viantiane next to the Dalat Sao Morning market (the most famous market in Laos).

There will be a train from the Friendship bridge (that connects Laos and Thailand) to other areas, and a new park will constructed in the center of Vientiane. The Laos economy will develop to be better and better, and eventually people around the world will look at Laos in a new way.

To talk more, the point is that the Lao government wants to improve and to persuade more and more tourists to visit Laos. This is why the Laos government also supports external and internal tourism. If you are interested in visiting Laos, and want to discover new things in order to get experiences, just do it.

07:35 PM ICT Permalink |

Supernatural Sights

About 9 A.M, we drove to Pakgreum Village while the sun was shining. We felt very hot and cold at the same time. It is 100 km to Pakgerum Village and takes about two hours. On the way, we drove to the temple where the Buddha’s footprints are kept. We worshipped the Buddha’s footprint. Then we kept going. That day, the weather was so good; there were not a lot of cars, and not a lot of people on the street.

On the right and the left hand of the road we saw the rice fields in yellow, ponds, green fields, and farmers taking care of their cows and buffalos. My mind was relaxed like I was staying in heaven. We kept going and going until we saw the mountain hills in green and dark blue in front of us, I knew automatically we had reached our destination. My friend, Aloun was so excited, too. We drove the motorbike for a moment and finally we saw the Nagreum Bridge. We saw the river in green together with mountains; it made us feel like the birds who tried to find the freedom. I think if you read about it, you can imagine how we felt at that time. We crossed the bridge quickly. Then, we saw the sign “Welcome to Pakgreum Village, the land of the Nagas’s fire ball” on the right hand side. We turned right and kept driving about 30 minutes. Finally we arrived at that village, and the police stood in front of us. He gave us the parking ticket. I paid 5000 thousands Kip. Then we drove in to my cousin’s house.

We arrived there about 4 P.M. Later the old woman --- who is short, curly haired and smiled in a friendly manner --- invited us to her house; we drank water and took a shower later. Her house was in Lao traditional styles similar to Thai style. After we finished taking a shower we took a walk around the village and observed everything. We saw that there were many villagers selling foods, such as papaya salad, lap, roasted chicken, meatballs, bamboo soup, noodle soup, and drinks. This village is where the Mekong River and Greum (The biggest river in Laos) hit each other, which you can see two colors in green and orange.

At the same time, there were many people coming on the Mekong river bank. Similarly, Thai people on the right bank, there were a lot of people, too. About 15 minutes left, the Mekong River’s banks were crowded with people who wanted to see the naga fireball. At the moment, the sun was setting. The village was bright by the moon light and the candles, and children were running and preparing to light fireworks into the river.

Many people ate there and we had dinner too. After we had dinner at the riverbank, Thai and Lao people watched the Mekong river, and everyone paid attention. Later, about 9 P.M, the incredible thing happened and made other people’s eyes wondering; there were the pink and red rockets going out of the Greum and Mekong Rivers, up to the sky and disappeared. I and other were screaming to the rockets. Some people stood and pushed each other in order to see the nagas’s fireball. I saw about 12 rockets. However, it might be some people saw more than me.

We continued looking at the naga fireballs for about one hour. Then, we decided to go back home. My friend and I said good bye to my cousin and drove the motorbike out of that village with a satisfied feeling. I’ll never forget it because it happened only in the Mekong River. Which is why I think those rockets should be called as number 8 of the most incredible things in this world.

So, to conclude, if you believe what I see and say or not, it depends on you because it is the personal belief, and different religions. But, I want you to see by your own eyes next year. Why? Because even if something can’t be proved in the scientific, it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist in this world. It is supernatural.

06:44 PM ICT Permalink |

Night of the Fireballs

Last Friday, on October 26, I went to see the Naga fireballs at the Mekong River. According to my budget, I didn’t have a lot of money. If I went by my car, it would be late, there would be too many people, and we would have to buy more gas, which is why going by motorbike is the best option.

I called my close friend name Aloun, who is dark and tall. We have been close friends since we studied at Primary school. While the cell phone rang, my friend answered, I told him about the details and our destination. Eventually he said “yes”. So, it made me feel relieved because I want to see the Naga fireballs very much.

The new day came, Friday October 26. It is a full moon night. My friend and I drove the motorbike to the temples next to my house. I glanced at many people going to the temple in the colorful dresses, in Lao traditional style. Some went with their family, their friends, their boy friends and girl friends. However, mainly I saw adults or old people. Why do they go to the temple? The reasons are that they want to worship the Buddha. This time of the year is in honor of Buddhist lent, after the Buddha came from the heaven after three months meditation. Which is why Buddhist people celebrate by going to the temple with food, candy, cake, drink, fruits, flower (lotus, the symbol of Buddhist religion)…and make offerings to the monks.

After that they give alms. Some teenagers will go back home; only some teenagers and adults still stay at the temple. They will go back home until monks finish giving the speech. So for us, we listened to the speech about ten minutes, then we drove back to my home. Tonight there will be “Loitkathong”, and Naga fireballs at the Mekong River, Pakgreum Village, Borlikhamsay Province, across the river from Nongkhai, Thailand.

“Loitkathong” means you make something that looks like the bow, made from banana tree and banana leaf, decorated with yellow flowers, together with candles. We took these to the Mekong River in order to worship the nagas, and the Buddha footprint under the Mekong River. Before you take the Kathong in to the river, you must wish what you want to get. Then, do it.

to be continued …

11:08 AM ICT Permalink | Comments [2]

Secret under the River

The Mekong River is the longest river in Laos. It also passes through Thailand, Vietnam, Burma, and China. The Mekong River has given many advantages to Lao people for many centuries, since Lao people moved from northern China. We use the river for many things in our daily life. For example, we grew food on the banks of the river, we can catch fish, and we use it for cleaning. These are some of the benefits we get from it. However, there is something mysterious which makes the Mekong River different from other rivers. What is this mystery which has stayed with Lao people’s minds for along time? It is the nagas that they live under Mekong River.

The naga is the sacred mythical animal which looks like a snake. It is long and powerful with green scales. Nagas were sacred snakes who protected the Buddha since 2500 B.C. Because of one part of Buddhism, Lao people and the people in the Isan region or Northeast Thailand believe that Nagas are still alive. Why? Should I believe them? Yes, because I have seen it with my eyes, which is why I want to open the secret together with you.

Let’s go back to the history. Nagas are half sacred spirit and snake, which means if you are people who live in this world, you always do good things, help people, believe in Buddhism, you always do meditation. Then, before you die, you wish in your heart that if you die, you wish to born as a Naga. Later when you die, your good behavior will not die, and it will lead you to be reincarnated depending on what you wish.

Like snakes, nagas can live on land and in the water. It is a sacred animal, which can be human sometimes, and then it will change to snake again. So, this is why humans can’t see it with their eyes. These sacred animals can see only people who are enlightened in nagas and believe in Buddhism, or who live near the Mekong River. This happens especially after Buddhist lent during the full moon in October (according to the lunar calendar, it could be October or November). At this time, many people in Laos and Northeast Thailand will prepare food, drink, and money. Then, they will travel to Mekong Riverbank to see the famous naga fireball.

In Laos we can see the naga fireball at Pakgyrem village in Borlikhamsay province. It is about 30 km from Vientiane on South Highway 13. Pakgyrem village is the place where the Gyrem River and Mekong River meet each other, which is why you can see two colors of water, in green and orange. So, every year many people go there. For instance, some go with their family, girlfriends or friends to see the naga fireballs.

Why do nagas burn the fireball during the full moon of October? Because once there was a naga who was enlightened in Buddhism. So, he came out of the cave under the Mekong River to the land where humans lived. He changed from a big snake to the handsome man and went to a temple in order to ask the Buddha to be a monk. It was permitted and he became a monk. Then, one day he slept, and his body became the snake. Finally, he had to stop being a monk because he was an animal.

The naga cried and told the Buddha that he was enlightened in Buddhism, which is why he did like that. Therefore, the naga said: “If I can’t be a monk, please take the name of Naga into Buddhism. Furthermore, after the Buddhist lent in October, Nagas will burn the fireball in order to worship the Buddha every year.” In other words, they are happy that the Buddhist monks gets out of long meditation, which is why we can see the incredible fire balls only October in full moon night. This is history.

During the celebration after the Buddhist monks finish three months of meditation, on that night many shops sell foods and drinks spread along the Mekong riverbank. Moreover, there also have fireworks, and the villagers will make a boat made of a banana tree that looks like the naga, which is decorated with candles and flowers to worship the Nagas.

Then, villagers go to the river together to float these little boats and welcome the nagas. Under Mekong River the nagas will create the fireballs. Suddenly, about 9 PM, you will see the naga’s fireball in red with a little pink. About 2, or up to 20, fireballs come out of the water and fly up to the sky; and then disappear. This celebration last until midnight, then people will stop and go back home.

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