Have you ever asked yourself if you could ever choose, which place in this world do you want to be at most? I have. The warmest memories, and the peacefully joys I experience when I am there will always have a special place in my heart. From time to time the richness of culture, the variety of food, and the most beautiful traditions have been specified signatures itself, and yet have never fallen behind in the new century. This place is called: “Laos” also known, as a Lao PDR has always been the most inimitable place rooted in my heart. I left Laos when I was twelve, but I still had some fond memories.
When I came there, I found that some things had changed dramatically while others have had stayed the same. There were some unexpected surprises, some of which I wished to see. I went back two years ago; I explored the vaguely familiar streets and happened to arrive upon the famous temple down the street of my grandparents’ house. The traditional styled building had a pair of stone tigers flanking the main entrance and the sounds of prayer could be heard even from the streets. The smell of incense crept into my nose and the warming light from the candles as I approached the carved wooden doors of the temple.
Inside was decorated by gold-painted statue of Buddha surrounded by numerous offerings and food. I remembered walking with my grandmother almost every day for almsgiving to the Monks. While standing in front of the building, a lot of memories flash back in time, where every morning at 6:30 AM, monks walk around the neighborhood, people seat in front of their house alms food for the monks. In return of respect, monks give out the blessing to people. This is the expensive experience that I could never forget. The chime of the bell marked noontime and I realized I was rather hungry.
I made my trip into the streets where vendors were selling a variety of fresh Asian fruits and food including rambutan, lychee, mangosteen, and durian. As I walked by the concession stands I smelled the aroma of my favorite Lao dish called “Tum Mark Houng” or “Green Papaya Salad” This is a remarkable dish, and it representing the country. I proceeded in the direction of the restaurant and sat in a rather small and fragile looking wooden chair. While pondering whether or not the chair would break, the waitress came and took my order.
Within five minutes, I had a plate of spicy papaya salad, along with side vegetables, pork rinds, stir fried noodles (also known as “Pat Thai”), and a bowl of spicy seafood soup (also known as “Tom Yum Kong”) most gourmet foods. I finished the entire meal right down to the very last pieces of it. I knew what it was like to be truly hungry, and enjoy delicious home cooked foods that hardly could be found in America, so I did not wasted my foods. As I walked a long the Mekong River, I came to realize that Lao people held their traditional beliefs intently.
All women are dressing in the national costume called “Sinh” to school, work, and every important ceremony. In that evening, I got invited to the wedding; it surprised me that not only the bride was wearing the formal traditional “Sinh”, and all other women as well, which impressed me, a lot. Lao national costume is created from refined natural silks, and quality golden threats designed along the skirt and the scarf. The concept of this costume is silk dress top with the common length of both sleeves of 3 inches above the wrist, a long skirt below the knees, and a matching scarf. Many years passed, the concept and designs were the same.
However, the new generation intended to modernize the styles to fit fashion of the twenty first century. I believe every woman, including myself is proud to present the most beautiful habiliment that ancestors’ had created. On the way back to my house, I stopped by my friend’s bar to have a few drinks. I squeezed through all the people and finally got to the seat by the counter. I mentally told myself to not overdue it with the drinking but before I knew it, I enjoy seeing my old friends too much. Within ten minutes of entering the bar, I was singing the national anthem of Lao along with my crazy friends.
It was a great night spent with my old friends in the atmospheres that brought back my childhood memories. Moment in time, I realized how old I am, when I think back how things changed. Lao PDR is considering as one of the poorness country in South East Asia. However, within ten years of me living aboard, Laos has had changed so much in so many good ways. The old red dirty road that I used to commute to school every day now has been transformed into a 4 lane expressway. The empty lands 2 minutes walked from my grandparents’ house that used to be my playground, now has been turned into restaurants, bars, and entertainments site.
Even though, the place has been changed, but my memories remain the same. Another impression succeed in Laos is youngsters learn English and as their second language, and their can communicate fluently with international guests. Most job vacancies these days, requested the knowledge of English. Therefore, the quality of the education is getting better every day. The country and the people, not only hold-on to the former culture in their modern lifestyles, but also quickly adapted the western cultures as well.
I am grateful that Laos is finally moving forwards. The equality of man and woman is now up to the international standard, which has never happen for decades. I am speechless, to see Laos today, and am proud to call is the mother land where is full of inspiration, love, and harmony. I have always commemorated the time I had at this wonderful place that full of energy, and inspiring me. The place that is full of my childhood memories: the temple I used to go to with my grandmother to pray to the statue of Buddha, as well as eating my favorite cuisine everyday.
As I am boarding the plane, I look outside the window at the scenery of my country one last time before leaving. If I have time, I would always try to go back to my hometown annually. I know for sure that if I ever go back again, I will try to giant as many memories as possible, in both written and photographic form. Until next time, I will visit to the northern part of Laos “Xieng Khouang” which is my father’s hometown, and down to the south “Pakse” where my mother called home.
