Heidi wrote a compelling article about the COPE Centre in Laos back in April 2016. In her post she addressed the issue of unexploded ordinance (UXO) spread throughout certain parts of Laos, and the damage these devices are doing to the local communities.If you haven't read it yet please follow the link above and do... Continue Reading →
Halwa
Halwa is the national desert of Oman and a symbol of the countries heritage and culture. The taste is unique to the family that makes it and the recipe is handed down from generation to generation. The method of producing halwa has been preserved for hundreds, perhaps thousands, of years as grandparents teach their grandchildren... Continue Reading →
Ramadan Kareem
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and begins after the night that the crescent of the new moon is sighted. This can vary by a day or two amongst Muslim nations and this year Oman's Moon Sighting Main Committee, led by Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Salmi the Minister of Awqaf and Religious... Continue Reading →
Hot in the City
And summer has only just begun :-O
Fun With Food
The kids at OURPLANET International School in Muscat, Oman have been attending 'Fun with Food' co-curricular activities after hours, learning about nutrition and enjoying some healthy snacks along the way. Obviously the students have rather discerning palettes for all things red... ...except when it comes to vegetables 🙂
I Love Laos’ Chaos
This little beauty appeared on the J&C Expat Services website a couple of days ago No More Right Turns On Red Traffic Lights: Lao Police 20/05/2016 J&C Admin Source: Laonationaltelevision Tnl As of yesterday, according to this report of the Lao National TV, it’s forbidden to take a right turn on a red traffic light, unless... Continue Reading →
The Black Stupa
That Dam (pronounced Tat Dam) is an old weather-beaten stupa located near the centre of Vientiane. There are many rumours surrounding this rather forlorn looking object. Some suggest that it was once adorned completely in gold that was stolen by the Siamese during the ransacking of Vientiane in 1828. Others suggest that it houses a... Continue Reading →
Last Lao King
Chao Anouvong, also known by the regal name of King Xaiya Setthathirath V is the last king of the former Lao kingdom of Lane Xang, who ruled from 1805 - 1828. The statue pictured below and the surrounding parklands are a memorial to a man perceived locally as one of the countries most cherished leaders.... Continue Reading →
Wat Si Saket
Wat Si Saket is perhaps the oldest surviving Buddhist temple in Vientiane after the Siamese army sacked the city in 1827. It was built by King Anouvong c1818 in a traditional Thai style and named after a sister temple, Wat Saket, in Bangkok. It is believed that the use of Siamese architecture in the construction... Continue Reading →