Wat Xieng Thong

Offerings to the Monks

Mum has wanted me to see the Wat Xieng Thong (wat = temple) for years and years. She said it was one of her most favourite places because of the mosaics. Mum went there about 13 years ago (when she was young!), and says it's like a jewel. 

I can understand what she means now. 

Because we went in the morning, a lot of Laotions were giving offerings (flowers, incense, money) to the monks. There seemed to a ceremony in course. 

Me (in case you didn't know) in front of one of the temples

This is one of the small pagoda temples housing a Buddha. Do you see the patterns on the side of the roof? they are made with glass mosaics. You'll see more as you scroll down. 

Buddha

The next lot of photos are locals praying and giving offerings to the monk. There were a lot of school girls wearing their school shirts, but put on their sinhs (remember what they are?) and a scarf over their shirts as part of the traditional ceremony. 

Mum too this photo - and I like it

flower offering

More offerings

In another temple, there were lots of Buddhas with fabric robes. AND tiny Buddhas on the wall. Mum has some like this at home (do you know Mum has 37 Buddhas at home?!!!)

These dragons were on a wedding float - the royal couples are carried in on the float.
The dragons are like Nagas (in Cambodia).

Me again taking a photo.  It's a bit an Apsara but not really.
I'll tell you about Apsara's when we go to Angkor Wat. 

Isn't this a fantastic photo of a monk?

The next lot of photos are of the mosaics that decorate the outside walls (exterior). These photos are mostly taken close up, because they are quite small. They are made of glass and show different parts of live in Laos. 

Mum and I had to cover our shoulders in the wat, like we also do, because we need to show respect to the monks. Women are not allowed to touch a monk. 

Tigers and monkeys

I think this is on one of the rivers, but it must be royalty. 

This is the beautiful Tree of Life mosaic

elephants - (I'm going to spend a day with them on the weekend - the elephants I mean)

Ladies with parasols, which we have seen in Luang Prabang. To keep the sun and heat off them, the ladies carry umbrellas (even when they are riding motorbikes)

The dazzling little temple - which seems alive with activity of the mosaics.
It had a sort of energy.