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MY ISLAND HOME: DONKHO

Posted on by Andy Chan
MY ISLAND HOME: DONKHO

I last stood on Mekong riverbank in Saphay looking over to Donkho in 2000. It might be 1980, the year that we left Donkho, my island home, my birthplace.

Back then, the river was our playground. We ran barefoot on sandbars, fished with homemade nets, and hunted grasshoppers in the dry fields or nearby islands. Donkho’s soil gave us everything: rice, sweet potatoes, beans, watermelons, herbs, vegetables any at all.

When the tide dropped, the river revealed its secrets—rocks, beaches, hidden pools—and we’d explore them like adventurers.

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HOMEOWNER: COMMITMENT

Posted on by Andy Chan
HOMEOWNER: COMMITMENT

Owning a home involves several financial commitments and ongoing costs. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the typical expenses associated with homeownership in Sydney: mortgage repayment, rates, power bills, internet or mobile phone bills, insurance, maintenance costs, etc….Owning a home in NSW is a significant financial commitment, but with careful planning and budgeting, it can be a rewarding investment.

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CAR OWNERSHIP COSTS

Posted on by Andy Chan
CAR OWNERSHIP COSTS

Owning a car in Sydney, Australia, is often considered essential due to the city’s sprawling nature and the convenience it offers for commuting, grocery runs, and other daily activities. However, car ownership comes with several ongoing financial commitments, but for many, the convenience and flexibility it provides are worth the cost. Proper planning and budgeting can help manage these expenses

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LUANG PRABANG: FIRST IMPRESSION

Posted on by Andy Chan
LUANG PRABANG: FIRST IMPRESSION

Luang Prabang is a city of contrasts: serene and chaotic, ancient and modern, beautiful yet neglected.

For future travelers, the key is to approach Luang Prabang with an open mind. Focus on its strengths – its spirituals atmosphere, natural beauty, and its rich cultural heritage. By doing so, you can have a meaningful and memorable visit to this enchanting city.

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LUMVONG: CULTURAL HERITAGE

Posted on by Andy Chan
LUMVONG: CULTURAL HERITAGE

Lao Lumvong – A Symbol of Lao Culture and Unity

Lao Lumvong is a traditional circle dance central to Lao culture, performed during festivals, weddings, and community events. Dancers move gracefully in a circle to traditional music, often accompanied by instruments like the *khene* (bamboo mouth organ). The dance symbolizes unity, harmony, and the cyclical nature of life, reflecting Lao values of community and spirituality.

Rooted in ancient traditions, Lumvong preserves Lao heritage and fosters social cohesion. It is performed by people of all ages during celebrations like Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao) and the Rocket Festival (Boun Bang Fai). Inscribed in 2024 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Lumvong remains a cherished part of Lao identity, showcasing the nation’s rich cultural legacy and bringing people together in celebration.

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LAOS-CHINA RAILWAY

Posted on by Andy Chan
LAOS-CHINA RAILWAY

This infrastructure marvel brings significant benefits to both nations. For Laos, the railway enhances trade, boosts tourism, creates jobs, and fosters skill development, while integrating the country into regional and global supply chains. For China, it strengthens access to Southeast Asia, supports its geopolitical and economic interests, and promotes sustainable regional integration. Additionally, the railway reduces transportation costs, encourages cultural exchange, and contributes to environmental sustainability by promoting rail over road freight.

Despite challenges such as debt concerns and environmental impacts, the Laos-China Railway exemplifies how strategic infrastructure can drive shared prosperity, improve livelihoods, and deepen bilateral ties, marking a new era of collaboration between Laos and China.

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POP: EASY LISTENING

Posted on by Andy Chan
POP: EASY LISTENING

Catching a bus full of commuters on the way to work can often feel like stepping into a swirling tide of humanity—chaotic, noisy, and alive with the hum of hurried conversations, clattering footsteps, and the occasional screech of brakes. The air is thick with the collective energy of people rushing to their destinations, each absorbed in their own world yet contributing to the symphony of urban life. It’s easy to feel lost in the chaos,…

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LOOSING MY RELIGION

Posted on by Andy Chan
LOOSING MY RELIGION

The Laotian diaspora faces a growing challenge in preserving its cultural heritage as older generations pass away and younger ones become increasingly assimilated into their host countries. Traditional ceremonies, such as weddings, housewarming rituals, and newborn blessings, are at risk of being lost due to the lack of skilled **masters of ceremonies (MCs)**—key figures who ensure the authenticity and structure of these events. Without MCs, many families opt for simpler, Western-style celebrations, leading to a decline in cultural practices. Additionally, traditional folk arts like **Lam Vong** (circle dancing) and **Mor Lam** (folk music) are now rarely seen outside of temple festivals or weddings, as younger generations show less interest in these less popular art forms. Efforts to preserve Laotian culture include community workshops, intergenerational learning, and the use of digital platforms to share traditions. However, sustaining this heritage requires training new MCs, promoting cultural education, and revitalizing folk arts to engage younger generations and ensure that Laotian traditions remain a vibrant part of the diaspora’s identity.

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