Blog Post #19 - Breaking Down a Bottle of BeerLao

It's a long weekend in Laos starting tomorrow. Another national holiday! Although I am heading off to Bangkok, I am sure my Lao comrades will be enjoying a few BeerLao. To honour the occasion and give everyone around the world a glimpse into their celebrations, this post I will break down a bottle of BeerLao.

Enjoy! And for all not living in Laos, fear not, Friday is just around the corner.

Sticky rice is important or you may end up like this guy.... 

Do not expect the BeerLao to make you that flexible though

Occasionally, I also enjoy drinks with normal people....

We are on a boat!

I have developed quite a loyalty to Lao Brewery Company. When I travel through Vietnam and Cambodia for Christmas, do not expect to see me drinking their poison.

apologies to my new Vietnamese friends, but come on, you gotta step up the beer making game

And in case you still have not gotten your fill of BeerLao, try some BeerLao ice cream!

The Canadian embassy is organizing a tour of the BeerLao factory in two weeks. Rumours are that they have a BeerLao river similar to the one at the Wonka Chocolate Factory. I secured my golden ticket, so depending on the level of secrecy, I will share photos!

Blog Post #18 - Who Let the Dogs Out?!!

If you know me, or follow on Instagram, you know that dogs have a special place in my life.....despite the initial stories of being chased here in Vientiane.

Although not at all related to my work, I know many of you also have a love for these furry creatures. But to spare everyone else from regular updates on my feed, here is a sample from my very large collection of dog pictures....sad I know. To my defense, they wander EVERYWHERE in Vientiane!

I think I am being followed....don't think he can see though

The smile you get when you can see again....but only briefly

Bob Barker would sound like a broken record telling Laos to spay and neuter their pets

Puppies everywhere!!!!

....I'm not complaining :)

Shy because he is worried that he may end up in the next soup?

I even FaceTime'd my dogs! (we've all done it but most won't admit to it)

Koda <3

Mica deserves a shout out in my next style post

I cannot FaceTime Koda & Mica and not also FaceTime my DAWG Taylor....he's a bit more talkative

....a lot more talkative

But Taylor is hardly very cute, so here are a few more dogs to finish the post....

One of my most important Lao phrases...."Can I pet your dog?"

We met this last little guy at Nam Ngum Lake. Our boat driver bought him from a remote fishermen village where we ate lunch.

Now get back to work!!

Blog Post #17 - Organic Conversion of Smallholder Farmers

******* The following research is credited to Hystra Consulting and is based on a report they created in July 2015 entitled "Smallholder Farmers and Business - 15 pioneering collaborations for improved productivity and sustainability" *********

In addition to summarizing some of the amazing research that Hystra conducted, I have added my own interpretations and pictures for the context of organic Khao Kai Noi (KKN) farming in Laos.

Khyati Foods, in India, has successfully supported the certification of 9000 smallholder farmers, and is in the process of certifying 6000 more. Farmers are motivated to participate in the organic program because they save input costs on fertilizers and pesticides. Organic production also improves soil quality and can generate higher yields by 5-10% over the three-year conversion period.

On the flip side, organic adherence on average adds an additional five hours of labour each week for a two acre farm. These extra hours can be attributed to activities like preparing vermi-compost or cow dung fertilizer.

Water buffalo fudge +.....

Cow gravy =....

.....pleasant barrel of fertilizer ready for stir

This additional time commitment is actually a large risk to Xiengkhouang province farmers achieving organic certification. Xiengkhouang farmers have experienced labour shortages with many youth moving into the city. Initiatives for mechanization (to alleviate labour shortages) are also difficult in Xiengkhouang because the land is very uneven and hilly. Tractors are not only expensive for these poor farmers, but are largely ineffective to achieve desired productivity improvements.

I cannot imagine myself being too productive with this back breaking work

I am too much of a princess to even know which end of the tool to hold

While priority for these social enterprises is of course the farmers themselves, Khyati Foods and SAEDA also need to make money to reduce reliance on grants and become self-sufficient. Khyati Foods primarily generates revenue by purchasing organic produce from farmers at standard market price and selling it under their own brand at an organic premium of 20%. They also offer a variety of value-add services for farmers. 

An organic market in Xiengkhouang, spearheaded by SAEDA

We are evaluating the capability of SAEDA to offer a similar set of services. They not only create opportunities for revenue diversification, but also would improve the economic security of Lao farmers participating in the program. With growing concerns of climate change and adverse weather that may impact rice yields, the farmers need alternatives to guarantee stable livelihoods.

The KKN is looking good this year, but Mother Nature offers no guarantees next year

Little irrigation potential in Xiengkhouang makes natural water availability a pressing concern

Do you think you have what it takes to farm organic Khao Kai Noi, or does the thought of those fertilizer bucket smells make you want to take a shower?

Blog Post #16 - That Luang Festival

You probably are starting to think that I work harder going to festivals than actually getting things done around the office. It would not be a stretch to suppose, but I did not draw up the Buddhist calendar....and I am surely not complaining. But I can assure you that while Buddha may sometimes take center stage, the rice farmers still get most of my attention!

Anyways, festivals are more exciting than rice, so here is an overview of the That Luang festival from this past weekend.

That Luang at night

That Luang is the site of the city's founding pillar. It marks the focal point of the 3-day Buddhist festival which involves processions, monks and candles. People across the city and region will converge on the temple / wat, walk around it three times and chant the ancient words of Buddha. I am not sure what is being said, but I believe they are sending prayers and giving offerings to guardians of the city and Lord Buddha himself.

Make sure to do a few reps in the gym before trying to carry one of those 'wax castles' around the temple

SO MANY COLORS

I watched a few grass fires nearly cause a large bonfire

Even the monks whip out their phones to snap a picture of the impressive Wat

Imagine the Calgary Stampede but with what seems like 3x more people. Not exactly my cup of tea, but a memorable experience to say the least. I joined the crowds and walked around the wat three [two] times....always keeping a close eye on the walking candles ready to singe a hole in my clothing.

The commercial side of the festival....it helps to be a bit taller

Stay tuned for my coverage of the Mekong Festival this upcoming week......JOKING....there isn't a Mekong Festival to my knowledge....at least not in November.....but I am surely going to suggest it. 

Blog Post #15 - Top Activities to RELAX in Vientiane

The American election is finally over, and not sure about you, but I am already over the never ending coverage and social media posts. Blog views are way down around the world so I imagine you have all been preoccupied with it, BUT now tune in here to get away from all that is politics.

It's time to RELAX and put down those phones. There is no shortage of relaxing activities to do in and around Vientiane. While less known than some of its 'tourist friendly' neighbours, the people of Laos sure know how R&R. The common sayings are Bor Pen Nyang ("no worries") or Lao PDR (Lao Please Don't Rush).

Here is a short list of some relaxing activities in Vientiane.

#1 Buddha Park

The garden contains over 200 beautiful Hindu and Buddhist statues. Without much shade coverage, best to find a cloudy day when you can escape the bustle of the city, collect your thoughts and admire the art.

#2 Posting Up at a Cafe

French cafe culture is strong in Vientiane. Nice, air conditioned cafes can be found across the city, catering to FALANG (foreigners) and CON LAOS (Laos people) alike. You may have to fight for a spot Saturday morning.

#3 Chilling out at the Mekong River

While I do not think I would ever want to swim in the river, sitting on the banks makes for a pretty peaceful afternoon. Just make sure you get there before any mosquitoes emerge around dusk.

Although the rainy season is over and the Mekong has retreated, it is still an impressive sight
(Thailand can be seen on the other side)

#4 Getting a Massage (1 hour = $10 CAD!!!!!!!)

I have to make the most of them while here because comparable massages back home easily cost $100. I may age 20 years when I return since I cannot afford to have them 2x per week.

I have never been so flexible....and yet still cannot touch my toes. 

#5 Meditation with the Monks

I am terrible at meditation (hence the picture midway through), but I have been told about the benefits and will continue to practice.

Even the dogs cannot help but relax

As I have hit the 2-month mark of my trip, please let me know if there is anything you want to hear more about!

Blog Post #14 - A Cup of Coffee in Laos

It's the start of a new week! If there is one thing that does not change no matter where your office is around the world, it's a shared love for a beverage that gets you through the day....especially on those Mondays and Tuesdays. In India that may be chai tea, in Thailand maybe mango lasse, in Russia maybe vodka, but in Canada and Laos at least, it is coffee. 

Laos actually has a reputable high-quality coffee industry, but I will provide that overview on another day. Instead, today I will provide some comic relief to help you get through those early work week blues. Enjoy!

The day starts and the first thing on my mind is my first cup.

3-in-1 coffee looks like my best bet....

....6% coffee powder. Are you kidding me?! 

But why drink 3-in-1 coffee when you can drink 4-in-1 coffee....

I wonder if that's the face you get before or after drinking the coffee???

Extra soy milk please

Drink your coffee on this well placed park bench.

It just wouldn't make sense to move the bench a few feet over

Coffee makes everyone go to the restroom

But in case you forget how to sit on the toilet.....

While you sit properly on the toilet, browse through recent Facebook Friend Requests. I think I may turn this next one down....

These guys need some more 4-in-1 coffee to boost their game

Leaving the restroom may also pose a slight challenge....

Would you "risk" opening the door?

Made it safely out of the restroom so now back to work! I will make some real ROSSO coffee with my Aeropresse this afternoon.