Only in NYC

When I'm in a cab for a ride of more than just a few minutes, I often ask the driver where he is from.  I find it interesting to learn about new places this way.  Burkina Faso was one answer that had me studying the globe when I got home.

Imagine my delight when the last driver I'd asked, replied. "Bangladesh."

"I've just come back from Bangladesh!" I exclaimed.

 An engaging conversation ensued.  Remarking on how hot it had been, I explained:

  "I'm originally from Michigan, I am not accustomed to hot weather.  And, my heritage is northern European.  Finland.  So, I am hard-wired for colder climates"

He glanced in the rearview mirror to look at me.

 "Do you know the word, kiitos?"  He asked.

 "But, of course!  How is it that you know the Finnish word for thank you?" 

He'd had a Finnish customer a while back who had taught him.  We shared a good laugh at how unexpected that had been.

Soon, I was getting out of the cab.  I turned, smiled, and thanked him in Bengali.   "Dhanyabad!" 

He smiled right back...."Kiitos"      

Favorite?

     

     "Which country was your favorite?"  is a common question we get asked.

                                                It's like asking a mother to name her favorite child.

                                                                       Could you choose?

                                           
                                       


                                       
                                                                          Bangladesh.

                               

 
                                

                                                                              India

                                                                                        
                                                    
                                                                       Zambia




                                           
                                                                    
                                                                            Sri Lanka.


                                            

                                                                           Cambodia

                                   

                                                                           
                                                                             Vietnam 



                                    



                                      

                                                                                   Laos
                                  

                                    

                                                                                   Nepal.

                                           I think you'll agree.   Love doesn't divide.  It multiplies!



"Hor Phra Phoum" A Spirit House

                                         

                          
   

This is a Spirit House.  Many homes in Laos have one. It is an ornate miniature temple mounted on a post or a tree nearby

                           
  

 The Lao people believe one's ancestors continue to bless their lives.  The Spirit House is intended to provide shelter for these spirits and offer guests their blessing and protection.

                               
 

  Gifts of incense, fruit and sweet things are left to "feed the spirits"   "After all, they take care of us, we must return that care."  It was explained to me.
                                      

                             

Situating the Spirit House is the first step in any building construction.  A monk or priest advises the most auspicious location.  For the first 100 days as the building starts, alms must be placed in the house every day before sunrise.   And, from then on twice a month on Temple Day. 

     

This is the Hor Phra Phoum at the Settha Palace Hotel in Vientiane.

It is a tradition of thanksgiving and a gracious gesture to the hotel guests.

 

    

I brought home a hand-carved Buddha from Laos.  It is situated on a table by our front door with a dish of candy at it's base in honor of the Spirit House tradition.  

 And, I have noticed the spirits do, indeed, keep taking it!