Lao PDR: more than 3 tons of drugs go up in smoke
Over 3 tons of illicit drugs seized by Lao law enforcement officers were burned last week near the Lao National Assembly in commemoration of the twenty-third anniversary of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Nearly 9 kg of heroin, 985,000 methamphetamine (Yabaa) pills, 2.8 tons of cannabis and 176 kg of opium were destroyed at the burning ceremony.
NEW “War Memorial Trail” discovered in Laos
For those who like would to learn more about the history of Laos, about America’s involvement in the secret war in Laos and see first hand unexploded bombs and craters. This is a half-day trek amongst nature in the forests. It is and interlectual and educational hiking trip only thirty minutes outside Luang Prabang.
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At The Horizon - Laos latest film project
When I was interviewing the crew of "At the Horizon", a Lao movie to be produced in June, it took a while when I recognized, that actually the story about the movie is as good as the movies script.
But first things first: At the Horizon is a feature action movie about two different worlds in Laos colliding: The wealthy influential people on the one hand and the poor and honest on the other hand. There is a death, anger, pain and kind of vendetta included. So far, it is something that happens in Laos (and other Southeast-Asian countries) quite often.
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Lao Business meetings - a new network event
Although there are workshops here and there and some business associations, Vientiane lacks of regularly business oriented networking events. In a country that still lacks of enough SMEs it is important, to connect people, share knowledge and ideas and developing markets.
The basic idea of a monthly Vientiane Business meeting is to bring foreign investors and business men together with local entrepreneurs and business owners. It is not an expat only event!
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2nd Vientianale International Film Festival
Submissions are open and here we go for the 2nd Vientianale International Film Festival. The first one was such a huge success that the organizers decided to go on with this important event for the Lao movie culture.
The Festival is not only a competition or pure entertainment but has also a focus on education about the potential richness and diversity of Lao film culture by presenting feature films, documentaries, films for children, music videos and short films.
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Some advice if you run a coffee shop
I am a bit addicted to coffee shops. The reason is that I like coffee and I like to sit in a Cafe. Since many coffee shops are offering Wifi, they became a workplace for me. What sometimes sucks is the management. You seldom see the owner or manager at the front desk, they leave all the work to the mostly untrained stuff. So some advice for coffee shop owners and managers:
1.) Your customers are important, not you and your balance sheets. If there is any trouble, get your ass off your office and assist your staff
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Luang Prabang Heritage Preservation an Art
The city of Luang Prabang is facing a big challenge - having survived colonisation and communism, can it survive tourism?
Luang Prabang sits in the northern, mountainous region of the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, Laos. Situated on a peninsula at a confluence of the mighty Mekong River and the Nam Khan, this small yet culturally rich city has become a magnet for visitors seeking tranquillity.
Ethnik Fashion Show
More than 49 different ethnic groups can be found living in Laos. Most of these groups continue to dress in traditional costumes passed down by their ancestors.
To showcase these colorful creations, Kopnoi, Made in Laos, is presenting a series of live Ethnic Fashion Shows in Luang Prabang, an enchanting historical city nestled between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. It is the former royal capital of Laos and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Vientiane for the body and mind
I had forgotten to stop and reflect on my body and mind – the healthy routine I had back in Australia had been left somewhere back in my old life, probably in storage with the rest of my things.
I was in need of a detox, my muddled mind in need of some calm reflection.
Luckily for me, Vientiane has its fair share of 'cleansing' havens; this rambling city has almost everything you need and without the crowds.
ExpatWomen Confession: Retiring Abroad
Retiring overseas is an exciting lifestyle for some. Making sure that it's the right choice for you depends on various factors. For example: how easy is it to adjust in the country that you're planning to move to and/or how good is the support system (medical, friends, contacts etc.).