Photos

The Buddhist monks' bowls are all lined up, already filled by the women sitting in prayer. It is a monthly, Lunar feast. The monks were very excited, not to beg for food that day (alms). Treats, candy, cookies, and money also we added to the bowls. The monks are also given additinal low tables of treats to eat. When they are done with the special foods, the women then eat off the same plates, using the same spoons. What is then left, is taken home to share, holy food for their family or freinds. I was invited that day, but did not understnd what they wanted. No one spoke English. In this picture, it is a special occasion, once a month only. Otherwise, the monks in this temple go out with their bowls twice a day, and stand by open doors waiting to get simple food.
I ate a few days later, at a different temple, ( a smaller one), where cooked food is supplied daily, by a different group of ladies. I ate from the head monk's table, after he was done, with his spoon. The food was so delicious, sticky rice, soups, different fishes, chicken, pork, vegetables, all kinds of Laos local food. The monks are served directly on many small plates this temple daily, no bowls are set out daily like here, no money, no sweets, except tamarind and papaya where eaten or given.