Looking At A Leader's Life At The Kaysone Phomvihan Museum

When you're first, you usually get a museum to your big accomplishments. Kaysone Phomvihan was the first leader of Communist Laos. Boom, you get a museum!

Starting at the beginning. Little Kaysone was born in the humble village of Na Seng.

The revolution starts now. Guns and communication equipment, what any revolution needs to get its point across. A re-creation of a cave bunker in the jungle. Busts of Marx and Engels to brighten up the place. 

War room with maps. "Should we take over the world? It's what's on our map."

Green and bronze. A lot of green military might could get you some heroic bronze freedom one day. Don't forget your briefcase.

The requisite post-revolution monument with a gaggle of True Believers and their important props. All you need to know about the birth of a new nation.

Gold And A Big Drum At Wat Phiavat

Every wat in Vientiane, Laos, seems to have something unique. For Wat Phiavat, the highlight is eerily life-like gold sculptures.

The main temple, done up in traditional white and gold and red.

On to the interesting sculptures. Some of the flock, praying to Buddha. Relaxed guard.

Buddha with an umbrella and a giant leaf for a little shade and protection.

Woman with hair as a powerful weapon. Swat. That big drum, signaling prayer times.

The back of the temple hall has a nice mural, a full graphic novel dedicated to Buddha's busy life.

A Hot Aussie Holiday Greeting

G'day Elves, welcome to Sarah and James' first Christmas holiday post from Canberra, Australia. Please excuse them for wearing their cutoffs and tank tops. It's hot down here this time of year!

The summer season doesn't stop one from decorating the ranch house as a winter wonderland. Just make sure to mow the grass before adding snow.

Poor polar bears and Frosty - the seasonal chill ain't coming. Another homestead, doing its best disguise in the heat.

Santa is hip and modern Down Under. He's got his truck and kebabs and he's rolling. And don't forget a dinosaur in holiday gear.

What do Aussies bring home to celebrate a sweet tooth? How about a Kit Kat C(K)abin or a Barbie cookie caravan? That's motorhome, for those who don't speak Aussie.

When night falls and there's enough protection for your small town tree, the Christmas spirit can start to feel real.

Hey shivering masses, wishing you all the best this holiday season from balmy Canberra!

Monumental Sights At The Kayson Phomvihane Museum

Who needs to go inside to check out the impressive vibe related to the first leader of Communist Laos? In the front plaza of the museum dedicated to Kayson Phomvihane are a set of great, heroic sculpures with a revolutionary theme.

Don't forget the big leader. Phomvihane gets his due. "Hey, come check out my museum."

One of the monuments. Red flag, hard charging brigade. In it to win it. Statue detail. Man, woman and a big box of grenades. Lethal, down to the impressive, rope braids.

The other monument. A woman proudly bringing some wheat and a big sickle to the revolution. A tip of a Mao cap to the Soviet Union. The other woman with a chicken? Props to Frank Purdue?

More details. Boy with bird, man with chainsaw. Every archetype into the pool.

"Speaking of pool, does anyone know where I can put my big fish? They are thirsty."

Fun Figures At Wat Si Muang

Most Buddhist temple complexes in Vientiane, Laos, have a few sculptures of Buddha, maybe some other deities scattered around. Wat Si Muang goes all in with an army of interesting folks.

Three (four?) headed mustache man. He sees everything!

Women with long hair. Really, really long hair.

Humble little zebra, in need of a new hamstring.

Standing guard. Or, just standing and looking adorable.

Green parrot man. If the Hulk and the Fruit Loops toucan had a kid that grew up to be a sentinel?

"I brought a club." "I brought a hoe, let's get this rumble started."

Another interspecies mashup. Just throw an elephant and a bird in a cage, add a bunch of silver, maybe a little gold and....never mind, don't do that.

Enjoying Wat Si Muang

Another day in Vientiane, Laos, another half dozen or so wats. What's (ahem) not to like? Especially Wat Si Muang, a Buddhist temple complex that knows how to bring the luxe.

Built in the 16th century, kept up like it's a shiny, new toy. The place is more crowded than most other wats in town as it's thought a pop in and a prayer brings good luck.

Don't be afraid of busy decoration. Go red, go carved, go scenes, go all in.

Looking for some luck.

Rubbing for some luck. The mystery Buddha. Back outside, brightly painted planter in a drab world.

Yesterday's flower offerings.

Animal Urges At Wat Hosantinimit

You never know what you'll find at a Buddhist wat in Vientiane. Sure, Buddha, Buddha, Buddha, probably gold, sitting, standing, reclining. Then, what?

Hello happy elephant.

The main temple, white, orange and airy. Friendly? Sure, just steer clear of the big gaggle of hissing dragons.

Lunch on the veranda. BYOF. Bring your own fan.

Ahh, animals. How about a golden deer and a silver horse?

Nah, let's go with a boy/man/emperor look. "Hail to the baby!"