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!"

Seeing History At The Lao National Museum

There's a state history museum in Vientiane, offering a mix of archeological finds and artifacts from recent revolution. Let's wander.

The big building. Imposing.

Old important rocks, vases, stuff from A Long Time Ago. A painting depicting bloody history. Looks like red is winning and they have a really, really big elephant to help them.

The revolution arrives. Pick up the guns before you get to lay down your arms.

War, idealized with a golden, cubist style soldier statue and the grim reality of endless bombs and landmines.

The Buddhism room.

Tombs Of Time At Vat Nong Bone

Vat Nong Bone is a humble Buddhist temple complex compared to many of the Wats that dot Vientiane. What stands out at the place is the impressive array of little tomb markings. Lots of patina, personal touches and offerings. The gravitas of life is present.

A typical section of the small tombs, each unique.

A couple of family examples, worn to the point of unrecognizable and newer with portrait tile.

Sometimes all that is present are family offerings.

Two more tombs, framed in gold.

Another section, the usual hodgepodge of decoration, completion, maintenance. Heavy.