The Ambience of Laos: WPC
“Without atmosphere, a painting is nothing.”
Rembrandt
This week my good friend, artist Jane Iwan, did a post featuring a painting she had done from one of my photographs. Check it out at her site, Jane Iwan Studio. My original photograph is shown above. Jane’s comment, that it feels like stepping back to a different moment in time, captured my sentiments perfectly.
“The past become a texture, an ambience to our present.”
Paul Scott
Laos’ history is replete with feuds, warfare and painful treatment of its people. In recent times although the US supported Laos, it is said they suffered some of the worst bombing in the history of warfare as we attempted to destroy the Ho Chi Minh trail, a primary Communist supply route primarily located in Laos. Based on their history, it is no wonder their focus is on a simpler life of appreciation for family, freedom and basic necessities.
Light creates ambience and feel of a place, as well as the expression of structure.”
Le Corbusier
Our visit to Laos was part of a much larger trip to Southeast Asia, a fascinating world so different from our own. The sights and smells of Bangkok, the wonder of Angkor Wat, the beauty of Ha Long Bay, the dichotomy of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) vs Hanoi and so many other fascinating experiences all helped us to understand and appreciate the people and places we’d only seen in books.
“Let us drown in the delicious ambience of love.”
Hafez
We saw some beautiful hotels and delicately scrolled ironwork, remnants of Laos’ time as a French Colony. Luang Prabang, the country’s capital city prior to the Communist takeover, is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its architecture and its preservation of Laotian heritage. It is also known as a Buddhist religious center. Each morning at dawn, hundreds of monks walk the streets of the city collecting alms – an amazing experience.
“Ambience is an unstudied grace – the grace of human dignity.”
William Pahlmann
Luang Prabang is considered by many to represent the heart of Laotian culture. Surrounded by mountains and located along the Mekong River, it is considered one of the most beautiful spots in Southeast Asia, and is one of their premier tourist destinations. A leisurely boat ride down the Mekong helped us to appreciate the Laotians whose lives revolve around the river – fishing, boating or farming the shoreline.
“The magnificent ambience of love will inevitably leave its seal.”
B.F. Davis
Finally, although my predominant memories of Laos were of a land of rather muted colors, it was in one of their night markets that I took one of my favorite photographs ever. The display of colorful umbrellas spoke to me of pure joy. It is one of the few photographs I’ve framed in my own home, and makes me smile every time I look at it. What could be better than that?
I really like these pictures!
Thanks MM >
I can see why you’ve framed it, but I can’t see why you don’t frame lots more!
A wonderful and fascinating post, Tina! The umbrella photo at the end has my heart singing with joy – it’s just glorious and I’m not surprised you have it up on your wall! 😀 What an amazing country, so varied, you bring it to life so well.
Many thanks Annika, we had a great visit there!
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The three monks and the umbrellas are wonderful photographs 🙂
Many thanks Sonia – two personal favorites 🙂
I can see why you like the umbrella photo. It struck me the moment it scrolled into view! Great shot and a great interpretation of the challenge!
Thanks John – a very fond memory for me.
Wspaniały post ze wspaniałymi zdjęciami.
Pozdrawiam i życzę miłego weekendu.
Thanks Marko 🙂 You too. >
Wonderful post, Tina. I want to go there! That umbrella shot is begging to be enlarged and displayed. Beautiful work.
Many thanks Patti
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Beautiful photos Tina – you need to frame more of your photos for your home!!!
Thanks Nora – I do have several in my office and a few scattered elsewhere but I try to control myself LOL. >
this entire post makes me smile😘 these are some of my very favorite shots…just so charming…what a GREAT eye!!!
thanks for sharing!
Thx April, my pleasure!
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Beautiful captures, Tina. I appreciate the fact that you started the post with a brief introduction of the checkered past of the region. I’ve come to realise how little I know about the world. Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks 2BF! I find it helpful when I travel to know something about the destination. Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam were real eye-openers for me. We tend to believe what we are fed and seeing those countries through the eyes of its people was quite educational. As usual, the truth is probably somewhere in the middle.
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Wonderful post Tina. You clearly inspired Jane as you did me 🙂
A lovely compliment Andrew, thanks! >
There sure is something about Laos, its colors and its people, that is soooo enticing and photogenic. The atmosphere there feels different and one just learns to take it easy if they didn’t know before.
Great pictures, Tina, it felt like going back again… I loved Laos so much…
I’m with you all the way on that Juls – I too think it’s a a wonderfully peaceful place inviting one to sit back and contemplate the world around us.
Tina, marvelous set of intriguing images…
Many thanks Sally! >
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I also really like that umbrella photo. It’s easy to see why you would have chosen to print and frame it.
Thanks PJB – something about those colors makes it hard to resist 🙂 >
Tina, this is such a perfect breath of fresh-tropic air for me today ~ wonderful series and you bring the ambiance of Laos into my office this morning. The opening photo is a great one to set the stage, but it is your through the looking glass photo that delivers me to this oasis 🙂 Your photos and words makes me wish I was in SE Asia right now – the snow and cold outside also playing a factor in this feeling as well 🙂 Wishing you a great New Year and a great week ahead. Take care!
Thanks so much Randall – hope your new adventure surpasses your greatest expectations, but that it does no t get in the way of your blog!! No surprise this one appealed to one such as you, a true student of the ambience and culture of the East. >
Interestingly, as soon as I saw that first image of the three monks, I wanted to paint it, only to see your friend has already done so. And very well, too.
Interesting indeed Lynne – I’m honored! >
It really is such a beautiful array of umbrellas. Bursting vivid colors 😊 Also, Me Corbusier! Sometimes light appears when it appears, like how the umbrellas seemed go appear out of no where for you. Sounds like Laos are rich in history, and they want to keep history that way, what with making a living by the water, river and all. If they like to live life simple, they live life simple. 😊
Thanks Mabel – it’s a very interesting place with much to offer. We loved our visit. >
Superb images Tina, a place I am not likely to visit so I have enjoyed the journey with you. And the umbrella image must be fabulous on your wall. Such vibrancy it must make you smile whenever you pass by.
(I also prefer the subtle changes you have made to your theme colour – the charcoal background and pale grey text is perfect.)
Many thanks Jude. And appreciate your comment on the new colors. I had a reader tell me it was difficult to read on the black.
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Nothing could be better than writing about your memories of Laos, Tina. So colourful. Perpetua
Thank you Perpetua, much appreciated.
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Gorgeous colors and your photo and Jane’s painting were both awesome. Your sentiments and images captured it all beautifully.
Thanks so much maverick, glad you enjoyed
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Tina these are spectacular photos ! I would love to see this part of the world. The first and last photo are my favorites. Truly stunning!
Many thanks Nicole. Somehow I think you’ll get there one day!
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Inspiring! Not sure I’ll ever travel there, but your photo essay tempts me. I so agree, what can be better than smiling every time you pass by a loved image!
Thanks Lindy, it was a great trip with many fond memories. The umbrella shot was icing on an already delicious cake!
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🙂 These photographs are absolutely stunning.
I love the colors and the composition, too.
Have a very HAPPY week 🙂
Many thanks HF, and a happy week to you too!
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When I think of this area, I don’t think vibrant colors and yet this post is filled with my favorite orange… love those umbrellas, and of course the monks … oh yes and of course, the Looking Glass…
Thanks Linda! If u love orange you’d REALLY love the monks!
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Great images full of ambience, but that umbrella shot is simply gorgeous.
janet
Many thanks Janet. I was very lucky to see them as we were strolling by one night
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Such exquisite ambience in these photos. I can imagine that Laos has amazing ambience culturally. I have not been there yet I hope to go someday.
Well worth the effort Regina! It’s a wonderful journey
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Some of my very favorites in this group of photos!
Thanks Sharon, mine too😊
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Wonderful photos. If the colours of the landscape are somewhat muted, the people seem to make up for that in their dress and decor.
I agree, the people, esp the monks, do add color to the muted landscape!
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Wonderful images of Laos, Tina. The boat builder and monks are great memories. And you’ve refreshed your memory on the history, too. 🙂
Thanks Jane. Some great memories indeed
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Tina … THANK YOU seems like small words for what I’m feeling as I write my comment. You’ve taken me on a journey
to a place that I will never get to visit. Your photographs tell a touching story as do your words. There’s a gentle sadness
in seeing the young monk. All of the photographs are outstanding but, like you, my favorite is the one with the umbrella’s.
I’m happy you chose to share these photos with us and your experiences. Happy Sunday …
Isadora 😎
What a terrific compliment Izzy, you made my day. Thank you.
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😎
Marvellous images, Tina, redolent of times past
Many thanks Sue >
Wonderful series tina, the 2nd and the last one is my fa
Thanks Robert! >
Tina, these beautiful photos trigger a lot of memories for me. I love the sense of mystery in Through the Looking Glass.
Thanks Jane – and thanks for the reminder! >
Such a beautiful ambience entry!
Thanks Amy, glad this one caught your eye.
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Thanks, Tina. Laos and Luang Prabang was a highlight on our trip. Your great photos take me back to that time.
Many thanks Jack – glad to have raised a fond memory >