Reflection of MDGs in Laos through photos

I did not really hope to win anything much in this competition in Lao in Focus, but I'm really glad that my photo (Top right) is the ONLY photo taken from a phone camera that was published in Champa Magazine (you may read the issue here). Enjoy!

Sankerdas - Upping Game with My Hobby (Location: Ohio University)

I have just begun upping my hobby with a new Canon 60D. So, here are the very first set. I've spent some time walking around between classes here at Ohio University. They're pretty much random photos without any particular themes.

I have just got off the bus on one beautiful morning, probably around 8.45am. I found this plant (I don't really know what it's called in English). I guess it's quite beautiful, so I put a few snaps there.

Amazing Things about Laos (good and bad)

All photos are taken by myself.

1. Laos was ranked number 1 in 2008 in NY times that people must visit (source).

2. During the secret war in Laos when Laos had 3 million population, America dropped about 3 million tons of bombs in Laos (more than what they did in World War II). Therefore, in average, Lao people received 1 ton of bombs.

3. Laos is one of the least developed countries in the world but has one of the fastest economic growth, about 9% (2011).

4. Chao Fa Ngum, the founder of Laos or formerly known as Lanexang Kingdom, gathered up the population and called them "Lao" if they played Khene, ate sticky rice, and padaek.

5. Laos is the only landlocked country in South East Asia.

I will gradually add more amazing things about Laos. Stay tune!

Group Blood Donation with Seeds of Hope Laos

Today, 11.11.2011, I, as a member of Seeds of Hope Laos, conduct a group blood donation at the Lao Blood Transfusion Center. 28 people joined us. Sadly, a few of them are unable to donate due to low-high blood pressure.

The Head of the Donation Unit said that the demand for blood is about 1,800 bags / month, but it is very unfortunate that the supply they can offer is only 1300 - 1400 / month. The nurses there also recruit themselves to donate at a certain period.

. For more info, please check out this article from Vientiane Times here.

What is "it" 6?

Nothing is closer to you than “it.” Although we know “it” really well, we sometimes don’t understand “it.” Even though “it” is closest to you, it was given by others. In most cases, if you see through, comprehend, and accept “it,” you may become the happiest person ever. Although it seems to be the most important thing to you, you might give it away so easily to another person or others. Then, what is “it?”

What is it 5?

It is our possession. Most people possess only one of it. However, some people possess more than one, but some people possess none. Usually, its function affects us from birth until death. For most people, when they see it, feel it, or hear it, they’ll feel comfortable, warm, and satisfied. Hopefully, all people feel that they belong to it. We treasure it so much that we are ready to fight until death in order not to lose the passion of it. What is “it?”

What is "it?" 4

It is expanding every day, but it’s also compressing every day. Its destination is undiscovered. Its size is unknown. Its real capacity is also undiscovered. Without which, we are not us. It’s intangible. All of us possess it, but some experts think it’s completely separated from our body while some experts say it’s in our body. Literally, it has completely 2 different meanings. So What is “it?”