In Laos, people buy small birds (sparrows) in cages from merchants to set them free, and make their wishes for good things for themselves and their families. In Lao tradition, it is considered to bring good fortune and health to those who free caged birds.



http://www.laopride.com/pictures1/sparrow-birds-in-laos-1.jpg





http://www.laopride.com/pictures1/sparrow-birds-in-laos-2.jpg





http://www.laopride.com/pictures1/sparrow-birds-in-laos-3.jpg





http://www.laopride.com/pictures1/sparrow-birds-in-laos-4.jpg

will the birds find their way back home?

It depends.

The birds may have been locked up for a while and they've forgotten where their home is, or they may have been captured in a different town and bought into the city, so they can't find their way back home. Birds can easily make new friends out in the wild.

I feel sorry for the birds because many of them die in that little cage, from the heat, stress, or lack of food and water. Only a few make their way out alive.

I've lost my temper many times when a merchant asks me to set some birds free, for good luck. I often respond back to them in a angry tone that "you morons are the ones with bad karma. If I set them free, you will go to catch more back anyway."

You want to help the birds go free, but it's a never ending cycle. The merchants always capture them.

Good point Admins. These bird usually go back to their owner.
:)

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 8^th May, 2011 at 11:38pm:

"you morons are the ones with bad karma. If I set them free, you will go to catch more back anyway."

Can you translate that tirade for me? I'd like to assimilate that into my vocabulary.

It sounds very apt, considering these birds are trained to navigate their way back to the aviaries. Back into 'prison'. ;D

No, I don't like Lao Karaoke.

You can't train small sparrows.

Yes you can!

You've been taken for a fly. ;D

NO you can't. They are small wild birds and not pet birds.

How much does this co$t?

Has it payed dividends for you yet, nang? How has your karma been?

It costs around $1 US (5,000 or 10,000 kip) to free a bird.

I never done it before. Maybe I should free couple of bird when I visited Laos for good luck.
:)


Admin Saovaluck wrote on 15^th May, 2011 at 4:30am:

It costs around $1 US (5,000 or 10,000 kip) to free a bird.

What else is considered good luck in Laos?

Charity work, donation. Some say ride elephant, but I don't know for sure.
;)


Larb Dip wrote on 16^th May, 2011 at 11:47pm:

What else is considered good luck in Laos?

Look guys, the best place to get your "good luck" is to go to the Buddhist temple and make your monetary donations, and give food offering to the monks.

llX wrote on 17^th May, 2011 at 1:26am:

Charity work, donation. Some say ride elephant, but I don't know for sure. ;)

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D


Admin Saovaluck wrote on 17^th May, 2011 at 1:59am:

Look guys, the best place to get your "good luck" is to go to the Buddhist temple and make your monetary donations, and give food offering to the monks.

Does it even work? Anyone with an anecdote to share?

It does work, whether it's a small luck or life changing luck.

You are always rewarded with things you do with the Buddhist temple, and your loved ones who have passed away are rewarded too.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 18^th May, 2011 at 2:19am:

It does work, whether it's a small luck or life changing luck. You are always rewarded with things you do with the Buddhist temple, and your loved ones who have passed away are rewarded too.

Sounds like such luck has changed YOUR life. Do you mind elaborating?

I haven't had any major luck in my life yet, but hopefully it will eventually come.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 19^th May, 2011 at 12:11am:

I haven't had any major luck in my life yet, but hopefully it will eventually come.

Then why did you say:

"It does work, whether it's a small luck or life changing luck."

You spoke as if you experienced it first hand. ;D ;D ;D

It does work for me. If read properly, I said that "major" luck has not come my way yet.

I've had small luck throughout my life, but I still need to do more for Buddhist temples in order for my luck to reach bigger and better things in the future.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 19^th May, 2011 at 3:50am:

It does work for me. If read properly, I said that "major" luck has not come my way yet. I've had small luck throughout my life, but I still need to do more for Buddhist temples in order for my luck to reach bigger and better things in the future.

Small luck such as?

My health so far. I rarely get sick. I believe this is due to the blessings given to me by head monks.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 20^th May, 2011 at 4:10am:

My health so far. I rarely get sick. I believe this is due to the blessings given to me by head monks.

Really? I have the same luck. Although I've never been 'blessed' by a head monk. All I do is cover up when I'm cold and strip down I'm hot. That ritual has kept me in good stead ever since I can remember. I highly recommend my 'ritual' to anyone.

How do I go about acquiring a 'blessing' from a head monk? (Will he blow on my arm after chanting his spell?) [smiley=lolk.gif]

Well, you did mention in another post that you've had a white string tied around your wrist by a buddhist monk when you were a child. While doing this, he would've mumbled a few words to wish you good health and so on. So it worked for you too.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 21^st May, 2011 at 1:34am:

Well, you did mention in another post that you've had a white string tied around your wrist by a buddhist monk when you were a child. While doing this, he would've mumbled a few words to wish you good health and so on. So it worked for you too.

Okay. I see how strong your faith is.

So, who you put the blame on when you get sick?

I blame myself.

Getting sick is a natural part of human life, so there will come days when I will become sick, but I believe that monks have helped minimise them from me.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 21^st May, 2011 at 8:14am:

I blame myself. Getting sick is a natural part of human life, so there will come days when I will become sick, but I believe that monks have helped minimise them from me.

I wish I was as adamant.

To stay healthy we Lao-American go to the gym. Eat right and exercise. Is there a gym, health club in Laos?
;)


Admin Saovaluck wrote on 21^st May, 2011 at 8:14am:

I blame myself. Getting sick is a natural part of human life, so there will come days when I will become sick, but I believe that monks have helped minimise them from me.

Yes, there's a gym in Laos. Healthy people tend to get sick less.

Whats the member fee? In the US they have hot tub, steam room, sauna, tennis, basketball court, indoor/outdoor swimming pool and over 300 workout machine. There's also other smaller Heath club with few machine.
:)


Admin Saovaluck wrote on 22^nd May, 2011 at 1:30am:

Yes, there's a gym in Laos. Healthy people tend to get sick less.

From your area (Minnesota), are you a member of LifeTime Fitness because there corporate office is in Minneapolis I think?  I used to have a membership there up to a year go and I had to pay close to $100 a month which I thought was rediculous.


llX wrote on 22^nd May, 2011 at 2:11am:

Whats the member fee? In the US they have hot tub, steam room, sauna, tennis, basketball court, indoor/outdoor swimming pool and over 300 workout machine. There's also other smaller Heath club with few machine. :) Admin Saovaluck wrote on 22nd May, 2011 at 1:30am: Yes, there's a gym in Laos. Healthy people tend to get sick less.

There're many other health club in Minnesota. I'm a member of Lifetime Fitness. I pay $60 a month. But you can get $20 discount from your work health insurance. Are you still working out? You are pretty buff.
8-)


PEACE wrote on 22^nd May, 2011 at 2:42am:

From your area (Minnesota), are you a member of LifeTime Fitness because there corporate office is in Minneapolis I think?  I used to have a membership there up to a year go and I had to pay close to $100 a month which I thought was rediculous. llX wrote on 22nd May, 2011 at 2:11am: Whats the member fee? In the US they have hot tub, steam room, sauna, tennis, basketball court, indoor/outdoor swimming pool and over 300 workout machine. There's also other smaller Heath club with few machine. :) Admin Saovaluck wrote on 22nd May, 2011 at 1:30am: Yes, there's a gym in Laos. Healthy people tend to get sick less.

I used to and almost compete as an amateur a couple years back.  I only do pushups, situps and pullups with a 10-lbs and 20-lbs dumbbels at home because of time constraint.  I will rejoin a gym again but probably with 24 Fitness because a little cheaper and they'd just opened up a new center around my area recently.  That's good you get discounts from your work but we not have something like that at where I am working.  

Do you do strength training? Cardio? etc.....

I trying to get buff like you. I workout about 2 hour a day 3-4 day a week. I try to do everthing cardio, weightlifting, leg, lower, upper body and play some basketball too.
:)

Bros, don't forget diet and exercise go hand in hand. To excel in one and neglect the other, is akin to wasting your time.

Yep eat right and exercise is the key. I don't drink soda or eat a lot of meat anymore. I drink a lot of water while working out.
:)


Larb Dip wrote on 22^nd May, 2011 at 6:13am:

Bros, don't forget diet and exercise go hand in hand. To excel in one and neglect the other, is akin to wasting your time.

Diet is the key.  

To build muscle mass it is suggested that that your minimum protein (gram) intake should be about 1X times your weight (lbs) daily.  For example, if your wieght is 150lbs. you need to take in 150 grams of protein a day.  

True soda is not good but I only drink soda with 'cane sugar' and not 'high fructose corn syrup'.  Cane sugar taste better and better for your body.

My diet consisted of 6 eggs (just the egg white part only), a banana and high quality granola bar with water every morning of the each day.  I would eventually eat over 2,000 eggs per year if the estimate is correct ;D.


wrote on 22^nd May, 2011 at 7:21am:

Yep eat right and exercise is the key. I don't drink soda or eat a lot of meat anymore. I drink a lot of water while working out. :) Larb Dip wrote on 22nd May, 2011 at 6:13am: Bros, don't forget diet and exercise go hand in hand. To excel in one and neglect the other, is akin to wasting your time.

That many eggs each day isn't really good for you. There are other protein sources such as fish and meat.

Its good to eat lot of egg if you workout and burn those calories. Egg has a lot of protein, meat and fish, vegetable is also good.
;)


Admin Saovaluck wrote on 22^nd May, 2011 at 9:48pm:

That many eggs each day isn't really good for you. There are other protein sources such as fish and meat.

How much do you weight? I'm 5'6" and weight 170 lb. I try to turn all those fat to muscle and stay heathy. Workout is also fun to do. I'm new to working out and started about a month ago. Personal trainer suggested that I take some powder protein and vitamin. I has take some before working out.
:)  


PEACE wrote on 22^nd May, 2011 at 12:13pm:

Diet is the key.   To build muscle mass it is suggested that that your minimum protein (gram) intake should be about 1X times your weight (lbs) daily.  For example, if your wieght is 150lbs. you need to take in 150 grams of protein a day.   True soda is not good but I only drink soda with 'cane sugar' and not 'high fructose corn syrup'.  Cane sugar taste better and better for your body. My diet consisted of 6 eggs (just the egg white part only), a banana and high quality granola bar with water every morning of the each day.  I would eventually eat over 2,000 eggs per year if the estimate is correct ;D. wrote on 22nd May, 2011 at 7:21am: Yep eat right and exercise is the key. I don't drink soda or eat a lot of meat anymore. I drink a lot of water while working out. :) Larb Dip wrote on 22nd May, 2011 at 6:13am: Bros, don't forget diet and exercise go hand in hand. To excel in one and neglect the other, is akin to wasting your time.

llX wrote on 22^nd May, 2011 at 7:21am:

Yep eat right and exercise is the key. I don't drink soda or eat a lot of meat anymore. I drink a lot of water while working out. :)

How do you plan on getting 'big' like LaoCowboy if you don't eat protein? That's the only way to get big, bro. Larb Dip would be best! ;D

I eat other food and meat, but cut down on meat. They have protein and vitamin for people who work out. You take it before or after working out. I take powder protein with breakfast before working out.
:D

Larb Dip wrote on 23^rd May, 2011 at 4:30am:

llX wrote on 22nd May, 2011 at 7:21am: Yep eat right and exercise is the key. I don't drink soda or eat a lot of meat anymore. I drink a lot of water while working out. :) How do you plan on getting 'big' like LaoCowboy if you don't eat protein? That's the only way to get big, bro. Larb Dip would be best! ;D

llX wrote on 23^rd May, 2011 at 5:20am:

I eat other food and meat, but cut down on meat. They have protein and vitamin for people who work out. You take it before or after working out. I take powder protein with breakfast before working out. :D

Are you talking about creatine?

That stuff isn't cheap.

This's what I took after a good meal. You can take it with milk, juice or water.

http://www.laopride.com/pictures1/powder-protein.jpg


Larb Dip wrote on 23^rd May, 2011 at 5:33am:

llX wrote on 23rd May, 2011 at 5:20am: I eat other food and meat, but cut down on meat. They have protein and vitamin for people who work out. You take it before or after working out. I take powder protein with breakfast before working out. :D Are you talking about creatine? That stuff isn't cheap.

Damn that's a big tub! How much for one of those? How do you take yours?

I noticed a few bottles of saeuw (Soy sauce) in the background. ;D ;D ;D Keep it Lao bro. [smiley=thumbup.gif]

I have been beating 6 eggs (not the 'yolk' but the 'white' part only) every morning for 10 years and my cholesterol level is normal.  The yolk is the part that you need to worry about ;).


Admin Saovaluck wrote on 22^nd May, 2011 at 9:48pm:

That many eggs each day isn't really good for you. There are other protein sources such as fish and meat.

I am 5'6" as well and currently weighs approximately 160lbs.  I used to weight up to 170lbs. when I was really massive and cut.  My friends called me the smaller version of 'The Rock' - the wrestler/actor ;D.

I have tried the 'whey protein' mix and it does not work for me because for some reason my stomach got bigger when I drink the mix for some apparent reason.  Also there's too much sugar in the mix and not good take in and you will be tired easily when you are working out.  So I stop and get protein only from egg whites, chicken breasts, beef, buffalo and fish and it seems to be working because I still have my 'washboard abs'  ::).  I eat raw veggies mainly.  Also sticky rice is awesome because it makes you 'cut'.  Jasmine rice is useless so sticky rice is better.


llX wrote on 23^rd May, 2011 at 3:57am:

How much do you weight? I'm 5'6" and weight 170 lb. I try to turn all those fat to muscle and stay heathy. Workout is also fun to do. I'm new to working out and started about a month ago. Personal trainer suggested that I take some powder protein and vitamin. I has take some before working out. :)   PEACE wrote on 22nd May, 2011 at 12:13pm: Diet is the key.   To build muscle mass it is suggested that that your minimum protein (gram) intake should be about 1X times your weight (lbs) daily.  For example, if your wieght is 150lbs. you need to take in 150 grams of protein a day.   True soda is not good but I only drink soda with 'cane sugar' and not 'high fructose corn syrup'.  Cane sugar taste better and better for your body. My diet consisted of 6 eggs (just the egg white part only), a banana and high quality granola bar with water every morning of the each day.  I would eventually eat over 2,000 eggs per year if the estimate is correct ;D. wrote on 22nd May, 2011 at 7:21am: Yep eat right and exercise is the key. I don't drink soda or eat a lot of meat anymore. I drink a lot of water while working out. :) Larb Dip wrote on 22nd May, 2011 at 6:13am: Bros, don't forget diet and exercise go hand in hand. To excel in one and neglect the other, is akin to wasting your time.

You must be keeping many eggs at home, and that's a lot of food intake every day.

You won't be blessed with so much food at your fingertips if you decide to go back to live a jungle lifestyle in Laos.

I though you're taller and weigh more. From looking at the picture. I'm starting to take protein but every other day. Some people take them every day. it'll turn to fat if you don't work out hard. Food is the best protein sources.
;)


PEACE wrote on 23^rd May, 2011 at 12:19pm:

I am 5'6" as well and currently weighs approximately 160lbs.  I used to weight up to 170lbs. when I was really massive and cut.  My friends called me the smaller version of 'The Rock' - the wrestler/actor ;D. I have tried the 'whey protein' mix and it does not work for me because for some reason my stomach got bigger when I drink the mix for some apparent reason.  Also there's too much sugar in the mix and not good take in and you will be tired easily when you are working out.  So I stop and get protein only from egg whites, chicken breasts, beef, buffalo and fish and it seems to be working because I still have my 'washboard abs'  ::).  I eat raw veggies mainly.  Also sticky rice is awesome because it makes you 'cut'.  Jasmine rice is useless so sticky rice is better. llX wrote on 23rd May, 2011 at 3:57am: How much do you weight? I'm 5'6" and weight 170 lb. I try to turn all those fat to muscle and stay heathy. Workout is also fun to do. I'm new to working out and started about a month ago. Personal trainer suggested that I take some powder protein and vitamin. I has take some before working out. :)   PEACE wrote on 22nd May, 2011 at 12:13pm: Diet is the key.   To build muscle mass it is suggested that that your minimum protein (gram) intake should be about 1X times your weight (lbs) daily.  For example, if your wieght is 150lbs. you need to take in 150 grams of protein a day.   True soda is not good but I only drink soda with 'cane sugar' and not 'high fructose corn syrup'.  Cane sugar taste better and better for your body. My diet consisted of 6 eggs (just the egg white part only), a banana and high quality granola bar with water every morning of the each day.  I would eventually eat over 2,000 eggs per year if the estimate is correct ;D. wrote on 22nd May, 2011 at 7:21am: Yep eat right and exercise is the key. I don't drink soda or eat a lot of meat anymore. I drink a lot of water while working out. :) Larb Dip wrote on 22nd May, 2011 at 6:13am: Bros, don't forget diet and exercise go hand in hand. To excel in one and neglect the other, is akin to wasting your time.

It's hard to find a lot of egg in the jungle. Heheh
:D ;D


Admin Saovaluck wrote on 23^rd May, 2011 at 10:04pm:

You must be keeping many eggs at home, and that's a lot of food intake every day. You won't be blessed with so much food at your fingertips if you decide to go back to live a jungle lifestyle in Laos.

There are tons of and different types of egg in the jungle - ant eggs, termite eggs, snake eggs, lizard eggs you name them....and they are all good and best protein nature has to offer ;).  



llX wrote on 24^th May, 2011 at 1:06am:

It's hard to find a lot of egg in the jungle. Heheh :D ;D Admin Saovaluck wrote on 23rd May, 2011 at 10:04pm: You must be keeping many eggs at home, and that's a lot of food intake every day. You won't be blessed with so much food at your fingertips if you decide to go back to live a jungle lifestyle in Laos.

Bro, you eat meat everyday? You take whey protein mix every other day? From my personal experience, whey protein mix does not stay in your body long enough and you will be pissing out from your body because it's liquid.  Best to do if you are trying to gain muscle mass is eat red meat (beef) or any meat rich in Iron like liver.  I usually put in about 200 grams of protein a day.

One egg is about 6-8 grams of protein.


llX wrote on 24^th May, 2011 at 1:05am:

I though you're taller and weigh more. From looking at the picture. I'm starting to take protein but every other day. Some people take them every day. it'll turn to fat if you don't work out hard. Food is the best protein sources. ;) PEACE wrote on 23rd May, 2011 at 12:19pm: I am 5'6" as well and currently weighs approximately 160lbs.  I used to weight up to 170lbs. when I was really massive and cut.  My friends called me the smaller version of 'The Rock' - the wrestler/actor ;D. I have tried the 'whey protein' mix and it does not work for me because for some reason my stomach got bigger when I drink the mix for some apparent reason.  Also there's too much sugar in the mix and not good take in and you will be tired easily when you are working out.  So I stop and get protein only from egg whites, chicken breasts, beef, buffalo and fish and it seems to be working because I still have my 'washboard abs'  ::).  I eat raw veggies mainly.  Also sticky rice is awesome because it makes you 'cut'.  Jasmine rice is useless so sticky rice is better. llX wrote on 23rd May, 2011 at 3:57am: How much do you weight? I'm 5'6" and weight 170 lb. I try to turn all those fat to muscle and stay heathy. Workout is also fun to do. I'm new to working out and started about a month ago. Personal trainer suggested that I take some powder protein and vitamin. I has take some before working out. :)   PEACE wrote on 22nd May, 2011 at 12:13pm: Diet is the key.   To build muscle mass it is suggested that that your minimum protein (gram) intake should be about 1X times your weight (lbs) daily.  For example, if your wieght is 150lbs. you need to take in 150 grams of protein a day.   True soda is not good but I only drink soda with 'cane sugar' and not 'high fructose corn syrup'.  Cane sugar taste better and better for your body. My diet consisted of 6 eggs (just the egg white part only), a banana and high quality granola bar with water every morning of the each day.  I would eventually eat over 2,000 eggs per year if the estimate is correct ;D. wrote on 22nd May, 2011 at 7:21am: Yep eat right and exercise is the key. I don't drink soda or eat a lot of meat anymore. I drink a lot of water while working out. :) Larb Dip wrote on 22nd May, 2011 at 6:13am: Bros, don't forget diet and exercise go hand in hand. To excel in one and neglect the other, is akin to wasting your time.

Thank for the advise Laocowboy. I try to eat regular meal with mixed protein before workout. You eat 6 raw egg everyday with milk? Many people told me about the egg.
:)

Those organic egg from the nature are very good. I used to look for them in the wood as a kids in Laos.
:)


PEACE wrote on 24^th May, 2011 at 3:09am:

There are tons of and different types of egg in the jungle - ant eggs, termite eggs, snake eggs, lizard eggs you name them....and they are all good and best protein nature has to offer ;).   llX wrote on 24th May, 2011 at 1:06am: It's hard to find a lot of egg in the jungle. Heheh :D ;D Admin Saovaluck wrote on 23rd May, 2011 at 10:04pm: You must be keeping many eggs at home, and that's a lot of food intake every day. You won't be blessed with so much food at your fingertips if you decide to go back to live a jungle lifestyle in Laos.

How much do you two bench?

Maximum for me was 225 lbs up to 6 repititions.  However I prefer 155lbs only with a good high quality 10-15 repititions.

I usually pump 90kg for 12-15 repititions at a time. I'm going for the 'cut' look. I do about 6 sets with the bench on decline; then another 6 with the bench on incline to hit my upper chest. I workout my chest twice a week. ;)

How much do you guys squat?

I can't bench too much. Just starting to work out about a month. Give me 3-4 more month I'll be up there.
;)

225 is pretty impressive. You only weight 170.
;)


PEACE wrote on 25^th May, 2011 at 3:09am:

Maximum for me was 225 lbs up to 6 repititions.  However I prefer 155lbs only with a good high quality 10-15 repititions.

I'm trying to go all out and get buff. I workout every part of my body. Lower, upper, leg, chest, arm.
:)


Larb Dip wrote on 25^th May, 2011 at 3:44am:

I usually pump 90kg for 12-15 repititions at a time. I'm going for the 'cut' look. I do about 6 sets with the bench on decline; then another 6 with the bench on incline to hit my upper chest. I workout my chest twice a week. ;) How much do you guys squat?

llX wrote on 25^th May, 2011 at 4:51am:

I'm trying to go all out and get buff. I workout every part of my body. Lower, upper, leg, chest, arm. :)

It should be easy for a small guy like you. Ever tried steroids?

I'm 170 LB not that small. Steroid and drug will kill you. Im trying to stay fit not die young.
;)


Larb Dip wrote on 25^th May, 2011 at 5:42am:

llX wrote on 25th May, 2011 at 4:51am: I'm trying to go all out and get buff. I workout every part of my body. Lower, upper, leg, chest, arm. :) It should be easy for a small guy like you. Ever tried steroids?

What's your body fat levels?

~9%.

I think mine was 14%. They did some test when I first join lifetime fitness.
;)