Traditionally, each morning Buddhists must prepare food to present to the local monks as part of their daily alms-giving. You would think that this is a tradition that would have begun to disappear but it still happens frequently, even in Vientiane (Depending on what time we go to work in the morning, we see the monks walking through the neighborhood). By far the best place to see this solemn event is in Luang Prabang. There is just something about a line of bright orange robes coming through the early morning mist that makes waking up at 5:30am worth it. Given that image it is not surprising that the ritual has become a tourist spectacle, despite Luang Prabang's best efforts. While most visitors are able to respectfully take pictures without interfering or even participate, it is amazing (and appalling) to see how audacious some tourists are. Below are our photos taken from our seats on the opposite side of the street. Please forgive some of the more "artistic" shots.
Even the dogs get involved
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