First Date! ♡

HELLO! Sabaidee!  ＼(≧▽≦)／

Earlier today, we met with our friend from Laos! Atirah was very excited because it was her first time meeting Maryam. Here's a selfie of us three  \(★ω★)/

Her birth name is Souphaphone Chueangmanivong and she was born on 29th September 1993. Figuratively, her name means "pretty". It really suits her, don't you think?  ヽ(♡‿♡)ノ 

Maryam said that Laos is a very small country - with a population of about 6 million people, as opposed to Malaysia's 29 million people! She speaks fluent Lao and Thai as well (English too, of course). This is because Lao and Thai are quite similar. Maryam likened the similarities of Lao and Thai with Malay language and Indonesian language. 

She knows very well that people don't really know the Laotian culture - so we are happy to explore its culture, with Maryam's help!  (o´▽`o)ﾉ 

Pha That Luang - Laos landmark
*credits to Wikipedia*

The primary religion in Laos is Buddhism. But, ultimately, it is a country where people with different religious beliefs live together harmoniously. 

The most popular festival in Laos is the Songkran, or Pi Mai Lao, which is the Laos New Year Celebration. Maryam said that people will definitely get wet on that day! Why? Well, on this day, Lao people will wash the many statues in the country using water, perfumed with flowers. Then, they will also throw this water at everyone, and we mean, EVERYONE! Even the tourists! You'll be safe if and only if you stay put at your house (which we won't - throw this sweet-smelling, fancy water at us, too!).

*credits to Pongfotografie*

A closer look at the fragrance water

*credits to Pongfotografie*

*credits to Google Images*

When it comes to the most unique tradition in Laos, Maryam chose their dress code! She said that they have the Laos Skirt, called Sinh, which is extremely multi-purpose! Here are some pictures:

Many designs to choose from!

*credits to Google Images*

Maryam said that whenever they have to go to any government institutions or for any formal occasions, they HAVE to wear Sinh (for the females only, of course). Otherwise, they won't be allowed to enter. As for the tops, you can wear whatever you want, provided that it is polite and not too exposed. The skirt itself is of rectangular cutting and it is generally long (at the very least, it covers the knees).

This skirt can be worn to weddings, during Songkran and even when you go out shopping. So, it can be used for casual clothing as well! However, Maryam said that the younger generation will opt for pants whenever they can. But, Maryam's mom still wears Sinh for shopping! In fact, her mom rarely wear pants.

Now, the most important thing of all...

FOOD!  \(^ヮ^)/

Lao Pho

Laab

Sticky rice
*credits to Google Images*

* This part made me feel really uneasy. Uneasy AND hungry*

According to Maryam, Laab and sticky rice are the main traditional cuisine, while Lao Pho is a famous meal in Laos. Lao Pho is beef noodle and Laab is minced meat salad usually eaten with the sticky rice. Seeing the images of Lao Pho on Google made me (Syuhaidah) thought of an Indonesian dish that I REALLY love - Bakso!

These dishes really look delicious! 

One fine day, we hope that we can go to this beautiful country called Laos and eat the best Lao Pho ever while wearing our custom-made Sinhs!  (≧▽≦)

Till then, tata!  ( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉ

Yours truly,

Atirah & Syuhaidah