London’s slightly cooler summer is already making me wish myself back in the tropical temperatures of Laos. The beautiful French-influenced town of Luang Prabang is tucked in the jungle in the north. I awoke early one morning to witness the daily parade of saffron-cloaked monks collecting alms at sunrise.
From the elderly to the very small, they proceeded along the main street of the town collecting food, mainly sticky rice, from the community. In return, the lay people store up merit for spiritual redemption. The whole ritual is carried out in silence, and the monks practice a form of meditation as they walk. I found it very moving and special to witness.
