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Our volunteer Carolina from Portugal wanted to share her observations of the people of Laos, and the sharing culture that she experienced when she visited Aay's Village in September 2018.
The people of Laos is exceptional. If there are people who like to share - it is them. The little they have, they share. They are very willing and always ready to help. It's spectacular how happy they are and they'll make you happy when they come to you in the street.
That does not mean that they have a lot to share. Their houses are empty; They only have the essential like small tables where they make simple meals, sitting cross-legged on the floor.
During the week Lao people usually work in rice fields, other farm activities, in the local market or are teaching at the local school. They usually have 4/5 children at a minimum, and families seem to be very close and get together for any occacion.
The weekend comes and is to decompress the week. You usually go to someone's house and have some Lao beer, grilled food and invite all friends to a lively night, where they sit in a circle in the garden with beer, ice and sometimes one or the other local snacks. Everyone is welcomed to these gatherings, from and everyone from 18 to 100 years old join in. They only have 1 beer glass that rotates among all to show the friendships and sharing culture. When it is your turn to drink, they give you the glass filled with beer and ice. When you are slow to drink, the others around the circle can "call you" to remind you to drink. They sing, they listen to music, they dance, they talk and they laugh until the last bottle is finished. It is an incredible fun and light hearted event, and it is amazing that they welcome us into their homes to share their food and drink!
The people of Laos is exceptional. If there are people who like to share - it is them. The little they have, they share.
Is a spectacular community, which brings us happiness and pure love.