People of the Heart

Lao people are people of the heart. Check out the many different phrases they have which involve the word "heart."

-to understand is to enter the heart -khao chai
-to be glad is to Feel good at heart -di chai
-to be angry is to feel bad in the heart -chai hai
-to be sorry is to have lost the heart -sia chai
-to have empathy is to see the heart-hen chai
-to feel upset is to be unhappy at heart -ouk chai
-to be sensitive (touchy) is to have a small heart -chai noy
-to be stingy is to have a narrow heart -chai khap khaep
-to be startled is to drop the heart -tok chai
-to be absent minded is to have a heart which floats -chai loy
-to hesitate is to have many hearts -lai chai
-to be worried is to have a sick heart -bo sabai chai
-to be content is to have a serene heart -sabai chai
-to be without worries is to feel cool in the heart -chai yen
-to be generous is to have a large heart -chai kuang
-to have a heavy heart -thouk chai
-to be happy -souk chai
-to be easily persuaded is to have an easy heart -chai ngai
-to be decisive -chai det
-to be bitter to the point of revenge is to have a black heart -chai dum
-to be charitable is to have a festive heart -chai boun
-to be generous is to be big hearted -chai nyai
-to be impatient is to have a hot heart -chai hon
-to be patient is to have a persevering heart -chai ot thon
-to be honest is to have a pure heart -chai bolisud
-to be brave is to have a daring heart -chai ka
-to be timid is to have a cautious heart -chai boh ka
-to control one's emotions is to have a strong heart -chai kaeng
-to die is to have your heart torn apart -chai khart

- Understanding Lao Culture

Picture(s): Courtesy of KTP.

Can You Live in Laos?

The people of Laos are quiet and conservative, yet very hospitable and friendly. Etiquette in Laos includes the following:

• No public display of affection (no holding hands, no kissing, no hugging in public)
• No "revealing" outfits
• Remove your shoes upon entering a house
• Don't touch someone on the head, even children
  
• Don't use your feet to point at something; don't raise them higher than the floor
• Don't point, use your palm
• When greeting someone, put your hands together and slightly bow your head

Filipinos and Laotians have somewhat similar rules with regards to etiquette and proper behavior. Friendliness, hospitality, respect—these are traits that are common in both countries.

One thing I really like about the people of Laos is the way they deal with problems. Laotians are peaceful people. According to a website:

Laotians take great pride in keeping a cool head in any situation. You will inevitably encounter a frustrating moment during your travels due to communication barriers, social customs or the heat. Getting angry only makes things worse; relax and deal with things calmly. Laos moves at a glacial pace, so leave your impatience at home. Fortunately, Laotians are very tolerant people, so even if you make a major social mistake, a wai and a apology will smooth things over.

A Myanmar Dish

Last summer, I volunteered at IGSL (International Graduate School of Leadership) and got to meet Ate Ahsie.

She was teaching the wives of the IGSL students Bible Study Methods. During the last day, we had a celebration and Ate Ahsie taught me how to cook a Myanmar dish. Since then, I've cooked it several times at home, but it's still not the way Ate Ahsie does it! :)

Ingredients are chicken, tomato, garlic, chili, and turmeric powder.

 Clean the chicken.

 

 Dice the tomatoes.

 

Cut and crush the garlic.

 

 

Put enough oil to cover the bottom of the saucepan. Put in the chili first so the oil becomes spicy. Add the garlic next. When it is golden brown, add a dash of turmeric powder. Cook the tomatoes next and let the juice evaporate a little. The chicken is placed in last. Add a little salt. Optional: Carrots and potatoes.

Recipe Pictures: Jemi