- Funky Town by Phone Phoummithone
I had to work late yesterday, and didn’t think I’d make it to my co-worker’s son birthday party. Then the birthday boy stopped by and personally invited me, twice he reminded me “…don’t forget, it starts at 6:30 tonight.”
It rained on the way there, the place was starting to get busy with kids running around, and her family gathered near the entrance and I saw a man walking over to the Mechanical Bull, I asked my co-worker if he were her cousin, she said, “Who, him? He’s my brother!” She said that I could blog about him, see how long he’d last on this “Mechanical Bull”…only a few second.
After he found out what I was going to do with the photos, he looked at me and said, “You’re crazy!” I told him, “Hey, I’m not the one on the Mechanical Bull and being airborne.” He showed me his injury, bruises and scratches, thanks for the good laugh, closeup image, and to think that I’m the crazy one 🙂 .
The birthday boy saying grace before meals.
Cake time, Happy Birthday little man.
Lee had a great time.
About the music, Phone Phoummithone is a Lao Artist,
This is more about her from her website,
Phone Phoummithone has established herself as one of the Lao music industry’s top vocalists, with a voice that is as powerful as it is recognizable. She is best known for her cunning stage performances as well as her charm and charismatic personality, but those are only a few entries of her show business resume.
The most memorable and inspirational event was in 2001. With the support of the Lao Education Foundation of Canada, she helped orgainzed Lao artists from around the world for a three city nine concert tour to promote public AIDS awareness and fundraising for handicapped children in Laos.
During her 20 year career she has used her talent to help out notable chairity events in Laos, France, Australia, Canada, and the United States.
She was born in the imperial city of Luang Prabang, one of the hidden treasures of Asia and the ancient royal capital city of the Lan Xang Kingdom, now known as Laos. In 1988, she released her debut album and from there she never looked back. Phone Phoummithone has based her career on sheer dedication, passion and commitment. Combined with her unparalleled vocal talents and style, she has become one of the most sought after entertainer and presenter for Lao communities around the world.
Nye Noona 
Hello! I stumbled across your blog about a month ago and I have been tuning in ever since. In some ways, our paths are mirror-images: you are from Laos and made your way to the SE USA, and I am from Florida but will shortly be moving to SE Asia to live and teach English. I have some amazing friends in Thailand and I was fortunate enough to visit Laos for a month two years ago. I was frankly blown away by the Lao people – their calm, friendly acceptance of many human vicissitudes is such a proud example of the upper reaches of human nature! At the same time, I know all is not well there. I am very excited by the prospect of being there again and hopefully coming to a greater understanding and involvement with the beautiful people in Laos and Thailand! Thanks so much for your thoughtful, inspirational words and images!
~ Nathaniel
Hi Nathaniel, thanks for commenting and your visits. Sometimes I wondered what lead us to the path that we take, is it merely a choice in life or destiny that’s meant to be and drawn out for us. Teaching is a very admirable profession in the SE Asia, especially in Laos and Thailand. I recalled when I was growing up in Thailand we’ve had the highest respect for our teachers, that’s next to our parents.
I left Laos at a young age that I can’t recall much about the country and visiting there last year has made me realized the abundance that we have here and how much we take things for granted. I was also amazed of how calm, and friendly Lao people are in Laos, and staying a week in Paksan visiting my Aunt and her family has made me see the laid back lifestyle, it’s kind of nice.
I wish you lots of luck in SE Asia, perhaps you will find it to be a place you call home, even if it’s for a short stay. 🙂
Thank you, Nye! I agree that we take many things for granted in American culture. This was especially obvious when I was in Laos. Right now, I am extremely tired of my life here (I currently manage a couple small hotels in Oregon) and I cannot wait to be back in an Asian culture. Actually, when I came back to America after my first visit to SE Asia I already knew that things had changed for me… it’s just taken a while to prepare for the next phase of my life. Thank you for your unique blog, thank you for responding to me, and I wish you all the best in the future! I will send you updates about my my life in SE Asia if you like…
~ Nathaniel
Nathaniel, when I came back from Laos in December 2008, things had changed also, but I knew it would change before I left, it was just a matter of time. It wasn’t me that had changed, it was everything else around me and with the cutback in staff, I find myself having to work long hours, and even some weekend, I’m kind of burnout myself, but I’m hoping that we’d make the turnaround. I think if we could make it through this tough time, then we’ll be fine, and I think it’s like that for most of us here in the US, it’s a very scary time for most businesses. I’d love to hear back from you, have you thought about keeping a web blog?
Nye, did you get a chance to ride on that mechanical bull? American style of kids birthday party is simple and less work for the host. Unlike the laotian version of kids birthday party, usually are parents taking over with drinking and playing pokers. hahahhahha If you’re laotian, you know what I am talking about and can relate. LOL
seeharhed, I didn’t get to ride on the Mechanical bull, too many onlookers. 🙂
I think Lao people know how to throw a party, I especially love the food, but not so much of drinking or playing poker, I don’t know how, and there seem to have everything for everyone. Lee birthday is coming up and I’ve to host one, it gives me a headache just thinking about it and I only invite family. 🙂
Nice Avatar, made me think of this car that I took in Laos, it has the Lao flag on top.
Nye, you’re so right about lao people sure knows how to throw a party. So? Am I invited to Lee birthday? 🙂
hahahahah it is the same car.. I walked by the car few times before I took the picture. hahahha
seeharhed,The car was a bit dirty, I wanted to give it a good wash, Lol, it’s a small world after all. 🙂
As for Lee’s party, I’m afraid to invite you. I’m too ashamed of my Lao cooking, I rely on Bo’s mom with some of the Lao dishes. 🙂
Dear Nye, Enjoyed the pics of little man’s bday party. Give my regards to all please. Luv, A
Hi Audrey, glad to hear from you again, the place is jammed pack every Friday night, I’ll tell the little man’s mom that you stop by.
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