Misc. Pics December 2012

 My students performing a song and receiving their certificates.

 My friend moved into her new house.  However, they had to sleep outside with all of their belongings until the proper ceremony could be performed.

 It's important that the right day is chosen for the ceremony.  They are thanking the spirit of the land that the house was built on and are hoping for peace and good luck in their new home.

 A bit of Christmas commercialism in Thailand. 

One of the festivals at a local temple.  Each village leads a procession around the temple with the money tree that they have assembled to bring into the temple. 

Lots of drinking and playing gambling/fortune telling type games and activities. 

Christmas 2012

National Park & Highest Point in Thailand

Hmong New Year 2012

 Hmong young men and women dressed in traditional clothing playing a ball tossing courtship game.

 A shaman performing one of the rituals during the new year. 

 Warming up in the sunshine outside. 

Animal sacrifices offered to spirits.