my new, old house

I've moved in to my new home, it's in a UNESCO world heritage site nestled amongst ancient temples

I wake to the morning drums, the monk's alarm call for their daily alms ceremony

and I cycle home past a stretch of temples listening to a harmony of chanting, evening prayers to the Buddha

from my bedroom balcony I have a view of temples with a backdrop of the mountains covered with tropical forest

am feeling like a very lucky boy, it's idyllic.

the owner of the house is my neighbour and she was born in the house

it's an old style French farmhouse, about 150 years old

hope the roof doesn't leak in the monsoon rains!

as is normal here, i had to pay the whole year rent upfront! the contract was hand written in laos

the village is Ban Xieng Thong after the local temple, 3 doors down
it's a royal temple and I join the temple dogs for chanting in the evenings
getting to know another group of novices who want to practice their English

visitors welcome, i have a spare room