That Dam Stupa (Vientiane, Laos)
That Dam Stupa. It is pretty fun to type, but it isn’t pronounced how you think. It is a transliteration of the Lao name, and Lao language has it’s own alphabet. “That” is pronounced like “tot”, “Dam” should read like “dahm”, and “stupa”, well, yeah, that’s “stoo-pah”.
That Dam Stupa (you know you want to snicker every time you read that!) has a legend behind it that makes it kind of intriguing. Actually, depending on who you talk to, there are several different legends.
The stupa is not really maintained anymore and is not used for religious observances. So, if you are in Vientiane, Laos, it is a neat place to take your kids to play (and a lot cleaner than the playground, trust me!)
It was a beautiful, sunny day when we went to explore.
It reminded me that kid’s don’t need very much to keep them entertained.
The wonder of discovery is enough!
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08 October 2008, 1:36 pm
That does look like alot of fun… and yes, I did laugh everytime I read “that dam stupa”…haha
Melissas last blog post..Wordful Wednesday–The Day they First Met!!
08 October 2008, 5:49 pm
Very cool!
Nancys last blog post..Fall Cleaning
08 October 2008, 5:57 pm
awesome!
09 October 2008, 2:08 am
Kids do look like they are having a great time!
09 October 2008, 12:01 pm
[...] That Dam Stupa (Vientiane, Laos) [...]
10 October 2008, 1:20 pm
The kids definitely look like they have a blast.
Amy @ The Q Familys last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: Mr. Pretzel
10 October 2008, 1:31 pm
Thanks for the pronunciation help, so at least I have a chance at “thinking” it correctly!
10 October 2008, 3:27 pm
Cute kids! And the stupa? There are no words. Except maybe “cool mysterious pointy thing”.
10 October 2008, 4:48 pm
Yup, “cool mysterious pointy thing” seems to cover it
Looks like it was a great time. I love any sort of odd building, bridge or mysterious structure…usually a great photo op!
10 October 2008, 4:58 pm
Wow, your kids look so happy! What an exciting journey for them, I love it!
kat calvins last blog post..Fabulous Searching
11 October 2008, 7:41 pm
The boys have such infectious smiles. This post cracked me up!
12 October 2008, 3:37 am
What a great point about kids finding their own fun. There’s nothing better than a chance to run outside & the joy of discovering your own fun, is there? I’d take this over a McDonald’s playground any day.
Debbie Dubrows last blog post..Photo Friday: River Rafting Down the Grand Canyon
13 October 2008, 1:10 am
How lucky your boys are to be playing around a stupa! In college, I did a slide presentation on funerary architecture and had included stupas, since they supposedly contained relics of the Buddha. I love that they are the precursors to Chinese and Japanese pagodas. I wish I could come and visit you!
14 October 2008, 12:45 am
I am such a fan of the random outdoor place for kids to play. Give my children an open spot, a few rocks maybe, something to climb (even steps) and they are happy. Very nice pictures.
Maras last blog post..Mondays are for dreaming: London
14 November 2008, 2:19 am
Right, kids enjoy the simpler things in life. This looks like a fun place! Beautiful weather too!