Global Eye: Vientiane, Laos

Photographer: Gunther Deichmann, Vientiane, Laos

Getting the Shot: I spotted these Buddhist monks on their way back to their monastery near Pha That Luang stupa after their morning food collection. It was already 9 a.m., and the sun was still trying to break through. It was the time of the year when everything is covered in an almost magical, mysterious heat haze. At the end of the dry season, around April or May, this phenomenon happens due to Laos being landlocked. It is also the time for pi mai, or the lunar New Year celebration.

The Details: In the background sits Pha That Luang, the great Buddhist stupa in Vientiane, built in the 16th century under Setthathirat the Great.  As with most stupas, a monastery is usually close by, since it is believed that relics of the Buddha are contained inside - either left behind by Buddha or placed there by early Buddhist pilgrims centuries ago.  You'll be hard pressed to find someone, even a monk, who knows the exact location of these artifacts, as they usually are buried deep within the stupa, which keeps the mystery within its walls.

For me, the mystery had already started outside during one of these mornings shrouded in heat haze.  The atmosphere alone during this time of the year makes a visit to Vientiane worthwhile, even if the heat can be unbearable.  During the pi mai celebration, however, you can cool off with the locals and join them in their water splashing activities. But you better make sure to keep your camera out of harm's way; you never know if the next bucket of water is meant for you.

The Camera: Shot with a Nikon F5 w/ 20mm lens; 1/30 @ F:8; Kodachrome 25.

We love the eerie stillness that this photograph evokes, and the silhouette the temple makes against the sky.  Think your photo should be a Global Eye? Join our Flickr pool