what i appreciated most during my trip to Vientiane is the simplicity of childhood. Its so pleasing for me to know that somewhere out in the big wide world that there are children who are still able to enjoy the simplicities of life and find joy in the simplest of activities. Lao kids don't need Wii or PSP or X-box or Nintendo to have a good time.
My favourite game at the night festival we visited was a simple simple game of 'toss the pail'. very simple funfair activity. first, layout drink packets and bottled fizzy drinks in a grid. prepare some shallow pails, and get the kids to try and throw the pail over the packets or bottles. If they manage, they win whatever the pail manages to 'capture'.
see how happy they look?
it's not that easy, the poor kid misses!
when i have kids, my kids will play games like these. no wii, xbox, psp (etc, etc) if i have anything to say about it. of course, i'll have to convince hubby who just loves all these electronic games. i really think that you'd have easier to please and less demanding kids if you start by not spoiling them and getting them to appreciate the simple things in life. not kids who expect the latest gadgets and toys all the time. i'm not saying that you're wrong if you want to spoil your kids with such toys- i think everyone has the right to raise their kid whichever way they want. i just want grounded children who know how to have fun even if its with a couple of bottles and a shallow pail.
Labels: travel bug, Vientiane
