NEWS
The one about the buffalo in Laos
Winston Churchill famously said in November 1942: “Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.”
The experts are saying: Tourism? It could take 2 years or more until it STARTS recovering.
I say: “Today we are closer to the end than we were yesterday.” (I like to make meaningless, optimistic, grand statements that are irrefutable).
Healthy buffalo for healthier people in Laos
This partnership brings together social enterprise Laos Buffalo Dairy (LBD), the Northern Agriculture and Forestry College (NAFC), the Provincial Health Department (PHD) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to promote the regeneration of buffalo herds in Laos to improve rural livelihoods. LBD will work to improve buffalo genetic health, influence dietary practices to include buffalo milk and help make buffalo dairies a viable commercial operation for smallholder farmers. Students from NAFC will gain exposure to practical training opportunities at the dairy and the Health Department will help drive awareness of the nutritional benefits of buffalo milk. Two NGOs will support the implementing partners contributions: Helvetas for NAFC and the Swiss Red Cross for PHD.
The Captivating Charm Of Southeast Asia
One day in Laos was an explosion of activity, first visiting the Kuang Si Waterfall where we jumped in for a swim. Uproarious laughter followed when we realized the fish were well versed in the art of pedicure. Afterward, we were off to the Laos Buffalo Dairy to sample delicious house-made cheeses, cheesecake, and ice cream all crafted from water buffalo’s milk. Approximately 94 percent of the Asian population is lactose intolerant. Water buffalo milk, however, contains a different protein strain than cow’s milk and can be tolerated. Using this milk, the Lao people can easily add dairy to their diet. The farm’s benefits are not merely dietary; it helps provide a steady income to farmers by renting and caring for their buffalo and offers English classes to school children.
Marie Claire: The Cosmopolitan rise of Cambodia and Laos: A spotlight on southeast Asia
While the Tomb Raider connotations of Angkor Wat still prevail, a fresh wave of cutting edge start-ups and swanky independents is reshaping the must-see cities of Siem Reap and Luang Prabang
Queensland Country Life: Laos dairy buffalo challenge
IN an extraordinary example of applied capacity building, Australian businesswoman Susie Martin is leading the way in helping one of South East Asia's poorest countries set about improving its food production systems.
Located near Luang Prabang in northern Laos, the Laos Buffalo Dairy has been established with the aim of developing the nation's abundant, but underutilised buffalo resource.
The London Economic: 48 hours in Luang Prabang, Laos
The capital of Laos, Luang Prabang, is fast becoming a fixture on any grand tour of Southeast Asia. That’s not only because it’s managed to keep an authenticity beyond its status as a Unesco World Heritage City (rare is the place in which market traders don’t hassle you). It’s also rich with culture, heritage and natural wonders that makes for a constantly surprising stay – you’ll forever be marvelling at a new French colonial house, or a new type of street food that may or may not be made with insects.
Champa Meuanglao: January / February 2020 Beasts of Burden and Dairy
Buffalo ice cream and cheese are new highlights in Luang Prabang at the moment.
Mooching buffalo, sunk hoof deep in a bright green paddy field, are an iconic image of Laos. We all photograph these plodding creatures when we see them on our travels, but a close encounter is rare.
Forbes: Travel That Changes You: 10 Best Adventures of 2019
I hate the term “bucket list.” Why chase items to tick off from some wish list? Live, live well, travel, travel well, have some adventures. Forget the bucket.
Personally, I hope to have those adventures for years to come. Magical moments can be as dramatic as climbing one of the Seven Summits (which I’ve done) or as prosaic as a mountain picnic. They can be the fruit of years of planning or an instance of pure serendipity. Either way, they leave you not only with happy memories but with glimpses of your better self. They change your perspective; they change you—that holy grail of 2020: transformative travel.