Olympus OM-2N | Kodak Tri-x@800
Wat Xieng Moune. At this temple, monks from all over Laos participate in a UNESCO program to re-teach the skills of designing and maintaining temples. The program began about 10-11 years ago, and runs 3 years at a time. More monks were involved when they were studying painting and drawing, then some dropped out when they started Buddha sculpture, and by the time they were doing wood-carving only 4 young monks remained.

Novice Phet, pictured, wishes to only remain a monk for a few more years, then travel around the country improving temples as a master craftsman, just like his teacher.