New this week on the blog, a macro look at starting the New Year with a macro-perspective on our accomplishments and goals.

As another week begins, I am dreaming of Asia today with this sunset shot of boats on the Mekong River in Laos. 

#travelphotography   #photography   #picoftheday   #travel  

One of my favorite photos from my travels through Burma earlier this year. Hundreds of monks lined up at the Mahagandayon Monastery in Mandalay.

My niece and I released our candlelit, handmade krathongs, along with our wishes for the coming year, into the Ping River last night under a midnight blue sky lit by thousands of amber colored lanterns -- such a magical night.

Temples of Luang Prabang

Laos is one of my favorite countries in Asia, and I first fell in love with Luang Prabang, a small town steeped in a history that marches across the buildings. Each storefront in the city's tiny, walkable center marries a unique blend of French-European colonialism with the traditional Laotian styles. And between these buildings, gilded temples are filled with chanting monks. It's such a beautiful blend of history and culture that its a UNESCO World Heritage site.

In this photo, Vat Ho Pha Bang shines against the ultramarine sky and purple bougainvillea within the pristine National Museum complex. The city retains a rural and small-town feel despite it’s place in history as a royal capital in the 8th century, and an active trading hub on the Silk Road for many succeeding centuries. Now, it’s a UNESCO world heritage city, but no longer the capital of Laos, which I think is a very key reason the city has remained small despite globalism and tourism.

More stories and photos here: http://buff.ly/JKVDV5

I put together a new page filled with my favorite #quotes about travel and life.

http://alittleadrift.com/travel-quotes/

Any of your favorites that I missed?

A gorgeous weekend at a cacao farm in rural Panama uncovered the process for making chocolate as well as the benefits of rural tourism. 

http://alittleadrift.com/2013/08/grassroots-tourism-panama/

A look at traditional sweets in Burma, how their made, tastes, technique and the local family that taught my niece and me the process last month! :)

Have you ever tried these popular sugar candies?

Welcome to the ALA G+ page! I promise lots of fun travel photos and stories :)