How did Laos end up with a single-party communist government?

How did Laos end up with a single-party communist government

Throughout most of its history, Laos was caught between larger neighbors, competing empires, and shifting political alliances. Because of its strategic location between China and Thailand, Laos frequently came under attack from a variety of conquerors, most notably the Siamese, the French, and the United States each of whom had an interest … Read more

Learn About the Climate in Laos

Learn About the Climate in Laos

Roughly 6.5 million people are living in the Republic of Laos, who are frequently categorized into lowland, Midland, and upland Laotians based on elevation. The Lao, who make up the majority of the population and reside primarily in the lowlands, are the largest ethnic group. The Khmou, at 11%, the Hmong, at … Read more

The Amazing History of Vietnam

The Amazing History of Vietnam

Vietnam holds one of the oldest histories of any nation. The land has been inhabited by some of the world’s earliest societies.  It all started when the inhabitants of this area felt the need to control flooding along the Red River and fight off invaders. For this purpose, they formed one cohesive … Read more

Guide to Korean Tea

Guide to Korean Tea

Korean tea is not the most popular tea in the world. Still, the tradition of making and consuming Korean tea goes back centuries. In fact, some research even says that the presence of Korean tea was already in the Korean Peninsula as early as the 2nd century. Nevertheless, the tradition of Korean … Read more

Weight Equivalents: Plums

plum-1561529-1920[1]

There are from 19 to 40 species of plums. Of these only two are of primary commercial use, the European and the Japanese plum. There are over 200 plum varieties derived from these two species, some sweet, some acidic, and some best suited for drying into prunes. European plums probably originated in … Read more

Weight Equivalents: Peach / Nectarine

peach-853879-1920[1]

Peaches and Nectarines are the same species, but for commercial purposes are considered two different fruits. The trees originated in Northwest China and were spread through trade and conquest (Armies and camp followers dropping the pits after eating the fruit).. Peaches/Nectarines should be firm, with no bruising, cuts, or soft spots. How … Read more

Weight Equivalents: Apricot

apricott-808336-1920[1]

The origin of Apricots is not known definately. Various sources place it in present day Armenia, the Russian/Chinese border area, or Northern India. Apricots have a firm low juice flesh that ranges from tart to sweet in taste, and have a smooth or velvety skin. Apricots should be firm with no bruising, … Read more