Jars and spoons
I'm impressed that this is your first souvenir - but what an amazing and meaningful souvenir it is. It was hard to read of the indiscriminate bombing of Laos, how is that not a crime? I like the biblical quote, one I haven't come across before... Sigh. If only. :(

Vang Vieng
Glad to hear the government has cracked down on the tubing. I remember my stay in Vang Vieng very well. I avoided the tubing then as it had a notorious reputation, but I do remember one of the seldom times in my life I've felt ashamed at being a Westerner, walking through town amongst drunk and loud British people and the very embarrassed and bewildered looks on the local townspeople. Glad to hear the place seems to have been cleaned up somewhat.

No Going on the Roof!
Haha, very funny! It took me a while to get it too...! I love the Heart of Darkness analogy too. I hope Luang Prabang turned out better than Mr Kurtz's jungle dwelling :)

Effects of tourism
Tourism brings with it both positives, such as injecting capital into a local economy, and negatives, such as turning formerly dignified and spiritual affairs such as this alms giving into what you accurately describe as a human zoo. I wish that more people would be travellers rather than tourists. Going there to experience the genuine experience and not just to take posing pictures without ever even trying to get to know the real meaning behind what happens. I had a wonderful experience in Thailand a few years back when I stumbled into a wat and ended up participating in a ceremonial blessing by the monks performed before the abbot of the wat. I was the only non-local present and for a long time I just sat quietly in the corner observing it all until the locals themselves invited me to take part. It's a memory I will cherish my whole life.

Mass tourism
I read something a few years ago, where the monks had asked tourists not to take part in the alms ceremonies as the cheap food (bought the night before) was making the monks sick...I suppose that's why they chuck the food out. I find it sad that the monks still have to go through the pretense of receiving alms :(

Very touching
A lovely blog on Thailand and Chiang Rai, and very touching words here on life. What a wonderful feeling for you to know you are in the right place at the right time, a spiritual moment it seems. I'm sorry to hear about your friend Mike, I do believe our loved ones who are passed on are still present with us in some way.

Mike would be proud
I'm convinced that Mike would be proud that you're living your life to the fullest. Thank you for a well written and interesting blog post.