EVERYDAY LIFE

	Many Isan houses are made of old and strong wood. Modern houses are made of brick. When travelling through Isan, a visitor can see many houses with non hidden bricks. The owners couldn't finish the external aspect of the house. "ISAN" is Thailand's poorest area.
Isan house

In some remote villages, houses don't have running water. There are some big jars to keep water that fall from the roof. There is a pipe that goes from the roof to the jar. During the monsoon the jars are filled gradually. With two big jars it is enough for washing during a whole year.
	Water

	Buses speed through Isan villages. There are footbridges to cross the roads because cars, autobus really drive fast and it can be dangerous for children. Sometimes Police stop buses to check the ID papers. They are looking for illegal immigrants from Laos or checking the autobus driver hours of driving.
Bus to Loei

In Isan area there are more motorcycles than cars. Often three people ride motorcycles, i.e. the parents and their child. They don't wear a helmet due the heat. In a pickup car, more people can seat. Two in the front seats, four in the back seats, and many people in the pickup back area. That is the typical configuration before going on lunch near a waterfall. Many people mean it will be very funny (สนุก - "SANUK").

Such "TUK TUK" (ตุ๊กตุ๊ก) is very useful to carry farmers in order to go working in the paddy fields. They are also used to carry the rice after the harvest.
	Tuk Tuk

	In many Isan temples close to Mekong river, long boats can be found lying under sheds. They are used for races at the end of rain retreat.
Boats

In Isan villages Buddhist temples have often toned down colors. Temples are less glittering than in Bangkok. Often they are just covered with painted colors. No stuff that glitter in the sun. Due to hot temperatures (up to 40 °C / 104 °F) and heavy rains during the monsoon, the temples colors lose gradually their brightness.
	Thai temple

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