Lao Buddhist are very devout and almost every Lao man joins a monastery, or temple, for at least a short period of time. Many men also become monks for the rest of their lives. Most people donate food to the monks to gain merit and improve their karma. The temples of Laos were once seen as "Universities" for monks. Lao monks are highly respected and revered in Lao communities. These monks living on Mount Phou start the day early, at about five in the morning whan they take to the streets to receive alms. They then return to the temple were they have breakfast. After breakfast they take a few hours to study Geography and English before commencing more spiritual duties. Luang Prabang, Laos, 2010.