It’s Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year) this April 14-16th on the Buddhist calendar and the BeerLao is flowing, water attacks are happening, and your parents are nagging you to finally Spring clean the house. Whether you’re in the states or in Laos, here are ten basic ways to make sure your pi mai is fun-filled in ultimate Lao-style. 1. Waterproof your valuables (and yourself). Keyword: plastic bags. Double-zipped Zip lock bags are even better. Keep everything you value that will die from water in closed plastic bags. I hear (unused) condoms work amazing for touchpads, but that’s totally a personal preference. Water damage is more of a threat in Laos, since you can’t control the truckloads of people (typically kids) constantly ambushing you with pails of cold water. Just be ready for it. 2. Get your Lao New Year gear ready. Think light and easy to hang dry, ’cause you will be wet. Local Lao wear anything with dok champa (Laos’ national flower the plumeria) and anything tropical. If you’re in the US, it’s pretty much …