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Published: December 5th 2005
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Having survived the night in Bangkok, and the early morning flight into Laos, I found myself accommodation in Vientiane. Located in the thick of things, yet on a quiet street, this guesthouse is clean and pleasant with a range of travellers passing through.
Venturing into Vientiane
First thing was a reconnaissance by foot (although my feet complained later) ... I discovered Vientiane's very own Champs Elysee! Yes, in the middle of a majestic boulevard-type road (I am convinced it is the only oe), there is a structure not-unlike Charles de Gaulle Etoile. I climbed the stairs and saw the view, with far fewer tourists than its Parisian counterpart. In addition, the underside of the dome is decorated in true Asian style. (Photos available - a few difficulties with the technology here, not recoginisoing a USB port - and reception unable to assist).
I passed through the markets, and I have never seen so much of one commodity on display. There were racks and racks of T-shirts, silk scarves, watches etc... And, all electrical appliances were shrink-wrapped! Can you believe it ... washing machines and TVs with their remote controls tightly clutched at the screen by shrinkwrapping! I saw my first couple of Temples and a museum. Photos tell a better story here. Working on the technology.
I have contributed to the Laotian arts community by purchasing some local silk weaving. Shops are full of beautiful fabrics, wall hangings and soft furnishings. Have a chance to try my hand at it tomorrow. Weaving that is!
Tonight I sat in a restaurant by the river. It was rather idyllic ... sun setting over the Mekong, Mary sipping on Beer-Lao, voices filling the space around me with language that was largely Laotian and French, and only a little English. Heat. Humidity. Beer. Spicy food. Super keen waiters falling over themselves to serve. Hmmmmmmmmmm. A lovely weariness at the end of a travellers day envelopes me. One more beer and I am done for the night.
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Robyn
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Mary - sounds great - have a beer for me - I'm v. jealous!!