Blogs from Vientiane, West, Laos, Asia - page 6

I’m having breakfast of croissant and coffee at La Benneton, a French bakery near my hostel in central Vientiane. From the bakery’s veranda, the classical music playing in the background and the drone of conversation of French expats at a nearby table make this section of Southeast Asia feel like Western Europe. Lingering elements of French culture are common in Laos – Vientiane features dozens of budget cafes serving European baked goods, and these establishments typify Vientiane’s relaxed pace. Smiles are pasted on the servers’ faces, and their charming disposition only makes you want to linger more and revel in the languidness. I have arrived in Vientiane 12 hours ago with no other plan than to explore as much as I can before heading to Luang Prabang. I’ve decided to dive in on my own terms ... read more

At first glance, Laos can seem expensive until you remember that 6,500 Kip approximately equals $1 Canadian. The government appears to be working hard to improve the lives of the people in Laos. This includes improving nutrition for children, as well as health care. The country has been polio-free for several years and is working on eradicating measles although it isn't easy to reach some of the mountain tribes for vaccination, something the mountain people aren't necessarily enthusiastic about. The government has recently passed a new law to regulate alcoholic beverages. Venues offering these cannot be located near healthcare and education centers, state offices, religious venues, embassies, public parks, opera houses, passenger vehicle stations, petrol stations, sports complexes, and factories, which must limit possibilities. In addition, advertisements for alcoholic be... read more

Arriving at Vientiane, the capital of Laos, in the late afternoon, Stephanie, Thomas and I found a cute little hostel in the centre of the city. The next two day we decided to rent fancy bikes to discover the beauties of the city. We visited all the Buddhist temples and other monuments, "dont" the famous Wat Si Saket, known as the oldest temple in the capital and Patuxia, Vientians replica of the Arc de Triomphe. Vientiane isn't only the capital of Laos, it is also and mainly the city where my grandmother, Samboun (second wife of maternal grandfather) comes from. Samboun returned to live for a few months in her home country after my grandfather passed away. Stephanie and I were very lucky to have our own private guide in this city. Samboun brought us to ... read more

Interesting stories are heard from guides about life in their country. Following is one about Laotian women giving birth. 2-3 days prior to a birth the woman goes to the hospital. However, if in a rural area a mid-wife is brought in. The husband is relegated to outside the house and his job is to make a tea that is concocted from herbal plants found in the wild forests. During birth the mother's hands are tied with rope to an overhead beam and she squats low while the mid-wife calls out encouragement. After birth the mother and child do not leave the home for a month but family and friends come to visit daily. It becomes a social time. and the mothers mother stays to help take care of the birth mother and baby, as well ... read more

Country number 3, Thailand, after arriving in Bangkok late in the evening with little time to explore, I left early the next morning for Phuket a large island with, I now know, a somewhat dubious reputation for all things 'ping pong' and well, sleaze. It’s only one resort really, Patong Beach and yes having spent one evening in it, its reputation is not undeserved.......This place makes Banus of a night look like a Legion of Mary group outing. I was staying in a guest house out of town, run by a Swedish guy and his Thai partner, small, just five rooms, nothing sleazy just a straight up guesthouse...but just for guys. Hey I got to optimise my chances!!!! Phuket is ok, but like any other holiday island, lots of tourists, hotels, restaurants. It’s the Islands off ... read more