Blogs from Laos, Asia - page 563

Hello again, I know it might seem soon for another email, and it is, but i have some catching up to do. So, i thought i'd start with a little bit of Laos talk. Like, what's the difference between Laos and Thailand? Is it different? Is it the same? All the answers and more, coming right up. So, Laos is poor, one of the poorest countries in the world. When i first arrived to Thailand, i thought it was a bit rough and basic, but in comparison to Laos, it is quite far advanced. Paved roads in Laos? Not so many. Luang prabang, yes (it was the old capital), and Vientiane, yes (it is the current capital), but in between and around, not so much. If they are paved, they were paved years and years ago ... read more

Local buses Took a local bus from Vang Vieng to Vientiane, then another on the road south to Paksan. That was an experience! The 7:00am bus to Vientiane was big and old and took a lot of passengers, bags of rice, the odd chicken and some bags of fish! Luggage (and caged birds, baskets and other freight went on the roof), the rest of us inside ... although on occasion, people do ride on the roof as well. The bus seemed pretty full as we left, but we managed to jam a few more in as we stopped to pick up villagers along the way. To catch a bus you just stand on the highway and flag one down ... The conductor was in charge of taking money and making sure we all fitted in. He ... read more

Meeting of the Mekong Have found another place to sit and reflect on the day, and yes once again it is beside the Mekong River very close to where it meets the Nam Khan River. The river itself is made of brown water, with a surface broken by currents and eddies and with breaks created by sandbars or small islands. Anyone familiar with the Burdekin will get the picture. Alongside this brown expanse are villages with clusters of huts (thatched roofs, seemingly rattan walls) and smoke rising from the clusters. Long boats are tethered at the river's sides, near neat rows of market gardens tended by villages. Women wash clothes in buckets by the river and evidence of their toil lines the fences, gates and trellis work surrounding the little plots of agriculture. The boats are ... read more

SURPRISE!! we made it over to Laos at the very last minute. we cut our time in the islands short due to poor weather, and we are SO glad we decided to spend some time in this developing country. throughout our travels we kept on hearing how crazy we were for not going to Laos... and it was everyone's FAVORITE country in south east asia by a long shot. so, we decided that we could not leave for india without seeing it for ourselves... from our last island (Koh Lanta), we took a boat for a few hours and made a pit stop off at Phuket; we were not impressed with the main city. it had a very touristy feel, which we have been trying to avoid. we spent a few hours looking around, and of ... read more

Tourist town with charm Luang Prabang, the former capital of Laos, is one with many beautiful architectural and cultural features. The French influence not withstanding, there are many temples here and respect for religion and art. Temples line the main streets and are locations of gilded adoration (of Buddha) as well as being the hub of each neighbourhood. Around this hub, the religious and social activities of the associated area are centred. Much beautiful decoration is evident here as well. Monks are all male, dressed in saffron-coloured robes and are varied in age from perhaps primary school to very old. I have been careful about my contact with them as a sign of respect. No touching. No direct eye-contact. However, if they approach - and a couple have, it is an opportunity for conversation and learning. ... read more