A bird flew into Asia (2)

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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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Comments

[Robyn]

Mary - sounds great - have a beer for me - I'm v. jealous!!

[Helen]

But do they speak "human?"
Mary, sounds great but Max would want to know, do they speak human?

[Ailis]

Had another dream
Mary, had a dream about you last night and realised it was well past time i logged into your blog....in the dream you were in Hong Kong with me and we were looking to find the best view of the harbour for some reason. Anyhow the pictures you are creating with words are very vivid and can see you sipping your beer lao.....and being fawned over by pretty Lao boys (nothing quite like it really!!) cheers Ailis

[Julie]

Wow!
Hi Mary, sorry I am so tardy, I was using Netscape and not getting anything, so I hadn't realised you had anything in here. Your first day (which was now a long time ago) sounds like it was wonderful.