After a week relaxing on the beach in Thailand we were all set to go to Myanmar (Burma). We easily got our visas, but when we tried to book flights and hotels EVERYTHING was already booked for the next 2 to 3 months! The interest in Myanmar has exploded, but the tourist infrastructure is not there yet to support the growing numbers of tourists and business people flocking to the country. So we decided to change our plans and head to Laos. A small country located between Vietnam, Thailand, China and Cambodia. Everyone we have met who has been to Laos has provided glowing reports of the country - quiet, friendly, easy to get around, beautiful scenery and temples.
I have to agree - it is great. After an easy flight/bus ride from Bangkok we arrived in Vientiane - the laid back capital of Laos. The city is known for temples, boutique hotels, fine eateries and a slow pace. We spent a few days here checking out the sights and enjoying the quiet pace (you barely have to check the traffic before you cross the road!).
This temple is just round the corner from our hotel. It has been newly built and will house the ancient city pillar (from 1563) that is considered the guardian spirit of the city.
Even though it is a new building, it has incorporated many traditional elements of temple design. The sight is not yet open - it will open after 99 monks from throughout the country come to pray continuously for 3 days to bless the sight.
One day we did a biking tour around the city to visit a number of temples.
This is a typical stairway in a temple - guarded by the snake that shaded Buddha while he reached enlightenment.
Several of the temples house hundreds of Buddha statues, each carved with unique facial features.
This is a sample of the intricate carving found on the large veranda that supports the roof of a temple.
The roof lines of the temples have lovely details.
In the centre of town there is an archway built in the 1960's. It is built with US purchased cement that was to be used to expand the airport. From far away it looks like the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, but up close it is covered with Laos temple-style ornamentation.
When we climbed to the top of the building we had a wonderful view of the city - trees, small buildings, and red roofs. It really is a small capital city.
Vientiane is also known for the French bakeries - we all enjoyed the pastries!
While we were in Vientiane we visited COPE (Cooperative Orthotic & Prosthetic Enterprise). This organization provides rehabilitation services and artificial limbs to people in need. Up to 30% of the patients treated have been injured by small cluster bombs from the American/Vietnam war. Laos is the most bombed country in South East Asia and still every year 100 - 500 people are killed by these old bombs that are still in the countryside.
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