Vientiane, Laos
NOVEMBER 2-3,
2009
We hired a private driver
to take us from Vang Vieng to Vientiane. After about 3 hours,
we arrived at our hotel, the Green Park Boutique hotel,
which was quite lovely, located 2 minutes away by Tuk-Tuk
from the city center, After settling in and resting a bit,
we had a bite to eat and retired for the evening.
The following day, we
thought we should explore the city. Ouch, remember how we
were looking forward to coming to Vientiane, hmm, maybe
need to re-think this... Quite the most shady, unattractive
capital I have ever seen. All the buildings (including government
offices) were worn out and just didn't have much to offer.
Really wish I could be more positive.
We did attend the biggest
festival in Laos, held at the town square and main temple,
which was nice to see, however way too many people there,
making it impossible to walk even at a normal speed (and
I walk very slow). Thousands of people everywhere, and the
later the evening got, the more pushing and stepping went
on. Needless to say, we didn't stay for very long. A couple
of unsuccessful dining experiences and we were leaving Laos,
certainly looking forward to experience Vietnam.
Out & About
We saw some beautiful scenery during
our car ride to Vientiane. The mist covering the valley
floor while the rays of the sun shined on the plentiful
mountain tops. Had no complaints, but just loved most
of the scenery.
Johann apparently thinks that eating
whole frogs are healthy for you, Doesn't he know that
he is already my prince and really does not have to
"stretch it" out that far?!
Strolling by many Buddhist temples in
Vientiane. Every boy has to be a monk at least one time
in their lifetime. Time varies between 3 days to years.
Actually, many boys join a temple in their younger years
8-12 years old and some even go back to the temple 2
or 3 times throughout their life. That's what we Westerners
call dedication and spirituality.
Attending the biggest festival in Vientiane
- That Luang Festival. Thousands of people everywhere,
so you cannot be scared of being in a crowd. Was a bit
too much for us, so we didn't stay for that long. We
even got strip searched, men on one side and women on
the other. Very interesting.
Taking a couple of photos in front of
the famous Patuxay (very similar to the Arc de Triomphe
- hmm, yes, France occupied Laos until 1945) in the
capital city. This monument honors the Lao people who
lost their lives when fighting for their independence
against France. What do you think? Johann is all about
peace!
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