we went to an immense sculpture park filled with very large works covering a wide variety of mostly Buddhist-inspired images. It had naga-dragons, Buddhas, mermaids, elephants, and all manner of crazy artistic interpretations of Buddhist, Hindu, and even some Western stories and beliefs. The artists body is actually entombed on the grounds. It was pretty freaky and unbelievably hot. We were rewarded afterwards with ice cream.We went out to eat at 
fancy restaurants on several nights. We ate curries while watching the sun set over the Maekong River - an incredibly beautiful sight. Picture a lone fisherman floating by on a longboat sillhouetted against the deep green water while occasional lights began to twinkle on the sparsely populated shores of Laos. An elephant lumbers by looking for bananas (this really happened). Geckos, moths, and surprisingly elaborate beetles compete for time in the lamplight. We wipe the tears from our eyes from the intense spice of the papaya salad poured over our steamed catfish. Some fine evenings - each capped off with a little ice cream.
fancy restaurants on several nights. We ate curries while watching the sun set over the Maekong River - an incredibly beautiful sight. Picture a lone fisherman floating by on a longboat sillhouetted against the deep green water while occasional lights began to twinkle on the sparsely populated shores of Laos. An elephant lumbers by looking for bananas (this really happened). Geckos, moths, and surprisingly elaborate beetles compete for time in the lamplight. We wipe the tears from our eyes from the intense spice of the papaya salad poured over our steamed catfish. Some fine evenings - each capped off with a little ice cream.We spent one full day sightseeing and food-sampling in Wientiane, the capital city of the People's Democratic Republic (P.D.R.) of Laos - which is cool both because it is n
ow communist and because it was once a French colony. This means that there is only one beer in Laos and everyone must drink it (BeerLao - it is actually quite good) and also that there is French bread and croissants in many of the local bakeries. We had a terrific European meal (including crepes) on a balcony overlooking the main town square. The Italian wine was terrific - and duty free! We walked the streets checking out colonial architecture, government buildings, a famous temple (seen on Lao currency), and various other sights. The Lao people were amazingly friendy - especially considering our country bombed theirs in the 70s. After a long day of walking we rewarded ourselves with some ice cream.
ow communist and because it was once a French colony. This means that there is only one beer in Laos and everyone must drink it (BeerLao - it is actually quite good) and also that there is French bread and croissants in many of the local bakeries. We had a terrific European meal (including crepes) on a balcony overlooking the main town square. The Italian wine was terrific - and duty free! We walked the streets checking out colonial architecture, government buildings, a famous temple (seen on Lao currency), and various other sights. The Lao people were amazingly friendy - especially considering our country bombed theirs in the 70s. After a long day of walking we rewarded ourselves with some ice cream.Friday night was the farewell party at the college. It was a well-deserved celebration after a long day of sports and games with the Thai and American college students in the blistering Nongkhai heat. We were joined at the party by college administrators, local students, visiting students, a group of Lao teachers, a
nd various local characters. The locals performed the Baan Sii Su Kwai ritual of tieing strings around our wrists and wishing us safe traveling. There were songs, dancing, a huge food spread with sticky rice and dipping bowls, even several cans of BeerLao!). Many of the students and participants were on the verge of tears as friends said goodbye and promised to keep in touch. Even though there was no ice cream, it was an enjoyable and emotional event for all. We slept well and prepared for Saturday's overnight train to Bangkok.
nd various local characters. The locals performed the Baan Sii Su Kwai ritual of tieing strings around our wrists and wishing us safe traveling. There were songs, dancing, a huge food spread with sticky rice and dipping bowls, even several cans of BeerLao!). Many of the students and participants were on the verge of tears as friends said goodbye and promised to keep in touch. Even though there was no ice cream, it was an enjoyable and emotional event for all. We slept well and prepared for Saturday's overnight train to Bangkok.
Hi, guys. I just wanted to let you know that I am following your travels and your posts every week. Most times I am checking in via Blackberry, and can't post a response. It's great to follow your progress. I've been reading some of your postings to the kids too. I think Susan is a bit to jealous to follow your posts every week.
ReplyDeleteThings are good here. If you want to check the latest on our life, just head to my Facebook account.
Very best of luck in Bangkok! Keep up the posts and pics!