Pak Ou caves

Trip Start Aug 24, 2008
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Trip End Mar 01, 2009


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Flag of Lao Peoples Dem Rep  ,
Thursday, January 15, 2009

25km up the Mekong to the caves, stopping at a local village where they make rice whisky. At 50% proof it had a bit of a kick to it. The caves are littered with 100s of Buddha statues. They are brought here to be bathed in holy water.

Once back into town we went to see the royal palace. The royal family lived here before the monarchy was over thrown and the crown prince exiled. The palace is covered with a lot of bling and glass mosaics. We saw the richly decorated throne and outfits of the royal family. Also on display were gifts presented to the royal family from other nations. The asian countries in general gave gifts of gold, ivory, silver of high craftsmanship. Where as the western countries had given plates, napkins and tea cups. Can you imagine the king turning to his queen and saying "Look dear it's yet another set of tea cups...how useful!" Guess what the US gave - USA souvenirs including a model (toy) NASA rocket ship and supposedly some moon dust. Call us cynical but it was probably bought off a souvenir stall at JFK.

End of the day with a visit to Wat Xieng Thom which had Ramayan scenes on the outer walls.
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