Laotian? What Ocean?
Trip Start
Jan 13, 2005
1
5
11
Trip End
Apr 10, 2005
Luang Prabang, Lao Peoples Dem Rep
Friday, February 18, 2005
"Are you Chinese or Japanese?"
The response:
"I'm Laotian"
His response:
"Laotian? What Ocean?"
The resulting response:
"Laos is a landlocked country between Thailand and Vietnam."
That it is!
Laos is part of "Indochina"-that Southeast Asian region, formerly French-occupied, which included Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos
6 or 7 on a bike...is there no limit?
.Laos took a beating during the "Vietnam War"-as U.S. bombs were dropped to combat resistance efforts there. As a result, many Laotians suffer from war-related injuries...and post-war-related injuries too (from stumbling across formerly-unexploded land mines).
Laos is known as "The Kingdom of a Million Elephants"-but I never saw a one while there.
Laos is communist, and the red flag bearing the hammer & sickle is proudly displayed-on government and non-government buildings alike.
Laos is just beginning to enter the modern world-15 years ago the country was basically off-limits to foreigners. A few years ago it was prohibited to wear western dress, and even last year-coloring your hair was prohibited by law (punishable by a large fine and confiscation of government-issued identification). Even today, a family has to submit to yearly census-taking-and must pay the government a fine if all family members cannot be accounted for!
But, Laos is many good things as well! Strict governmental control was intended to preserve desirable cultural traditions and discourage trafficking of people that oftentimes resulted in enslaving Laotians (for work or for sex) in neighboring countries
Family of 5 On A Motorcycle
. And, maybe it's working! Laotians seem to welcome you into their lives-"sharing" their soul it seems! Kids play naked along the rivers; homes-of-bamboo, wood, and thatched-roofs abound; and life seems to progress at a snail's pace. Traditional weddings come complete with the bride in traditional costume, and attendants decorated in silk gowns. The dance of choice seems to bring Asian style to somewhat Western tunes-as dancing is done more with the hands than with the feet. Sarongs are all around...monks-in-orange too!Like Myanmar, people seem to be quite happy...quite content in their daily lives.
Unlike Myanmar, people seem more open to conversations, and more aware of the world.
Plus, Laos has good coffee and fresh baguettes daily! French traditions aren't all bad!
