Last days in Lao

Trip Start Jun 25, 2007
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Trip End Jul 24, 2007

Flag of Lao Peoples Dem Rep  ,
Friday, July 13, 2007

It's our last day in Lao. It's a country that is still very much developing. As we walked here to an internet cafe there were road works everywhere, a sign that things are still at that 'development' stage. Unlike at home where there is roadworks everywhere, as life just goes on around them. There are roadworkers who just stop work and have a siesta in the middle of the day from the oppressive heat. But enough of roadworks... to reminisce about the last few days.
We had a remarkable experience the other day in Luang Prabang. As we arrived in the city we were told that the head monk of the city had died. He was much revered throughout the world. Not quite of papal status but as Buddhists go still very important. Anyway our guide who was very knowledgable and respectful on Buddhist ways took us in to pray and share the funeral ceremony with the other worshippers. I was allowed to photograph him "in state" and we ate and shared food with the local women who were preparing the funeral... A very special occasion.
We visited other markets... the morning market was a 'real' experience. They had a mole there that you could buy and release on the holy mountain for good fortune. There was a dead catlike wild animal, obviously endangered, because when I took the photo of it I was told that I should't do that. There were wasp maggots that were such a delicacy that our guide offered us one and when we declined, he gobbled it down gleefully. He thought our loss his gain.
We went to a cultural night of singing and dancing.. very beautiful but funny as a dog kept roaming through the theatre distracting us. Life is very different here.
Now in Vientiane and have had a look around but as there is little to do, resting and catching up is the name of the game. It's great, as we are in a Novatel resort with a lovely swimming pool. The only problem is walking back to the hotel in the midday heat... oh well looks like an icecream is on the cards...
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rayjay90
rayjay90 on Jul 13, 2007 at 05:04AM

He looks dead that guy!!
You guys sound like youre having a wonderful time but Im sure U will be glad to be back home again too!! The travelblogs have been very interesting and I have enjoyed following your adventures. My holidays are prett well over now and back to the chalkface on Monday!! I still havent got thats girl's email address - so where is it? Take care and enjoy the flight home - its never easy those long flights!! Regards Ray.

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