From Vientiane to Vang Vieng

I am now on my way to Vang Vieng, leaving Vientiane behind. The capital was a lovely, albeit sleepy big city. There were plenty of monuments, temples and the Grand Stupor, which is the most prestigious monument in all of Laos. It contains the breast bone of Buddha. Every New Year there is a candle light procession around the stupor.

Given my intense need to be near water, being in a landlocked country always makes me a slightly uncomfortable. So it will come as no surprise that the most enjoyable place for me was sitting on the cushions of the river bank open air cafes with a cold BeerLao. I am very predictable.

The temples were also fascinating. There are many forms of Buddha to support anything you may need help with. Manish, you will be please that I made an offering to the Buddha of friendship health. I am doing what I can even from the middle of Asia.

My other luxury was to have an hour long foot massage last night. Wow - that was good. The man who took care of me had fingers and arms of iron. He could apply just the right amount of pressure so that you could feel it all the way up you leg. There were some sore spots, but it certainly felt good when it was all over. The grand total for an hour of massage was 43,000 Lao kip, equal to $5 US. I am going to have to talk to Tony (my massage therapist in Toronto) when I get home.

The tour group I am with is quite nice. I am one of twelve. All the rest are from England or Scotland. I am by far the youngest, but everyone seems lovely so far.

On the road to Vang Vieng I have seen several interesting sights that seem to typify life in Laos;

There were the two guys lounge on raised deck with laptops and printers. Laos has very good technology connections and most people seem very competent with Internet and software work. But they approach it all with a laid back feel that I would love to take with me back to Rogers.

Then there is the school ground we passed with rows and rows of neatly parked bicycles and motorbikes. Most transportation is done on two wheels. The surprising thing to me was how many women also drive motorbikes and just how many people wear helmets. You rarely see just one person on a bike or any sort. Communal driving seems to be most popular. In fact we also saw the tractor that doubles as a school bus every morning. There must have been about 15 kids on the back. The western world could learn a thing or two about car pooling from the Lao.

The billboards on the side of the road show only Asian people. This is a pleasant change from Japan or Hong Kong where you see lots on North American celebrities and various white smiling face are touting the benefits of energy drinks or shampoo. Even when I lived in Asia I was always amazed at how American actors like George Clooney, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Charlie Sheen could peddle cars, cigarettes and air conditioners in Asia without damaging their careers.

Finally the smoke seems to be lifting. All throughout Vientiane there was a smoky haze. Our leader told us it was the farmers in the surrounding areas burning off there farmer lands to get the soil ready for the next round of crops.

More notes from Laos to come...

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