Yes, i know, a offtopic there on Taiwan blog, but I could not resist to post pictures and video there. Because this country is impressive, beautiful, calm, welcoming, nice and warm. The best (after Taiwan). I wanted come back there, and i will, so welcoming it is. If you mull, where to for your vacation - choose Laos.
Let's start there.
Generally, if you ever had visited Vietnam or Cambodia (I was lucky to), then first impressions are of those places - city is very very low - no bigger houses as 3 - 4 floors and mess of wires. Laos talk a Thai - very close to Thai language, and everywhere still you can find a touch of French colonial history - a lot of french residents, lot of french names, lot of french language there.
When I asked locals, and quite high level locals (remember - Laos is socialist country), what are the impact of financial crisis - answer was - NONE. Well, not everyone exports semiconductors (hello, hsinchu!).
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As all less developed countries (well, depends, do you want to be developed - as now we can see, it hurts), airport is small, and from virtually everywhere in Vientiane you can drive to airport in 5 - 8 minutes. No traffic jams at all, no matter what time.
There is no taxi in regular meaning of them - so do not search yellow cabs - instead look for motorbyke's fitted as taxi. Below are pictures of such.
This bird I caught in small street in Vientiane near Mekong river.
In the first 2 days of my trip I was in Lao Orchid Hotel, which gives quote a nice view from a window, but very unfriendly, I would even say proud staff there. Just not polite.
Some houses are abandoned:
And now a lot of pictures for you to enjoy!
It's same view, as you would see in the video above, from a window of the Orchid Hotel. Temples are similar to those in Thailand, if you've been there.
Mekong river. Another view from Orchid Hotel. February there, but it's +32 C. No need coat here.
Signs, are mostly in Thai and English, and those which are not in English, mostly likely are no need for you.
Here you can see money exchange - remember, that 3 currencies are used widely in Laos, all over streets and restaurants - everyone accept Laos Kips, Thailand Bahts, and US Dollars.
Soviet Union? No, just a socialism. And so what, if you still see the smiles and happy people on streets? Capitalism offers you credit card debt, unemployment rates up to 10 % and chimera called "crisis", as we learned recently.
Wires are installed without any control or project
Monks are everywhere in close proximity to the temples, and all ages are showing up on a streets in Vientiane.
Most popular cars are such a trucks - roads are god only in Vientiane, so, jeeps, trucks are the best choice.
Women wear such nice dress, although colors vary, but type and style is this.
Food and fruit's are sold everywhere on streets - just like in Taiwan.
Red light is respected.
Temples are artwork masterpieces, in case you are interested to them. I am more interested in lifestyle and people, but that's question of taste. Here you see some.
Market that stretches along Mekong coast, offers a lot of food cooked right on a street.
This toilet is fee based. No free trials and shareware versions available, just paid basis.
It's hard to believe, but he has a water pistol (the one, kids use) in hand. have no idea for what.
More food...
Most of restaurants along the Mekong river are like this
... and this
A girl washes dishes in afternoon in outskirts of Vientiane.
Houses sometimes are built with a motto: if it's stand still, already OK.
Laocat
Vehicles - Motorbike and MotoTaxi
This road stretches along Mekong river in Vientiane and are popular tourist route.
And this is a home of Karate Do federation of Laos. This is why I took picture from distance.
Taking a rest in afternoon... Are they from federation above?
Walking up to the Mekong river
Woman drives motorbike in side street in Vientiane... Did you asked about helmet? In Vientiane!?
Satellite dish vs temple. Both in fact are a way to communicate with a sky
They are safe to walk, even if does not look so. Tested by me.
Everyone tends to have a mobile phone, also this tax driver
Lessons in nearby school has just ended.
Is this one a "generation pepsi"? Or it was the one before? It's a puzzle for me always. I hope you enjoyed those - in case you have something to say - do so in comments, I would appreciate.
Nav neviena cilvēka tuvplānā, par skaistām meitenēm pat necerēt :)); Vai tad tā ir interese par, kā Tu raksti, cilvēkiem un dzīvesveidu?
Bet kopumā - PALDIES par apskatu!
Posted by: Ilmārs | February 26, 2009 at 07:27 PM