Laos - Smiles and Relaxation

Laos is a pleasant country full of smiles and classic SE Asian rural scenery. Laos is still a very poor nation of rice fields and oxen, but the people are warm with laughter around each corner.

The Mekong and its flood waters are the heart of the country. As I flew in the entire country seemed to be under water with villages on tall posts connected by causeways. Children played in the flooded patties and oxen cool themselves in the mud while the people await planting as the revitalized soil is drained.

Luang Brabang, the focus of my visit is the wonderful ancient capital of Laos. The town in protected as a World Heritage City and despite many tourists has a lovely and relaxed atmosphere and great Laotian food. I will return to this lovely area in the future to ride bikes and travel down the Mekong...