Vientiane, Laos - October 31 - November 2

Vientiane, Laos

City scape in Vientiane, Laos

HI all!

Swimming during Visiting Hours?

So we had booked a hotel through the internet before leaving Luang Prabang. IT was the only budget hotel with a pool. During our long, hellish trip south on the bus, we kept promising a swim in the pool to the girls. We arrived after dark to an old French colonial style hotel with verandas around the second floor, large wood shutters and high ceilings. The rooms were a little old world and tired but generally clean. Paul wasn't crazy about the gecko we found in the unplugged fridge but it had clean sheets and a pool. When we headed out to the pool, we found tents all around and people chatting and visiting. I thought wedding. NO, funeral. The owner of the hotel had passed away that morning. Needless to say, we couldn't stay if we couldn't even use the pool... so we moved into town and found a lovely modern, cheaper hotel that even had internet... yah.

Festival That Luang in Vientiane

It is the holiday, That Luang right now. We went to check out the temple where most festivities take place. It was very noisy - kind of fair atmosphere. People come with gifts for Buddha and lots of candles. It was crazy with fair games, rides and a carnival really. Full of garbage and really crazy noise.

Pataouxai and hot girls wishing for a swim...

We headed off to the Patouxai, the Arc du Triomphe for Vientiane. It is also called the vertical airstrip because the US government gave the Laos government $ to build an airstrip during the Vietnam war and they build a monument. We climbed to the top and got a great view of Vientiane. The boulevards are very French, as is some of the architecture. The French bread and croissants are great too. We are enjoying this laid back capital even if there isn't much to do.

The holes in the street are dangerous. Apparently, the scrap metal sales make stealing man hole covers and sewer grates worth the risk which in turn means walking is a bit dicey... fun.

A view in traffic from the tuk tuk...

We have booked tickets to Hanoi and leave tomorrow... we will meet up with friends there. :) s