Yet another early 8 am bus ride. This time we are heading to the capital of Laos. This is also my last Laotion city. One more night of the worst food in the world. The scenery of todays bus ride was Very similar to back country Hawaii. It's all jungle and red dirt roads. Except, Lao roads are bumpy as all hell. Small shanty towns or road stop "stores" appear every once in a while. After this bus ride I will have spent 18 hours on a bus. It was on of the most bumpy rides I have ever been on. Roller coasters are smoother than the ride.
The one thing about Laos that wasn't apparent was street beggars. I didn't see a single street thingsr. I saw tons of stray dogs but no beggars. For one of the poorest countries in the world you would expect it. Laos only recently, in the last 15 years, started to allow tourists. Everyone drives motorcycles or tuk tuks. Cars were popularish in Louangphrabang but none in Prabang or Vang Vieng. Kids as young as 12 can drive a motorcycle. It's insanity.
Our first stop was to Joma Cafe. This had traditional American grilled cheese, turkey sandwiches, and milk. Neat little cafe right across from the President of Laos estate.
Driving through insane traffic we stopped at the COPE center. Cooperative Orthotics and Prosthetics Enterprise is a non profit organization that helps victims of bomb explosions, club foot, and traffic accidents where people have been maimed or limbs missing. Laos was the victim of 260 million bombs being dropped for 9 years as part of the Indo-China war or the secret war. Thats the equivalent of a bomb every 7 minutes for 9 years straight. Over 70 million bombs are unexploded today. Cluster bombs are the most common type but 15 different types of bombs and various versions of each bomb were dropped. For example, I learned about 8 different types of cluster bombs that they know were dropped on Laos. Children are risking their lives for 2000 kip for the scrap metal value from the unexploded Bombies. I tried walking with a modified prosthetic leg and it is incredibly uncomfortable and difficult. Its not something you want to have as part of daily life. The main reason why Laos is the most bombed country in the world is the fact that it borders Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Its lower border is the Ho Chi Min trail and the natural border between Thailand and itself in many points is the Mekong river. I donated a new leg and a new arm for two people plus all of their treatment and surgeries needed. If you feel like reading more about the center check it out at www.copelaos.org
From that hard hitting visit, we drove to the Arch de Triumph. It's similar to the Paris version but smaller - only 49 m tall. I climbed the 222 stairs to the top and looked at breath taking views of the entire city. Tacky souvenirs are all around the arch. It was unimpressive due to the emotional upheaval of COPE. I'm sure I will appreciate the photos once I am done this trip.
Another short drive and we arrived at the Golden Stupa. If you've ever seen photos of Laos then you would have seen the monument. It's a shiny gold building surrounded by temples which makes it quite reserved and a place of worship.
I went for a run down the Mekong river after all of the site seeing for the day. Thailand was at some points only 30 feet away from you. The sunset was stunning - the sun actually was red.
I'm glad this is my last Lao city. I'm really looking forward to Cambodia and Angkor Wat.
AFN
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