North Laos Fact Finding Trip

Is the movie Air America based on fact or fiction for Laos in the 60s-70s????  Not sure, but we decided to see what we could find in central Laos.  Were there really secret runways and bases and communist viets running south still?


We have found that aid has been provided to Laos from all over the world to help it develop.  Japan has donated money and asphalt to build solid roads in Laos.  While there are no 6 lane freeways, the roads are paved in the larger cities, but once off the beaten path, the only thing getting beaten is the neck from jolting and the tush from each bounce.  China appears to be donating as well, but from what we see, it looks like they are just buying the country...stay tuned.  The US also played a part.  As you can see below, Laos put to good use the concrete the US donated for a new airstrip.  Laos has the first vertical runway in the history of the world, known as the Patuaxi.  It has been noted that this runway looks eerily similar to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris yet we were assured the US donation was put to good use for the runway.

Here we found some guard puppies protecting this ancient stupa.  Very effective as we were charmed by the pups and walked no further.  

Vang Vieng...known for partiers.  Not far from the hidden American base, but many hidden caves surrounded by beautiful limestone cliffs.  We floated on a tube 500 meters under a mountain before turning back.  Several of the tunnels go upwards of 70kms in Laos.  Incredible!  We felt like we were exploring ancient lands underground.  

Our guide was most helpful, watching the spare tubes while we explored further under the mountains....

We also took a short hike through some farmland and took a beautiful kayak trip down the Nam Song river, but didn't stop this time to do the famous 'jumps'.  

It's amazing the good food they can whip up in small bamboo huts in the jungle.  Kudos to the chef!

We did not make it to the hidden base and thankfully didn't see any unexploaded ordinance laying around, although we know it's there.  Next time to Vientiane we plan to visit the COPE center where bomb victims are treated with prosthetics helping them get their lives back together.  

All in all, good trip through parts of north central Laos.  Now off for a little R&R in Thailand at the beach!

Well, it has been a crazy, hot and seriously fun first few days in Pakse, Laos.  Lots of rice patties farmland.

We have loved meeting the wonderful Lao and foreign staff working here at the ARDA language and music school. ARDA teaches English at all levels, our Lao staff also teach foreigners how to speak Lao (Mark and I will be enrolling soon) and there is also have a music school where students learn guitar, drums, piano and singing. The English school is growing and the music school is now starting to take off. 

Here is a photo of the ARDA crew!

We're staying with the head of the school, Biju and his wife Jyoti and daughter Assa (they are originally from India and have been here about four years). Tomorrow we head to the capital of Laos, Vientiane and then we go to Thailand to enjoy our honeymoon! When we return we'll be house sitting for an American couple, who are also lending us their motorbike! 

Pakse is right on the Mekong River- it is enormous! 

One of the biggest benefits... the fresh delicious fish! We've eaten a lot of the local food, my favourite was BBQ. We sat at a table with a big hot coal, open oven in the middle. You sit a grill plate on top and cook your meat and vegetables together. It's very social but Mark wasn't so sure why people pay to cook their own food! ha ha

We took a walk up a big hill just outside Pakse- not a bad view huh!

Below is our local market- we love all the fresh fruit!!! It's cheap and delicious!!!

 So this is Mark's new favourite supermarket- Mini Mark!!!!  It was until they tried to rip him off, so now it is his least favorite place.  

The street we are living on

Cheers!


Liz & Mark