Vientiane Laos - the world's most relaxing capital city

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Various writings, pictures and videos related to Vientiane, Laos

First, a fearful setting based on the last 50 years history

Bombing of Laos, Animated

The organization Legacies of War shared this animated video on the impacts of U.S. bombing of Laos during the Vietnam War. I thought the filmmaker, Corey Sheldon, put together a very attractive and informative video, although the history is perhaps understandably simplified. Today, the remnants of unexploded bombs are still a problem in Laos, decades after the war has ended, so I think projects like this one are helpful in raising awareness, particularly in the United States.

http://vimeo.com/52300409 #Vimeo #laos #bombing #war #vietnam #america #cluster #bombs

Introduction to Laos in 2011

A excellent introduction to Laos as seen in 2011 is provided at

http://mikedinasia.wordpress.com/2011/05/17/the-most-relaxed-capital-city-in-the-world-vientiane-laos-3rd-6th-april-2011/

"Spent a very relaxed (what else?) few days in Vientiane, resting up before a long stint north to China. Am writing this a few weeks late, so a bit forgetful on exact details, but here goes…

First night I walked down to the riverfront and watched the sun set over the Mekong. Thailand is just over the river, reached by the aptly named Friendship bridge. (I’m told on the Thai side they’ve built an 8 lane highway to meet it. Laos has a dirt track). Went to a bar to watch some football, and made friends with a group of Brit travellers, finding out later on we’d all been on the same boat on the Mekong to Luang Prabang.

Next day had a lazy morning, taking full advantage of French colonial heritage and enjoying good coffee for the first time in ages. Even had proper croissants. (Pretty sure this is the only positive thing the French did here). Had to sort out a few bits and pieces before the trip to China, and had some fun trying to get hold of fairly basic things like maps in the shops here.

Walked up to the Vientiane version of the Arc d’Triomphe, built with concrete donated for building a runway. Its not that pretty (they even stuck a plaque up saying so), but you can climb up and see the city from the top.................." for more click here

The Laos Blog

by David West

Food

I rarely find anything that beats a good Indian curry, where I can get an excellent selection, starting from roti and massalla sauce from $2.50, huge vegetable samosas for $3 up to some glorious spicy dishes at $10. And three dishes between two is a blowout.

Or alternatively, a curious hangover from the days of French occupation is the baguette.

There are thousands eaten every day, and in the morning market and elsewhere for $1 you can get a half baguette for $1.25, stuffed with a choice of about seven vegetables and several meaty fishy things. That's also a full meal. (Yes I am vegetarian)

Social and Exercise

Vientiane Hash House Harriers

There are three friendly and hospitable Hash groups in Vientiane, with their own page at:

http://www.hashlaos.com/vh3s-monday-hash-map

and on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_119308788142908&ap=1

sites.google.com Webutation