I can see Thailand from my backyard!

As I am learning, in Laos nothing quite works the way that I am accustomed to it working. Welcome to life lived in a developing country. I so often find myself comparing Laos to Japan- the hot weather is just as brutal and there seem to be a similar number of squat toilets. However, there are many more differences, as I am quickly realizing. I have been sitting here for nearly 40 minutes trying to upload photos to this blog post. While internet in Vientiane is prevalent, it is also slow and spotty. I managed to upload these shots and I will try for some more later.


The Mekong River winds its way through Southeast Asia from Tibet down through Cambodia and, of course, directly through Laos. It is a source of food, transportation and power for the region and contributes to some of Vientiane's tourist "mystique." At Vientiane, it separates Laos from Thailand so one can literally Thailand from one's backyard (Sarah Palin reference, anyone?). We are just now entering rainy season so the river is low. The air is hazy (and hot and humid, as you would guess) so it lends a mysterious quality to the river.

Patuxai means Victory Gate and it is a looming monument in Vientiane center built in the 1960s and is quite reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Interestingly, tt is dedicated to those who lost their lives struggling for independence from the French. The surrounding park is a popular place for jogging and relaxing.