LAOS ~ Kingdom of a Million Elephants. This is Michael's first trip to Laos & my 3rd. Laos has clean air , dry weather & friendly quaint people. We were meeting up with my parents there & were welcomed by my mom's family with open arms. I don't know what it is about going back to your roots...everytime I go back...seeing my other side of the family, I get emotional. I was able to catch up with my cousin from Japan who was home for her dad's funeral. Since Michael was only staying a week & half we only had time to explore Vientiane; Next time around we'll be heading north to Vang Vieng & Luang Prabang. We saw alot of foreigners there for Boun That Luang, the biggest new year festival. We explored That Luang during the day but opted not to attend the nighttime festivities---too crowded, people getting drunk @ night & the fatalities along the road persuaded us to just head home. Michael celebrated his 36th bday w/ his extended family. He was more adventurest & more Laotian than me...did his morning workout (running) around the village , catching fish in our family farm pond (not my cup of tea to say the least), trying out local delicacies & loving it! the weather was dry & cool so was great for exploring the city. We toured Wat Sisaket,
Wat That Luang (was kinda put off since I couldn't go into the inner temple; I wasn't dressed properly for a Laotian woman, as in wearing sine(sarong-style), and of course the Xieng Khuan Buddha Park...tons of buddha statues donated by the locals. And just down the street from Wat That Luang is the Royal temple turned museum Haw Pha Kaew. If this trip has taught us anything it is that it help Michael learn Laotian language faster than learning from me. I've been told I am not a good teacher but I think it is because I don't have a good student hahaha. And to top that off, we got a surprised visit from my cousin Law who just arrived & came straight from the airport on his way south...he had a family business he needed to attend to in Champasack. Since Michael had really enjoyed himself there we will try to make another trip back. The best part of the trip came as a wonderful surprise...I was able to witness a new addition to the growing Inthavong Clan & a wonderful celebration of two lives joined into ONE. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
Wat That Luang (was kinda put off since I couldn't go into the inner temple; I wasn't dressed properly for a Laotian woman, as in wearing sine(sarong-style), and of course the Xieng Khuan Buddha Park...tons of buddha statues donated by the locals. And just down the street from Wat That Luang is the Royal temple turned museum Haw Pha Kaew. If this trip has taught us anything it is that it help Michael learn Laotian language faster than learning from me. I've been told I am not a good teacher but I think it is because I don't have a good student hahaha. And to top that off, we got a surprised visit from my cousin Law who just arrived & came straight from the airport on his way south...he had a family business he needed to attend to in Champasack. Since Michael had really enjoyed himself there we will try to make another trip back. The best part of the trip came as a wonderful surprise...I was able to witness a new addition to the growing Inthavong Clan & a wonderful celebration of two lives joined into ONE. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. 
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