Had a lovely start to the day with some coffee, eggs, and bread. Then off to the countryside to see Xieng Khan, aka Buddha Park.
It’s a concrete sculpture garden 10 miles from town. Really just a tourist attraction, it’s one of the few things to do in Vientiane…so we went. It’s a pleasant way to spend an hour. Shady and still cool, we enjoyed wandering and taking pictures.
After a quick visit to the only Catholic Church in Vientiane, a falafel sandwich was lunch.
My new friend Tamara also likes just chatting and walking, so we did that. Stopping at temples, getting a cool drink here and there.
After a short sit-down, our last stop was the COPE visitor center.
http://copelaos.org/
It’s an organization devoted to helping victims of UXO (unexploded bombs). As part of the Vietnam War, the US bombed the crap out of Laos. Still to this day, millions of bombs lie active and dangerous. They continue to kill and maim Laotians every year. COPE helps them by de-mining land, making limbs, and providing medical care for all who need it.
The visitor center had some heartbreaking displays. I had tears in my eyes several times. The shit these folks go through is remarkable. To a man, the statements the patients make is “all I want is to farm again” or “my son can play soccer again”.
Kinda gives you some perspective on what your life has been like compared to others.
A lot to think about.
A lovely dinner of bun, and I was back to the hostel for an early evening in.
Tomorrow at 2 I fly to Thailand to await the arrival of February 10th and Crystal D. I’ll have the honor of accompanying her on her vacation, and she’ll help me bring a close to this amazing trip.
Come on, Thailand!!
Goodnight my friends
