LAOS, LAND OF ELEPHANTS

 Tialee, my special Hmong friend in Laos, showing me his bow & arrows when his phone rang. We all belong to the same crazy world now.




 LAOS is by far my favourite country & when questioned why, l am unable to answer in simple words, or complex ones either.

 Laos is a landlocked country bordered by Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China & Myanmar (Burma).The capital is Vientiene, the smallest capital in Asia. Once part of the famous Golden Triangle along with Thailand & Burma, it was the greatest producer of opium n the world until Afghanistan recently acquired the infamous title. With a population of only 6 or 7 million, it is considered the last or least affected part of Asia.

 Because of its relatively small population compared with its closest neighbours,it feels less frantic & in your face. The people are more relaxed & the night market in Luang Prabang is the most polite & orderly market l have ever visited anywhere. Being mostly Buddhist, they are a gentle & hospitable people & they love to socialize with their favourite brew.

 Beer Laos is the best in SE Asia & its won awards to prove it. lts made from local rice & imported hops, it tastes clean & pure & it slides down perfectly with any meal or occasion. lt's so good, you could drink it for breakfast!

 l met a young South American guy who had been caught short of cash somewhere in Laos. He & his friend had to walk 30 km to an ATM. Along the way they were touched by the generousity of the locals who offered them food & a hut to sleep in. Half of the population of Laos live off $2 a day & yet they helped a couple of foolish Westerners on their way. He told me that it changed his life forever and by the way he told the story, l know he will be paying it forward for a long time.

 Many factors come into place when something is really good & so it is with Laos. There is no one thing that stands out & yet it is all outstanding. Geographically stunning with a breathtaking feel of space which is rare in most of Asia. There are no large gaudy road signs ruining the landscape & very little pollution of any kind .From the majestic cloudy mountains in the north to the lowlands of the south where the Mekong fans out, it's just luverly. l love lovely Laos. Everything about it. lts food, its culture, its scenery, its temples, its festivals, its rivers, its beer & especially its people.

 Their tourism catch phrase is 'Laos, simply beautiful.' That just about sums it up.

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