Laos
As soon as we arrived in Laos it became clear we were in a very different country to Thailand. The first thing we did was change 200 dollars at the border crossing to be given so much currency we couldn't fit it in our pockets.
From what we have seen here, two Indochina wars and a communist dictatorship have left the country with little infrastructure - hospitals and roads are in disrepair. But while museums still talk about the 'American imperialists' and villify the West, since Laos opened up for tourism several years ago the atmosphere is nothing but welcoming and even grateful to the only industry which seems to be helping the country get back on its feet.
Things move at a snail's pace here, and so have we, choosing not to stray off the tourist trail in favour of spending more time wandering around villages, languishing in beautiful waterfalls and floating down the river taking in the stunning views.
From what we have seen here, two Indochina wars and a communist dictatorship have left the country with little infrastructure - hospitals and roads are in disrepair. But while museums still talk about the 'American imperialists' and villify the West, since Laos opened up for tourism several years ago the atmosphere is nothing but welcoming and even grateful to the only industry which seems to be helping the country get back on its feet.
Things move at a snail's pace here, and so have we, choosing not to stray off the tourist trail in favour of spending more time wandering around villages, languishing in beautiful waterfalls and floating down the river taking in the stunning views.
posted by Carrie at
5/23/2005 09:33:00 AM
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