At the moment we are back in Cambodia but here are a few pics from the road here...
We spent a few days in the capital of Laos- Vientiane. Vientiane is probably the least capital-like capital we have seen so far here. So peaceful, wide quiet streets, no consumerism, no hassles.
The most memorable place we visited there was Buddha Park near the Mekong river. Built by a priest-shaman Bunleua Sulilat who was trying to integrate Buddhism and Hinduism, this park was an amazing surrelistic compilation of gods of both religions as well as whacky image-dreams of demons, people, animals and angels. We roamed the park for a few hours, there was hardly a soul there and we took photos after photos of these interesting statues.
We went onwards to the very deep south of Laos- the amazing nature formation that is called 4000 islands. The delta of the river Mekong widens into literally thousands of small islets, bushes and trees springing out of the river.
For five days we stayed on one of the bigger islands- Don Det. We lived a real rural life. Sometimes there was no running water, sometimes no electricity, but the nights lying on the hammock listening to the incredibly loud cacophony of crickets and all other wild sounds we could not deciphre, talking- priceless.
It is very easy for pet-lovers in these countries. Most of the cats and dogs are living the life of freedom, roaming from restaurant to restaurant, hopefully getting all the affection and food that they need and giving plenty of good energy all around. This small female was one of our more loyal friends :).
For the day-time we rented bikes once again. There were no real roads, we had to navigate over rocks, mud, sand and in-between cows, chicken, ducks, children and water-buffaloes. It was a great exercise! :)
In case we have no time to do another blog before, then Merry Christmas and the most wonderful holiday season to everybody!
Posts
That Buddha park is quite something!! And now you're back in Cambodia again? Nice!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a fantastic Christmas!
Oh, and I came across this video about Siem Reap in my youtube favourites which I must have seen ages ago, but I'd completely forgotten... (and it was because of this that I saw that other video about classical Khmer music and hand yoga) So if you're ever in a nostalgic mood... it's a funny video.
http://roulette404.multiply.com/video/item/228
My thoughts are with you.
Much Metta & Merriness!
Cambodian New Year? I hope you have lots of fun and blessings for a Good 2010.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much okei, and all the best to you in this new year as well!
ReplyDeleteThai new year, it rocked! :)
Feel bad to have neglected the blog duties for a while, haven't done much though, have taken a little holiday from the holiday lol.
In India now, full speed ahead, to the adventures that only the incredible India can give one.
All the best, great blessings!
2010... hard to believe that!
ReplyDeleteYour only duty is to yourself. The blog doesn't matter of itself... it is another mirror, like the sun in the sea, ;^) and I'm only too happy to partake, and if you ever need encouragement, I'm ever happy to give it! :^)
Glad you had a cool new year party! And blessings on the great adventure that is.... life.