Plain of Jars

One of my must see destinations before I leave this earth just got crossed out.  I have seen so many pictures and heard so many stories from people – But I finally got a chance to see it myself.  Supposedly, there are three main Plain of Jars sites and the most accessible is site one shown below.  The other two sites aren’t as accessible because of road conditions and long hilly trails of hiking to the site itself.  So, I’ll pass on those two sites :-).

This site was heavily bombed during the Vietnam War – I am amazed that a lot of those jars survived the war.  The bomb craters are scatter throughout this site.  After 30+ years, the sizes and depth of those craters remained unbelievable large.

A short trail leading to the site.

The tallest jar on this site, it stand approximately 6 feet and 3 inches.

We picked the hottest day to be out touring the site.

She have to update her Facebook page... even from the middle of no where.

Typical size of bomb crater... The sign reads.. "Kome Bomb... bomb craters during war in 1964-1973.

On the background of this picture is a cave. It was used for shelter during the bombing, So many people died inside that cave according to the local. I walked in the cave but didn't stay very long.

 

Xieng Khouang, Laos

I finally made it to Xieng Khouang after all these years I visited Laos.  I am so glad I included Xieng Khouang as one of my destination on this trip.  We decided to fly up Xieng Khouang instead of driving, I’ll take my chance on air versus those windy mountain roads.  Even though it seems to be a bit expensive for 45 minutes flight.  It costs us about 1.5 million kips ($180) each for round-trip tickets.  The price was little high due to the changes departure location – we flew back to Vientiane from Luangprabang instead of Xieng Khouang.

This trip would be difficult if I try to do it alone.  It is nice to have a friend that knows the streets around town and have a nice place to stay – especially when it is free of charge :-).  I actually stayed at the Mulberries Farm just the edge of the town.  Check out their website http://www.mulberries.org/.

Yep!! That is it folks... That is Xieng Khouang Airport.

The Melberries Farm

shop

Workers clearing the weeds..

Hours of labor before finish products

Love the foggy morning.. That is the farm house I stay during my visit.

pine trees

The view from the top floor of farm house.. Across all those rolling hills is the Airport... So peaceful and quite there... awesome place to relax and ponder about life.

We sat out there chit chat til the darkness falls... I miss that town... I miss that one person also 🙂

Stay tune for more pictures from Plain of Jars.

Sok Dee Pee Mai (Happy Lao New Year)

Sok Dee Pee Mai as all laotians throughout the world say to each other.  I wish all my friends, families and readers a happy and healthy new year.  There are several new year celebrations throughout the Northern California, but the weather might spoiled the parties.  I hope to attend at least one of the festival, so stay tune for pictures.

Bane Lard Kuay, Vientiane

Most of my friends from Vientiane have no idea where Bane Lard Kuay located or some never heard of it at all.  It is about 18 Km Northeast of town center.  This is where my cousin and his wife relocated to – they both retired early and decided they had enough of U.S.  Sold the house and most of their belongings to start a new life in Laos about 3 years ago.  They are both fortunate to inherited some nice chunk of land along Nam Ngeum River.  But, they did a lot of clearing the woods and earth moving before the house can be built.

Personally, I don’t think I can live out there.  It is kind of far from the city and it is middle of no where.  Their neighbors are probably 1/2 miles away.  The back side of property sits along Ngam Ngeume River, its the most peaceful view to ponder about life.

It is still early for dokchampa season. This picture was taken back in middle of February. It is probably full bloom right now cause it is close to Lao New Year. This champa tree is right on the edge of river bank.

up close..

It is not fully ripe yet.. I didn't get to taste it

Mark Kang..

They raises livestock on other side of property...I lost counts of how many type of animals are in this barn.

This dog likes to watch the fishermen from edge of river bank.

Life can't get any better than this...