Vientiane is the capital of Laos and lies on the Mekong River. Just 600 feet across the river is Thailand.

Our Hotel

Very nice room.

Despite being primarily a Buddhist country, there were alot of Christmas lights and displays all over the city.

We were guests of a local family for a home hosted dinner.

We helped prepare a local dish called lapp.

It is made with either ground pork or chicken, garlic, lime juice, lots of mint, green onion and fish sauce. It was really delicious.

In addition, the wife had made all kinds of special Laotian dishes, including skewered chicken, green papaya salad, chicken in banana leaves, fresh stir fried veggies and of course, sticky rice.

Cal and Terri enjoyed our hosts baby.

Entrance to Wat Sisaket - the oldest monastery in Vientiene.

A shrine contains images of Buddha in various positions.

The standing Buddhas represent the day of the week on which you were born.

This is the Friday Buddha (the day Barbara was born). It is said to be compassionate, kind and a bit emotional.

This is the Monday Buddha (the day Fred was born). It represents compassion, patience and attention to detail.

The monastery dates back to 1818 and contains over 2000 Buddha statues in various sizes and positions.

Entrance to Phra That Luang.

Our Guide, Joe.

Ladies selling birds.

View of Phra That Luang and Reclining Buddha.

Reclining Buddha

Phra That Luang, a national symbol of Laos. It was built in the 16th century and supposedly contains the ashes of the last Buddha.

Patuxai or Victory Gate

It was patterned after the Arch d'Triumph in Paris. It was erected in 1960 to commemorate those killed in the wars before the Communist revolution.

We climbed to the top for views of the city.

The Laotian Flag

When people try to farm their lands, they often set off the bombs, causing severe injuries or death. COPE is an organization which offers help to those injured from stepping on unexploded ordinances.

They create prosthetic limbs for them.