Vivid Vientiane

The Golden Stupa

      Arriving in Vientiane, we were surprised at the city we found. Keeping a strong French influence, there were numerous bakeries and cafes boasting delicious cuisine. Stopping at a restaurant, we had my favorite thing- fruit, museli and yogurt. Wandering around the city a bit, we decided to walk to the Myanmar embassy. Google maps walking directions was a bit off on this one, we ended up walking right into someone’s front yard, where a few yappy dogs bounded out and nibbled Becca’s Aladdin pants, making her very unhappy. We finally made it to the embassy, of course it was right by Singapore and Brunei. Opening the gate, we signed in and waited. The woman that came out was slightly pregnant and slightly unhappy with her job. She sent us down the street to get more photos taken because our passport photos weren’t “normal” enough. After filling out the forms to apply for a visa, requirements- height, eye color, complexion, we left and headed out to enjoy our day at Buddha park.

One of the statues at Buddha Park

     We took a small bus to the bus station, and then a mini-bus to the park. Crammed in a little bus, every bump became an earthquake. Holding on for dear life, children were tossed around as the door flung open and closed on its rusty hinges. Managing not to fall out the door, we wandered around this small, but packed park. Buddhas of all shapes and sizes seemed strewn about haphazardly, forming an interesting space. This “spirit city” of Hindu and Buddhist  After the bus ride back from the park, we walked around the city, stopping to take photos of the many temples.

    As we passed the main city area, we walked towards C.O.P.E.- the Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise. The children there are survivors of explosives, and they are given prosthetics in order to regain a normal way of life. We watched videos and heard stories about victims, not only children, that are unaware of the bombs locations. One woman was cooking in her house, and the heat from the fire set off a bomb underneath her. And small children collect pieces of shrapnel that they find to sell or use as toys. The public relations manager was very informative, and we left pleased that we had stopped by. Stopping by the Golden Stupa, the national stupa of Laos, we ended our time here.