Vientiane

July 2
Vientiane, Laos

Turns out there are quite a few runners in Vientiane. More than I have seen in other parts of SE Asia. The path along the Mekong this morning was not only used by me but others found it a good place to exercise.

Decided we would set off earlier to see some sights and be back earlier to escape some of the heat. The streets of Vientiane seemed particularly quiet this morning. It is the quietest Asian capital I have ever visited, but especially low traffic this Sunday morning. Near our place is the Laos version of the Arc du Triumph. It was built in the 1950s to commemorate soldiers. It is now a popular gathering place.

Onward another 2 km to That Luang. Laos's most important religious building.

Ice cream was needed to make the walk back more bearable.

The afternoon was spent by the boys doing some reading and drawing and by me planning. I know where we will sleep for the next 7 nights. Yeah!!!! I will not miss all this planning when I get home.

Nate pulled out another tooth. That is number 7. The Laotian tooth fairy has been kept busy and may run out of kip if Nate stays too long.

Our anniversary today. Jack said he would choose a place for dinner. He went out in the afternoon scouting. His criteria was it needed to be someplace we could sit down. This was his choice. The owner was friendly and was trying to teach Luke some Lao words.

Last night Luke had a haircut. This was an in-depth process involving a 10 minute hair wash and head massage. Then the detailed, careful haircut, followed by another rinse of the hair. Lastly, the blow-dry and final cut. It was worth the wait. The last haircut was in Naracorte and the boys rated it the best by a pierced, tattoo covered barber. Luke thought the Laotian cut was the best ever.

Nate thought it looked so good that he signed up tonight. He was mostly in it for the head massage.

Off tomorrow to the airport for the flight to Phnom Penh. That city will not be as relaxed as this one.