Regions in Laos that were bombed are highlighted in red and yellow.
- Over 270 million cluster bombs were dropped on Laos during the Vietnam War (210 million more bombs than were dropped on Iraq in 1991, 1998 and 2006 combined); up to 80 million did not detonate.
- Nearly 40 years on, less than 1% of these munitions have been destroyed.More than half of all confirmed cluster munitions casualties in the world have occurred in Laos.
- Each year there continue to be over 100 new casualties in Laos. Close to 60% of the accidents result in death, and 40% of the victims are children.
- Between 1995 and 2013, the U.S. contributed on average $3.2M per year for UXO clearance in Laos; the U.S. spent $13.3M per day (in 2013 dollars) for nine years bombing Laos.
- The U.S. spent as much in three days bombing Laos ($51M, in 2010 dollars) than was spent for clean up over 16 years ($51M).
Thanks to http://legaciesofwar.org/about-laos/secret-war-laos/ for these
Yum Yum!
There are also brilliant night food markets, where you can spend 15,000 kip ($2) for a bowl that you fill up with at a vegetarian buffet. For another 15,000 kip you can get a piece of meat they will grill. Huge whole fish, quail, or half a chicken.
My favorite lao dish: Sticky rice with mango! My favorite drink: Cinnamon iced coffee and coconut ice-cream!
Wonderful Wats
early morning offerings
The actual alms giving was really lovely, less processional and more practical, the monks walked by very fast, and we had to scramble to place food in their pots. She told me how she does this every morning in Vientiane and was visiting to see her sister and the famous wats here.
At night…
Our musician – the instrument can imitate all sorts of sounds.
Waterfalls, bears and butterflies!
True to its name sake, Kuang Si is peaceful, and gorgeous despite the hoards of visitors. The calcium rich water taking on an aqua hue. We clambered to get to the top pools half way up steep falls. Swum in the cool water and it was heavenly. Monks tourists and locals all bathing together.
After the refreshing swim we wandered by a butterfly park. Created by a Dutch couple , they managed to create a beautiful set of gardens ideal for breeding and attracting butterflies. I had a natural fish spa, where the fish are free roaming in the water from Kuang Si falls, saw beautiful orchids, and some strange and foreign plants, like cacti, which have come from Laotian family gardens. An interesting note is there are no garden centres here, so if you like a plant you see in someone’s yard, you just go up and ask them how much for a cutting!
Caves and upriver on the Mekong
Up next is a big adventure where we trekked out to the world’s largest cave that crosses the Lao/Vietnam border.
Will Jade and Greg get to the right village and in one piece? Will they make it out alive? Or do they fall prey to the evil cave bats and get eaten by the river monster?!Find out in the next installment of Leaving Fingerprints!
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