Vientiane, the Capitol City of Laos with a population of about 800,000. The city is steeped in history and is the site of the countries most important monument first constructed in the third century Buddhist Stuppa That Luang. During the late 1700s Laos lost it's independence from an invasion from the Siamese army led by King Rama III. The city of Vientiane was all but burned to the ground. In 1893 Laos was conquered by the French. Vientiane was a prize to be had by imperial France due to it's strategic location along the mighty Mekong River.
France held onto their power until the Japanese took the city during World War II, but it was quickly retaken by allied forces including French Paratroopers. Soon more chaos ensued by the long fought civil war coinciding with the Vietnamese war also know in these parts as the American War.
As time went on, American troops occupied Vientiane for a short time. Cluster bombs are scattered throughout the countryside still to this day maiming innocent farmers who accidentally step on them and lose a limb or worse. In 1975 the communist party of the Pathet Lao took over Vientiane, renaming the country the Laos People Democratic Republic, ending a hard fought civil war.
Laos has a long challenging history, and today is one the poorest nations on the planet. With a deeply Buddhist culture it's poverty does not mean it's a dangerous place. The people are kind and gentle. They have a high morality and are hardworking. You can still see French influence on the streets today. Often in the form of Bang Mai, which is grilled pork in a baguette with different toppings. The country has now been open to visitation by foreigners for about 30 years, yet modernization has been a slow and cumbersome process.
Here are some real life photos I recently took from the streets of Vientiane.
Not To be Missed!
Special Monuments and Structures of the Capital City. Vientiane Laos! (11photos and descriptions)
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You have a talent for writing my friend! Really well done, I was in Laos a few months ago and it is by far my favorite place in southeast Asia! It's so laid back and the food is fantastic! Followed
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I just love how there are more bikes on the streets than cars :) The simple things in life that we take for granted .. shame on us!!!! Is that someone laying down in the back of that cab bus? I see feet sticking up - LOL!!! Fresh bread .. YUMMY!!!!! What is the water on the floor in that building, is that there for a reason? These are great pics .. how awesome that you got to experience this. Have a GREAT start to your week Friend!!! SUNSHINE247
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Thanks @sunshine247 It's just strange world we live in isn't it. I don't know about that water but something ain't right. Enjoy your week! -Dan
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You also Friend .. SUNSHINE247
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I like posting stolen shots like this too
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Please support your accusation with more evidence. Which images do you believe are stolen and from where?
My interactions with @world-travel-pro lead be to think he is genuinely in the places he says.
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I looked at here page. She is from Vietnam. I had the same reaction as your's then concluded it's a poor translation of the word candid, she's even following me now. Very poor choice of words but who knows. Thank you for having my back!
Sincerely,
Dan
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Thanks! A little knowledge goes a long way to help spot mistranslations. :) My apologies to her.
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@world-travel-pro , I'm so sorry...I admire your photos...they look amazing! If you think my choice of word was poor,then forgive me, because for me stolen shots means candid shots -or shots made of people that we don't know, and they didn't see us taking the photo. Don't worry I'm fine. @eturnex @fitinfun @kayderross I'm sorry guys. I did not mean anything bad... cheers and have a nice day!
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Thank you! That's what I thought. All good! Have a great day as well :)
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He is 100 percent where he says he is. For shame, your accusation.
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I looked at here page. She is from Vietnam. I had the same reaction as yours then concluded it's a poor translation of the word candid. Very poor choice of words but who knows. Thank you for having my back!
Sincerely,
Dan
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That's ridiculous and checking the @world-travel-pro feed will show you Dan is on the road in Laos.
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I'm pretty sure she doesn't know how to speak English right. She's Vietnamese and has been posting similar style photos. I could be wrong, but I feel that it's a poor English translation of what she wants to stay. She is even following me now. Her English is obviously not natural after looking over her page. But that still sucks to have that sitting there as a reply. Thanks for having my back!
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@world-travel-pro , I'm so sorry...I admire your photos...they look amazing! If you think my choice of word was poor,then forgive me, because for me stolen shots means candid shots -or shots made of people that we don't know, and they didn't see us taking the photo. Don't worry I'm fine. @eturnex @fitinfun @kayderross I'm sorry guys. I did not mean anything bad... cheers and have a nice day!
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Oh! I'm so glad to hear this! So sorry to misunderstand and glad you enjoy these photos too.
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Yes, absolutely this post can be used. Thank you for noticing me. I'll go and check out @ocd now. Thank you!
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I really enjoyed getting a sense of the street life through this photo series. What a surprise when I came to the fancy store! I don't expect to get back to Asia myself but I love absorbing details from your good wor.
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I'm so glad you enjoy them. Thank you!
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Excellent photos on this one. I wish I could get so close to people, I hope you are still having fun over there.
Thanks for upvoting my comment. hopefully I win big :)
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Thank you. Hope you win too!
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