sabaidee! (hello!)

since we can't show ya'll our own photos (misplaced cord, of course), i found some nice ones on the web that other travellers have posted. just a few shots of buildings here in savannakhet and luang prahbang, rice paddies in luang namtha, and fairly typical rural houses. plus a map courtesy of the u.s. embassy, of our very dear laos, which we plan to leave tomorrow, for the much busier and wilder vietnam.

we've really fallen for laos. it's easy and friendly and there isn't much to do, something we like very much. the population is small - comparable to norway - and the people are so relaxed and willing to talk. just today a man gave us some chewy candy after we asked him for directions and the woman in the tourist office sat us down for a free on-the-spot lesson in lao. how nice is that? also, if you see it, you should treat yourself to a beerlao, the only beer made here and made pretty well.

much love!