COPE Visitor Center

 

We were very moved by the continued after effects of the Vietnam War upon innocent civilians, primarily children, due to unexploded landmines. Every year 300 people are injured or killed by the landmines. The center provides artificial limbs and physical therapy for free.

To learn more about their work:

http://www.copelaos.org

 

Patuxai, Vientiane, Laos

Patuxai is Laos' version of the Arc de Triomphe that was built with US-purchased cement designated for a new airport.

The highly decorated ceiling inside the monument.

Scroll work from a window in the top of the monument.

Glimpses of Luang Prabang, Laos

We found Luang Prabang to be a pretty and exquisite French-influenced Lao community.

A frangapani tree in black and white.

Each wat or temple usually has a drum tower with a large drum that is used to announce the very early alms procession of Buddhist monks.

Life Along the River

From the porch of our bungalow overlooking the river, the morning mists gave it a mysterious, wonderful feeling.

Looking across the river in the early evening we could see the farmers tending to their crops.

Sukhothai Historical Park

In 1238 Sukhothai was established as the capital of Siam and the ancient city is one of Thailand's most impressive World Heritage Sites. The ruins are spread out so far that we rented bicycles and rode from site to site. We hadn't been on bikes for ages and once collided with one another. We had a great time.

 

Wat Mahathat

 

Wat Chang Lom

Wat Si Chum

Elephant Hospital & Thai Elephant Conservation Center

Elephants are still being injured by landmines from the Vietnam War.  Motala has lived at the Elephant Hospital for ten years. She received the first ever prosthetic leg for an elephant. Here she is before her leg was put on that morning.

 Motala wearing her newest prosthesis - February 2011 picture from their website

See more pictures of Motala:

http://animom.tripod.com/motala.html

This elephant had just receive an injection in its foot for an infection.

The Thai Elephant Conservation Center is minutes away but it seems a lifetime compared to what we saw: elephants painting, pulling logs and ringing bells.

 

This baby elephant grabbed tight onto Rhonda's arm and wouldn't let go. It must be a similar sensation if a boa constrictor is trying to make you its next meal.

Here a Wat, There a Wat, Everywhere a Wat, Wat

Wat Phra That Lampang Luang

Here is one of the many reclining Buddha's we have seen in Asia. 

Count the toes to your right in the foreground.

This beats the gasoline-belching buses in San Miguel!