Sabai Dee

We were back on the sight seeing trail today and after a late breakfast we prepared to do battle with the army of Tuk Tuk drivers eyeballing us from up the road.The battle lines were drawn and we were ready but we got the nicest Tuk Tuk driver ever and didn't even have to haggle over a price.In we hopped and for once whizzed along the streets of Vientiane towards our destination 4km outside the city.

Pha That Luang is the most important national monument in Laos and celebrates both Buddhism and the Monarchy.An initial site was here as early as 3BC but the temple that remains here was first started in 1566. It is believed to also be a site where part of Buddhas breastbone is kept. At the entrance is a monument to King Setthathirath wrapped in garlands which people visit.We paid our 500kip/25p and entered into the wat,it is the first one that I have been in that has grass around it.There are 4 sides to it that run 85 metres and have cloisters running the lengthof it with various Buddhist figures and statues.

The golden stupa reflected the sun and it was really nice to walk around,also outside you got the usual ladies selling sparrows in little baskets for releasing then they go and catch them again and sell to someone else!!!!!

We had agreed for the Tuk Tuk driver to wait for us while we visited the temple and we got back a bit early and he was fast asleep in the make shift hammock in the back of the Tuk Tuk!!!!

We got him to drop us back in town at the Lao National Museum(which was shut for lunch!!!!!)

It wasn't long before it opened and we had a good look around to learn something about Lao culture and the revolution. Tonight it is drinks by the river and then a meal at Sticky Fingers,it's run by Aussies and sells wine (so Mel is c*** a hoop!!!!)

Not sure on tomorrows plans but will be in touch

Lots of Love

M & M

xx