Lao Rock Star

Happy New Year everyone! I sincerely hope that everyone had a great time ringing in the new year. We did so at the most amazing Beer Lao Sound Tent in downtown Vientiane and had a complete blast. We started out the evening getting picked up at out hotel by Lenny (whom we met in Vang Vieng and currently resides in Vientiane). We walked to his friends apartment and spent the evening drinking beer and sharing a take away Indian feast from Jamir's (who lives and runs a restaurant across the street from the apartment). Excellent food and conversation with a bunch of volunteers living in Laos. Such a sweet life, helping others and living on the Australian government dime. After dinner we walked to the most amazing new year party at the temporarily Beer Lao tent set up downtown. Tons of locals were out slamming back Beer Lao and enjoying local rock stars. Incredible! They were all so happy and belting out the lyrics. Impressive really, the Lao people drink quite a bit but never does that smile drop or the happiness fade. There's a certain innocence to the people that I admire.  I had fun photo bombing one group of teenagers who realized with delight that I was in their photo and proceeded to pose with us. After the count down and more singing we proceeded by tuk tuk to a local watering hole and enjoyed more festivities. Had to walk home because it was also apparent that all of the tuk tuk drivers had either gone to sleep or partaken in the festivities as well lol.  Awesome night!

We went and visited COPE (Center of Medical Rehabilitation) instead of the Beer Lao factory tje other day. After having heard of it we simply had to check it out. An amazing exhibit on cluster bombs in Laos and COPE services for bombs survivors, it certainly opened our eyes. I am even more impressed by the contant state of happiness we encounter here. COPE helps those that have been and still are affected by the 'secret war' where the USA conducted more the 580, 000 bombing missions on the country of Laos from 1964 to 1973.  They remain the most heavily bombed country in the world per capita.  Approximately 80 million unexploded bombies (small bombs that are dropped in one big canister) remained in the country after the war.  Their main focus is the making of prosthetics for those that have lost limbs, removal of active bombies still in the country and educating the local farmers and children on the dangers of collecting scrap metal from the bombs.  Amazing to see and learn, a really well set up organization. Check it out www.copelaos.org

Today we are psyching ourselves up for a 22 hour bus ride back to Vietnam. Got some snacks at the mini mart and said good bye to our new friends. Looking forward to Vietnamese food again, mmm!

By the way, Jacob you were right,  they really are obsessed with Angry Birds here, super funny.