Plain of Jars: is a megalithic archaeological landscape in Laos. Scattered in the landscape of the Xieng Khouang plateau are thousands of these stone jars. They appear in clusters, ranging from a single or a few to several hundred jars at lower foothills surrounding the central plain and upland valleys. Initial research of the Plain of Jars claimed that the stone jars are associated with prehistoric burial practices. The Plain of Jars is dated to the Iron Age (500 BCE to 500 CE) and is one of the most fascinating and important sites for studying Southeast Asian prehistory.

We had to be very careful where we walked because of unexploded ordinance (bombies or cluster bombs). The Laotian government is considering applying for status as a UNESCO World Heritage site for the Plain of Jars. Clearing of the UXO hazards is one requirement before the sites can be studied and developed for tourism.  Matt and La are sitting under the tree in the distance.

 

Close up shot of stone jars. These were about three feet high.

Moving on from Plain of Jars - a few more random photos

Pit stops were usually at road side restaurants where the facilities are out back.  Squat toilet, barrel full of water with dipper in order to manually flush away waste and to clean yourself because toilet paper is not the norm, a mirror and basket where there's left over bar soap for washing hands. This bathroom is rated 10 out of 10 in my books. Many times it was a far more gritty scene and sometimes peeing in the bush was preferable. But then there's all that UXO lurking around.

A stunning waterfall near Luang Prabang. The Kwang Si Waterfalls are clear and cool mountain water.  We had a picnic lunch here and then cycled 25km back to Luang Prabang. 

The swimming hole at Kwang Si Waterfalls. It was delightfully cold water in the 30+ degrees heat of the day. Locals found the water rather chilly. I could have stayed in it all day and the one other person who was just hanging out in it was another Canadian from Port Hope, Ontario who lives in Kuala Lumpur!  Small world. 

A couple of guys washing their cocks.

Yes, folks, cock or rooster fighting is alive and well in Asia.  Here are a couple of fighting cocks who get daily baths by their owners. They went on to have a sparring match in the yard which was interesting but I could not see what the fuss is all about. I think the gambling that goes hand in hand with this activity is what really gets people excited. I saw these roosters all over Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and you know by the way there are caged that they are fighting cocks. 



Cute kid. 

Another Lao cutie with our guide Al who is from Bangkok.

I could have taken about five home with me - not the guides, the kids.

Lao really needs help with education, clean water, health care, etc. 

If you ever consider sponsoring a child in a developing country, 

Lao would be a good one to pick.