Other Notable Highlights from Phonsavan

Our stay in Phonsavan, though short, we were able to meet new people while staying at Pukyo Guest house. fellow travelers, a wonderful guide, and our host David and his family. Guests had breakfast together in the large and accommodating dining room with a huge table, we got to sit and eat together family style. Allowing for conversations and the sharing of trip ideas...places to visit in the next city and country on your itinerary.  We highly recommend staying here.

One evening all the guest and a couple families from the neighborhood got to celebrate with David's family, the 2nd birthday of their daughter.

The night before, while walking in town after dinner, we ran into our guide who was hanging out with his friends, having a drink and playing music. He pulled us in to join them. They were playing western folk songs. They wanted Sherry and I to sing, so I joined them with some Bob Marley. We were having so much fun communicating through music for the most part as only our guide spoke English. They can sing the English words to the song but that's where it stops, they have no idea of the meaning of the words. The drum was a metal pan lid and a plastic bucket. I need to start listening to songs in another language so I can just sing along.

On our departure from Phonsavan, we were stunned by the size of the airport...tiny! I thought we were on a small Caribbean island if not for the length of the runway...long! There was one check-in counter with two terminals, an immigration office, two other offices and the departure lounge, which was quite comfortable.

The one eating area was on the outside where it was nice and breezy.  So breezy dust was blowing in your mouth and cups were blowing over!

While sitting in the airport, there was a very loud bang, like a gunshot, with bright red sparks coming from the area of the explosion. We started heading for the exit but stopped when we realized the explosion came from a fluorescent light fixture that also left the entire building without power, except for the equipment with battery backup. Whew, that was frightening! Made worst not knowing what was being said around you. Google translate does not have a dictionary for Laos, sad!

Vientiane, here we come!