Southeast Asia update

I thought I would add some photos and get us up to date on the trip. 

We arrived in Thailand on Jan. 7th. We explored the canal which also included a snake show.  Those of you who know how much I love snakes, I am sure you find this amusing. We then proceeded to shop for some clothes to take with us on our travels. After getting caught up on our sleep and bad Thai TV we headed for Lao.

We flew from Bangkok to Udon Thani where we met a couple from Minnesota. They were Laos refugees from the 80's. Bp is a Presbyterian minister and Som is a seamstress that makes wedding dresses. They took us with them and their family that picked them up at the hotel. They helped us get through immigration and on to Vientiane, the capitol of Laos. Som proceeded to tell us about the communist occupation in Laos. They escaped in the 80's to keep from being murdered. She told us how they swam across the Mekong river, where they ended up in a refugee camp in Thailand for 2 years. Her first born child was born in a jail cell with a midwife. After escaping, they did not see their family for 17 years.  I think sometimes we forget how lucky we are to live in the United States. We spent a few days in Vientiane and then took off for the backpackers paradise known as Vang Vieng. What a town! This is the town that is set on the banks of a beautiful river which is home to the frat party on inner tubes. I have added pictures so you will understand. We left Vang Vieng heading for Luang Prabang, on the white knuckle, gut wrenching, tummy tumbling minibus ride from hell. Luang Prabang is a stunning town. We spent a week checking out the locals and the markets. You know how I love a small town market. We met some amazing people and been able to help out some of the local children with school books.  Our time came to an end and we headed to the next country. Crazy Vietnam.