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Southeast Asia & Japan
  • Robert Dunbar
  • Orly Munzing
  • Robert Dunbar
  • Orly Munzing

Southeast Asia & Japan

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  • Southeast Asia & Japan
    Panorama shot of Luang Prabang

    Phousi Hill, Luang Prabang, Laos

    March 18, 2020 in Laos ⋅ ☀️ 90 °F

    360 Degree views of Luang Prabang, the Mekong river and the forested mountains
    Phousi Hill, also called Phousi Mountain is a small mountain in the center of Luang Prabang, located on the peninsula between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers.

    Phou Si, which means “sacred hill” is about 100 meters high. Although it is quite a climb to the top, it is worth the effort. From the top you will have great 360 degree views of Luang Prabang, the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers and the forested mountains.

    When the weather is clear you can see all the way up to the golden stupa of the Wat Phra Phome Phao Santi Chedi forest temple on the mountains East of Luang Prabang.

    On top of Phousi Hill is a narrow platform with a small Buddhist temple and a golden stupa. The hill is a popular place to watch the sunset; the narrow platform fills up quickly and gets pretty crowded.    Read more

  • Southeast Asia & Japan
    The king didn't miss many meals!
    The walkway to the Royal Museum. No pics allowed inside

    Laos: Luang Pragan Royal Palace

    March 19, 2020 in Laos ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    The Royal Place has traditional Lao and French beaux-arts styles, the former Royal Palace was built in 1904 and was home to King Sisavang Vong (1904–59), whose statue stands outside. Inside the palace where cameras are prohibited are tasteful, residential quarters, with rooms preserved as they were when the king's son (and successor) was captured by the Pathet Lao in 1975. A separate outbuilding displays the five-piece Royal Palace Car Collection, which included 2 Lincoln Continentals and a Ford Edsel!
    Luang Prabang was the old capital of Laos.    Read more

  • Southeast Asia & Japan
    Corn milling stonesHmong various dress wear. So colorful!

    Laos: Hmong Village

    March 20, 2020 in Laos ⋅ ☁️ 86 °F

    We had the great pleasure of visiting a Hmong village that consists of 400 people. They weave beautiful cotton and do intricate needle point that is so colorful. It was another highlight of the trip to learn more about their culture and see how resourceful and clever they are.

    The Hmong people are an ethnic group in East and Southeast Asia. They are a sub-group of the Miao people, and live mainly in Southern China, Vietnam and Laos. Many moved to California, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

    The Hmong religion is traditionally animist (animism is the belief in the spirit world and in the interconnectedness of all living things). At the center of Hmong culture is the Txiv Neeb, the shaman (literally, "father/master of spirits"). According to Hmong beliefs the human body is the host for a number of souls.

    Many Hmong fled Laos because they had sided with the United States during the Vietnam War in 1975.    Read more

  • Southeast Asia & Japan
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    Laos: Kuang Si Falls/Bear Rescue Center

    March 20, 2020 in Laos ⋅ ☁️ 88 °F

    The Magnificent Kuang Si Falls is “nature at its best”. It is a three-tiered waterfall about 18 mi south of Luang Prabang, and begin in shallow pools atop a steep hillside. These lead to the main fall with a drop of 200 ft.
    The gorgeous well maintained park is also a bear rescue center, where the Asian black bear have have plenty to be happy about since they were all rescued from poachers looking to harvest their parts. They are well cared for and have lots of space to roam around.
    The park is so tranquil, peaceful and relaxing. We ould have easily spent a few days taking in the park.    Read more

  • Southeast Asia & Japan
    Our guide Pon who made our Laos adventue FUN! We are on our own private long boat.
    Salute! Trying the local whiskey. Good!Whiskey still

    Laos: Mekong River Cruise

    March 21, 2020 in Laos ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F

    The Mekong River is the lifeline of Laos. This river originates in the Yunnan Province of China, travels south, forming the boundary between Laos and other countries such as Myanmar and Thailand. The path of the Mekong crosses Cambodia and then ends in southern Vietnam, forming the famous Mekong Delta. One of the most popular things to do in Laos is to take a slow long boat down a portion of the Mekong River. We had this amazing boat with a very clean bathroom, service of tea and coffee all to ourselves and our guide for 3.5 hours. We stopped at two villages. One that produces Whiskey and another that produces cotton. The 3.5 hour boat ride was certainly a highlight of Laos. We felt we were in Nirvana with such breathtaking sites.

    It was interesting that although the majority of the people are Buddhists, which technically does not condone alcohol, we encountered many villages lie this where they distilled whisky or brewed beer. There are also alcohol advertisements and billboards everywhere. I guess there must be a “for medicinal purposes” clause!    Read more

  • Southeast Asia & Japan

    Laos: Tham Ting & Tham Theung Caves

    March 21, 2020 in Laos ⋅ ☀️ 88 °F

    Tham Ting (lower cave) and the Tham Theung (upper cave) are caves overlooking the Mekong River. They are a group of two caves about two hours upstream from the centre of Luang Prabang. The boat ride was amazing.

    The caves are noted for their miniature Buddha sculptures. Hundreds of very small and mostly damaged wooden Buddhist figures are laid out over the wall shelves displayed in different positions, including meditation, teaching, peace, rain, and reclining (nirvana).    Read more

  • Southeast Asia & Japan
    Waiting in the Luang Prabang airport for our flight to Bangkok.
    View from the breakfast buffet seating areaThe dinner restaurant is in the other side of the pondNarita airport in Tokyo. Busy, no?

    An Early Goodbye to Southeast Asia/Japan

    March 21, 2020 in Laos ⋅ ☀️ 97 °F

    We have decided to cut our trip short due to the Corona Virus epidemic. Too many uncertainties, and each day brings more sad news. We feel we are traveling in a sinking ship. We are grateful and feel blessed for the privilege and amazing learning opportunity and a better understanding of the cultures of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. We love and feel comfortable and at home with the people we were fortunate to meet.
    We will return soon to finish our adventure in Japan, Cambodia and Vietnam.

    We stayed at the Maison Dalabua hotel in Luang Prabang. It was unbelievably beautiful with several buildings, each with several rooms, scattered about amongst ponds, walkways, and beautiful tropical plants.    Read more

  • Southeast Asia & Japan
    Seattle Airport is eerily EMTY!

    Seattle, Washington

    March 24, 2020 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 39 °F

    After 36 hours of travel from Luan Prabang, Laos to Tokyo Japan, we made it to Seattle very jet lagged and exhausted. We checked into a comfy hotel and isolated ourselves binging on movies and catching up on sleep for two days since our three attempted flights back home were cancelled due to lack of passengers. We finally got a flight today Tuesday, at 6:40am to Minneapolis and a connecting flight to Hartford.
    We isolated ourselves

    Upon arrival and departure from Seattle vacant airport, we were surprised that Covid-19 health stops for temperature readings were absent. In the Far East, temperature reading health spots are at entry and departure of airports, temples and any major tourist attractions.

    In Tokyo Narida airport, we had a 10 hour layover. Therefore, we wisely checked into an airport private, sparkling clean day room, with beds and shower, that allowed us to isolate ourselves, get some needed sleep, and leave refreshed for the remainder of our journey to Seattle.

    In Minneapolis, we boarded the plane, then had to wait for the airlines to find a replacement pilot because the original pilot was coming in on a flight that got cancelled. After waiting for an hour we took off and should land in Hartford shortly.

    We are picking up a rental car and will drive home to be greeted by a white snowy winter. After being in a very hot climate for the past month it will be a shocking adjustment!

    The trip was an incredible experience and we are planning to return soon to finish our adventure.    Read more

  • Trip end
    April 21, 2020
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