| The Great Stupa of Laos |
| Vientiane |
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| The Great Sacred Stupa was my introduction to Laos. It's the definite highlight of Vientiane, the capital. Built by a Laotian King in the 16th century, the Great Stupa is both a national symbol of Laos, and a religious symbol of Laotian Buddhism. The Great Stupa shines near sunset. |
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| Here you can see a portion of the dark wall which surrounds the Great Stupa, interfering with wide angle photos. Like all such stupas, it is geometrical. |
| Another glittering angle from inside the compound, just before being kicked out at closing time. |
| Every young man in Laos is expected to spend some period of time, which can be short, as a Buddhist monk. So there were more monks to photograph in Laos than anywhere else on this trip. Not what I expected, considering that Laos still has a Communist government. But unlike the situation in Vietnam, the Laotian Communist regime appears to have made peace with the Buddhists. |
| If you have a high speed internet connection, watch the Intrepid Berkeley Explorer's free streaming video of this trip, "Ho Asked Me to Go", by clicking on AdventurePics.com . |
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