Heart of the 'Golden Triangle'

Trip Start Feb 14, 2010
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Trip End Sep 15, 2011


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Flag of Lao Peoples Dem Rep  , Loungnamtha,
Wednesday, November 3, 2010

This was my last stop on the way north to the China border. Located in the northwest of Laos, the town is sandwiched between China and Mayanmar, often considered the heart of the opium trade 'Golden Triangle.'

The highlight of my stay here was renting a motor bike and riding the 2-hour mountainous journey to the lesser-traveled town of Muang Sing. Here I explored around and visited a few hill-tribe villages on my own for an authentic experience. The result was just that: I played marbles and gathered and ate fruit with the kids, and when asked for the most honest gift of a pen/pencil I happily obliged with every form of writing utencil I had in my bag. I wish I'd had 100 more to dish out. Although verbal communication was non-existent, my hand-gesture skills are well versed at this point. The priceless looks of curiosity, laughs of excitement, and smiles of encouragement - all combined for a very memorable visit to a world apart from mine. 



 
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