My timing was a little off on this trip. The 2010 Laos Elephant Festival is being held from February 18th until the 20th. The first day there weren't many activities lined up involving elephants and I was scheduled to leave the next day for Vientiane for my volunteer seminar and home stay. However, there was a rehearsal for the opening ceremony so I did get to see some elephants. There were lots of other activities going on in the carnival-like atmosphere. My main goals were to see the countryside and visit my friend Shingo-so both of those goals were met-everything else was gravy.
Face to face with the majestic Asian elephant.
Looks like we're on the right track to finding the elephants.
Loatian demons.
Traditional Lao dance during the rehearsal.
More traditional dance with sashes.
I believe this is khao pou, a traditional rice vermicelli noodle soup with vegetables, beef, and fish balls in coconut soup.
At lunch near the Mekong (Shingo, Me, Mayuko).
Fireworks at night.
Outdoor cinema.
Full moon adds to the festivities.
Lao Beer's new competition, Namkhong-need more testing to decided which is better,
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