A Village on the Mekong River
Laos
Following a short and scenic Mekong River voyage in
this small craft, we went to visit a Laotian village.
Most village houses were built in this traditional style,
including stilts intended to be higher than expected Mekong
River flood levels.  There were also a few modern houses.
The villagers set up shops and stands hoping to make
money from the tourist trade.  Without being tipped
off, I would never have recognized these opium pipes
among the village inventory of goods for sale.
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 .