We read a saying somewhere over the last few days “ The French believed that the Vietnamese planted the rice, the Cambodians watched it grow and the Laotians listened to it grow”. (because the French couldn’t get the Laotians to work and it became a financial drain on the French coffers)….This about sums it up. The Lao are not especially eager to get things done, relaxed definitely and I bet they don’t have stress related diseases here! They sit and watch you a lot, with very little expression, no smiles, no interest – almost zoned out. … but this IS the home of “opium addicts”. I thought the people here would be a happier group of people (much like the Khmers), they are happy when approached but initially they appear detached. Perhaps the “Manyana” attitude really came from Laos….?
Opium is still a cash crop and quite a legitimate purchase. Not sure the Marxist govt looks upon it in that way now. I have developed many philosophies and theories about this approach to life now. Engagement can easily be stifled (politically), when there is no incentive.
The different tribal groups are very easy to determine, they all look totally different facially, not just in their style of clothing. The Vietnamese and Thai influence is also very noticeable. There is lots of Thai cooking – so if you cannot find a Lao meal to tempt you, there is always a Thai meal.
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