It has been nearly 13 years since I first visited Laos and Thailand. Our family reunion trip was planned since 2005 and I am so happy that my husband (being his first trip) and I were able to make it.
During the Vietnam War, my grandfather,was a 4 star General for the Royal Lao Army who worked for the Americans. When the communist took over in 1975, he was taken for ‘re-education’. He was gone for 12 years and never saw his children (my mother and aunts/uncles) or my grandmother, Bounsou during that time. All the sisters and brothers worked hard together to help their mother; took on parent-like-roles to their younger siblings, selling food at the markets, cleaning houses, etc.
By the time my grandfather came back, one brother and 8 sisters fled the country, some going to America, Canada, Australia and Thailand. Our grandparents had the opportunity to visit America from 1990 to 1991. Today for some sisters it is still hard to talk about how they escape. I am so grateful that all of them made it safe and sound and are in a better country.
The house my mother grew up may not be there in a few years as the city of Vientiane continues to develop forcing people out of their homes. This truly was the best trip of our lives and many more trips to follow in the years to come!
I highly recommend Thailand as an Asian destination to visit-so rich in culture and very budget-friendly!
 |
| Ruins in Ayutthaya |
 |
| Need protein? Add some bugs to your diet! |
 |
| Vang Vieng, Laos + Rice fields/worker |
 |
| That Luang, my ancestry built. |
 |
| Vientaine Morning Market- silks, food, etc. |
 |
| Hua Hin |
 |
| The Grand Palace |
 |
| More Ayutthaya ruins |
