Hello Vientiane, Laos

Vientiane is the sleepy capital of Laos, a smallish city with a rich patina of history and a sprinkling of modern amenities sprouting. Let's take a look around.

One of the impressive icons of the city is the mighty gold Buddhist stupa pyramid, Pha That Luang. Bling, bling.

Mighty Patuxay, Victory Monument. A little ode to French influence by way of diverted USA war funds. Mysterious That Dam stupa.

Sleepy town with lots of reclining Buddhas. Golden.

The modern world is arriving. Soon, stay at the fancy Hilton, slurp at the fancy Starbucks.

Ruling class. A big statue of King Anouvong looms over the Mekong river.

The Tashkent Aviation Worker's Palace

The Soviets liked to divide up neighborhoods by vocation and give the people what they want. Or at least build them what they need. In the area of Tashkent that used to be a hub for aircraft building, the government. built the area residents a nice community hall. The place could hold classes, social events, arts performances, rousing political meetings. Comrade, get together and rejoice!

After the fall of the Soviet Union, so went the fall of the Aviation Palace. The place is kind of closed, falling into disrepair.

Nice tile mosaic, nice ceiling woodwork. One of the lobby floors.

The main performance auditorium.

Another floor, another lobby area. Bringing the glass bling.

The caretaker.