Tombs Of Time At Vat Nong Bone

Vat Nong Bone is a humble Buddhist temple complex compared to many of the Wats that dot Vientiane. What stands out at the place is the impressive array of little tomb markings. Lots of patina, personal touches and offerings. The gravitas of life is present.

A typical section of the small tombs, each unique.

A couple of family examples, worn to the point of unrecognizable and newer with portrait tile.

Sometimes all that is present are family offerings.

Two more tombs, framed in gold.

Another section, the usual hodgepodge of decoration, completion, maintenance. Heavy.

Shopping At The Talat Sao Morning Market

The main, local market in Vientiane, Laos, is not some open air, spread out flea market looking complex. Instead, it's a multistory behemoth that would look at home in any modern city.

The temple to shopping.

Inside, stall after stall over several floors, selling clothes, housewares, textiles, everything a local Lao might need.

"You want me to check to see if we have a specific pattern? Forget it, come in and see for yourself."

The bling is drained when the shops are closed. Open, bling spilling from shelves.

The big attraction seems to be the gold jewelry section. Take a number and wait for your big chain.