Hey Reader!

This email lands in your inbox every Tuesday. It's all about travel insights, personal stories, and lessons from my adventures exploring over 90 countries thus far. Whether it inspires, entertains, or enlightens, let's celebrate the beauty and diversity of this amazing world we share, from a travel perspective! 🌍✨

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Still on Asia…

When I think about Laos, the first thing that comes to mind isn't a temple or a monument.

It's the people.

Lao People's Democratic Republic (or Lao PDR) lies largely between Thailand and Vietnam.

Vientiane is its wonderfully relaxed capital, where my sis and I spent our time wandering temples, exploring the city and soaking up its slower pace. Although English wasn't widely spoken, curious looks and shy smiles seemed to bridge the language gap remarkably well.

One of my special memories of Laos happened completely by chance.

As we were lounging on a bench after a day of touring, a local family walking past became curious. They quietly edged closer, clearly hoping to sneak us into one of their own pictures before we noticed. We caught them in the act, burst into laughter, and waved them over to join us properly instead.

It was an interesting experience, encountered in silence due to the language barrier, yet impactful for the warmth of the briefly shared moment.

The resulting photo is one of my favourites.

Looking at it today, no one would ever guess what we'd experienced earlier in the day.

With limited time in Vientiane, we visited the COPE Visitor Centre because it was one of the few attractions within easy reach. I was intrigued by the name in full [Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise] and wondered what sort of museum it was.

Instead, it became yet another impactful experience of my travels.

Until then, I knew very little about how deeply Laos was affected by the Vietnam War (1955-1975). Although it wasn't involved as an actor, millions of bombs were dropped across the country (due to its proximity) by the US during the conflict. Many failed to explode, leaving dangerous unexploded ordnance scattered across farms, villages and forests.

The museum doesn't dwell on politics.

It tells human stories.

Stories of farmers, Children, Parents, families and Communities rebuilding after unimaginable loss.

Walking through the prosthetics gallery was particularly emotional. Every artificial limb represented someone whose life had changed forever. The short films playing nearby brought those stories to life in a way statistics never could.

What also struck me was the resilience of the people.

Clearance teams continue to remove unexploded bombs, while Education programs have dramatically reduced accidents. Rehabilitation services particularly by COPE and many other support mechanisms, help survivors regain independence.

Progress is real.

Yet the work continues because unexploded ordnances are still discovered (over 50 years later), and accidents, though far fewer than before, still occur.

Before leaving, I wandered into the small gift shop. I rarely buy T-shirts when I travel, but I bought one that day.

Years later, it's still one of my favourites. Not because of the design (though I love that it’s a blue V-neck).

It's because every time I see it, I remember the extraordinary resilience of the Lao people, the kindness of the family who shared a warm moment with complete strangers, and the quiet strength of communities that continue rebuilding long after the world's attention has moved elsewhere.

Travel often gives us beautiful photographs.

Sometimes it gives us something even more valuable.

Perspective.

Have you ever brought home a souvenir that means far more than what you paid for it?

I'd love to hear the story behind yours.

Please hit reply and share, I read every email. 😊

Your Travel Coach,

Maria Kamau (aka Mkay)

Travel Enthusiast | Bodacious Adventurer |Travel Writer

I help women over 40 travel confidently, affordably and on their own terms, without relying on tour agents or on others to realise their dreams.

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