The People's Democratic Republic of Laos is one of the poorest countries in South East Asia, and although signs of poverty are not much in evidence in the tourist haunts of Luang Prabang, you don't need to travel far afield to find ethnic minority hill tribes living in primitive conditions.
We were fascinated to step back in time and walk round this Hmong village, chatting to the residents and observing the rituals of their daily lives. Everyone was cheerful and happy, despite the lack of consumer comforts that we Westerners regard as essentials. We're all entitled to our own priorities, but I'll never understand how a satellite dish is more desirable than a flushing toilet, or how a motorbike has more appeal than indoor cooking facilities or a washing machine.
Bamboo and palm -walled thatched houses nestle in clearings in the jungle.
Water buffalo thrive here, always looking strong and healthy, and they taste much better than the local beef.
Washday with Mama at the communal water supply.
Buy a handwoven bracelet and you can take my photo.
Chillies drying in the sun.
Aaaah, how cute. Sadly, many such contented babies will die in early childhood from malaria, just for want of inexpensive medication that is beyond the reach of their families.
Back to Luang Prabang, where pavements aren't for walking on; they're for parking motorcycles.
Tradition meets progress - check out these Hmong babes on their brand new wheels.
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