Vientiane: Day 1 (Part 4)

17 November 2016

Next destination is Patuxay. This building was built in 1957, and is the most prominent landmark in the city. It was inspired by the architecture of Arc de Triomphe in Paris, built in typical Lao motifs. We climbed about 284 steps (by my count) and enjoyed an excellent panoramic view of the city from the top of the monument.

I find Vientiane very clean, reasonably structured, and very slow paced. This was probably what Malaysia looked like 50 years ago. More importantly, I got the impression that the people here are contented and happy with what little they have. In my opinion, this is the best kind of happiness.

And then we were done for the day. Back to the hotel to check in and freshen up, and here I received devastating news (and photos) from back home. When Philip went to feed the girls, he found 3 dead pups around the garden, and 2 dead pups in the store room being carefully guarded by Geri. The newborn pups had been mauled, some with heads and stomach bitten off and missing. Of course I suspect Molly although there are 2 male stray dogs mooching around the house. I suspect Molly because I saw with my own eyes her vicious attack on Betty, an attack that was unprovoked and without rhyme or reason.

But here’s the saddest part. Philip dug a hole in the garden to bury the pups, but Geri wouldn’t let go of the 2 dead pups that she was guarding, she must’ve thought they were still alive. He had to lure her away with trickery, and then he locked her in the store room while he buried all 5 dead pups. Born only to die. And the Geri! The poor whistling, singing Geri! How she would’ve felt after being in labour and giving birth, there is no way she could’ve protected all her pups from murderous, evil intentions. I’m so upset that I wasn’t there to protect her. And now they’re all dead!

With a heavy heart we walked from the hotel towards the Mekong river to watch the sun set. I was contemplating the meaning of life, death and reincarnation. It seems so senseless for the pups to be born only to die, and to die such horrible deaths. They had their whole lives ahead of them. Why? This is a question I will never get the answer to.

After that we walked through the night market along the river, had dinner (pork rice and fried noodles and Beer Lao) and then back to the hotel to pack and sleep.