tiabunna's photos with the keyword: Vientiane

The gentleman commemorated by this statue in Vientiane, the Lao capital, is Setthathirath, who became King of several of the regions now forming Laos in the mid-1500s. He successfully fought off invasions from Burma and built many Buddhist structures. Behind his statue is the golden stupa, the Pha That Luang (see also clickable PiP). HFF, stay safe and best wishes for the weekend, everyone.

Also known as the Great Stupa, the gold-coloured Pha That Luang is the most important Buddhist stupa in Laos and a national symbol. Apparently dating in its earliest form from the 3rd century, it was built on its current site in Vientiane by King Setthathirath in 1566. Even so, as a consequence of wars it has had to be rebuilt a number of times. It appears the top spire is gold plated, the rest is done in gold paint.

I can think of no more appropriate image than this (also PiP) for the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on 6 August and, on 9 August, of Nagasaki. There are several World Peace Gongs around the world, this one is in Vientiane, Laos. Here's a musical link (which ties back to the film "On the Beach" , thanks to ipernity member MaggsMep for reminding me of it recently). HFF, stay safe everyone. Explored.

When I came to this site from F*r, I copied several albums across - but somehow never posted many of the images. Time to fill the gaps! Cross a Russian An24 with American Pratt & Whitney engines, build it in China, and the Xian MA60 is the result. I needn't have been apprehensive, flying in it felt much like any other commuter style airliner.