Daily at dawn, saffron clad monks pad barefoot through the streets while pious townsfolk place tiny balls of sticky rice in their begging bowls.  It’s a quiet meditative ceremony through which monks demonstrate their vows of poverty and humility while lay Buddhists gain spiritual merit by the act of respectful giving.

In line with our amazing good luck, a few hundred monks passed daily directly in front of our guesthouse, and these wonderful towns women were our neighbors.  We would greet each other as we passed,with hands prayerfully folded together near your adam’s apple, bow, and say sah-ba-dee . . .   Welcome.

Laos may become my most favorite country in the world.  Certainly, it is a top pick.