Thailand - Udanthani

We drove for 8 hours from Chiang Mai to Udanthani, about 500 km - 4 people, snug in a new Honda Jazz, with luggage.
 

... dodging the elephants.

At Mahasarakham University the Dean of Law was very interested in working with BABSEA to set up a legal clinic.

Bruce and Don went on to give another presentation at nearby Rajabhat University. Wendy and I flew to Bangkok.

Thailand - Chiang Mai - Flower Festival

I borrowed Wendy's bike and rode around the city. It is very different to my last visit in 1984, but I remember this 13th century city wall and moat that protected Chiang Mai from the Monguls.

I was very lucky to co-incide with the Chiang Mai Flower Festival, the one day of the year. 3000 exotic orchids on display.

.... and food

for every taste...

except mine.

Nagas riding amazing 3 headed elephants! Made only of fresh flowers

... and a real Flower Queen.

Thailand - Chiang Mai - BABSEA CLE

In Chiang Mai I was hosted by Bruce and Wendy of  BABSEA CLE.  They train local and Western law students in Human Rights and Access to Justice issues.

Bridges Across Borders South East Asia - Clinical Legal Education -HQ. Recently they said good-bye to a bunch of interns from QUT.

BABSEA CLE’s role is to assist, support and to further strengthen CLE programs throughout Southeast Asia – one of the clinics is at the Chiang Mai University.

Laos - Vientiane

King Anouvong reigned from1805 to 1828. Famous for trying to liberate Laos from the Siamese Barbarians. He failed and the Thai ransacked Vientiane, took the king to Bangkok where they tortured him to death publically in a metal cage. 
This new statue is seen as a political statement against the Thai who still see this king as a minor historical rebel who opposed their civilising programs.

 I hired a bike to tour Vientiane and found Wat Sisaket. Built by King Anou around 1810, it was the only Wat to survive the Thai's sacking of the city in 1828.

Lining the portico are thousands of Buddha images.

Many were destroyed in the American War and looters who break off the head in a search for relics.

Beautifully golden, Prathaluang Pagoda, just outside Vientiane. The original stupa contained a rib  ('bussom bone') of the Buddha. Dating from 3rd century, it was rebuilt by King Xaisethathirath in 16th century. 
Note King Anou sitting forever on guard against the Barbarian Siamese.

More visuals from Ha Long Bay ... by request