Plain of Jars

Kiawakuchum led us to Phoukoun, a short 50k away, and our departure point for Phonesavan and the Plain of Jars. In the interest of time and perhaps a bit of laziness we decided to stash our bikes in Phoukoun and hop a bus to Phonesavan, which conveniently arrived in town about 30 minutes after us and sent us on our way.

The Plain of Jars...was, well...plains full of Jars. 3,000 year old stone burial relics, scattered about the cratered fields of Phonesavan. I don't know if archaeologist are entirely sure why they were used, but the basic idea was bodies (or maybe it was ashes) were placed in the jars after they passed away, some with lids and some without. Not necessarily and exhilarating experience but definitely a unique sight, and well worth the side trip to Phonesavan.

The more depressing aspect of Phonesavan is the thousands of unexploded bombs dropped by the US during the Vietnam war that continue to wreak havoc in the area. Definitely a situation that leaves you feeling a little less than proud of the US.

Minus the bomb craters Phonesavan felt strangely familiar, rolling green hills dotted with clusters of pine trees. Expansive fields covered in a ceiling of gray misting clouds. On the otherside of the world in a largely tropical country, the landscape was oddly reminiscent of the Willamette Valley. The landscape was a beautiful amalgamation of familiar terrain in a foreign country.