By Marion BoydPhoto by Leslie

It is quite amazing the transformation that is taking place in Laos as they gradually recover from decades of war.  Art and craft work including a lot of silk weaving are huge boosts to family economics.  Two of our guides spoke of coming from families where their parents had to give them away as children since they couldn’t afford to feed them.  Thanks to Buddhist monasteries there was a decent place that would accept these children so they didn’t grow up on the streets.  The hill tribes are proud of their heritage (the child is wearing traditional costume) but they are also looking to a new and different future for their kids.