Apocalypse Later

INTO THE DEPTHS OF THE LAOTIAN MEKONG

This is Northern Laos, a mountainous, remote and hard to reach place. A land of few visitors, and even fewer roads. The mighty Mekong snakes its way through the deep-cut empty gorges, almost defining the term “remoteness”. All you can see are few remote enclaves populated by colorful hill tribes, few tiny fishing boats and a couple of water taxis commuting up and down the murky river. Is this the real heart of darkness?
It sure looks the part. You can almost hear US Army helicopters playing “Flight of the Valkyries”. Apocalypse? Perhaps later.

Continue reading “Apocalypse Later”

Fishing the river for Dolphins

SUNSET ON THE RIVER MEKONG

There is something very special about the grand Mekong River. The majestic tributary of Southeast Asia connects so many cultures and covers so much history it has become its own icon. Drawing the borders of Tibet, China, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam The Mekong is as Indochina as Lemongrass and Satay Sauce. One part of it, however, manages to be even more special. That part is Kratie, Cambodia. And that’s where I decided to visit to try and fish myself a Dolphin.

Continue reading “Fishing the river for Dolphins”