For the past couple weeks I've been operating under the understanding that I would be moving to Vientiane, the capital of Laos, at the beginning of September. While this isn't entirely false, the reality is that with my interests in public health it is more likely that I will be stationed in Xieng Khouang, a Lao province about one day by bus from the capital. Although this takes me out of the hustle and bustle of city life, I will be able to explore and live among the Plain of Jars.
As its name implies, the Plain of Jars consists of over 90 sites spread throughout the province, each with 1 to 400 jars ranging in diameter between 1 and 3 meters. The jars, which were first excavated in the 1930's are believed to have ritual burial significance and the discovery of human remains, burial goods and ceramics around the stone jars has supported this interpretation. Dating back to the Iron Age (500 BCE to 500 CE) the jars are composed of several different rock types including sandstone, granite, conglomerate, breccia and limestone, but their shape and size varies regionally. Several Lao legends surround the Jars including that of a race of giants, ruled by the ancient king Khun Cheung who built the jars and filled them with Lao rice wine to drink upon the victory of a long battle. Other people believe that the jars were constructed to hold monsoon rain water for caravan travelers throughout Eastern Eurasia.
Currently, the Lao government is in the process of applying for UNESCO World Heritage Site status for the Plain of Jars. First however, they must pass the safety requirements and clear UXO hazards from the area before it can be considered for official tourism. To date, 7 jar sites have been completely cleared, but that number is still too low to sustain the pressure of tourism in Laos.
Meanwhile, although I will not be living in the jars, this region will become the new landscape for my six month journey in Laos. The capital, Phonsavan, will likely become my new home and the "Wild Wild West" of Laos will be the starting point for my next adventure!
As its name implies, the Plain of Jars consists of over 90 sites spread throughout the province, each with 1 to 400 jars ranging in diameter between 1 and 3 meters. The jars, which were first excavated in the 1930's are believed to have ritual burial significance and the discovery of human remains, burial goods and ceramics around the stone jars has supported this interpretation. Dating back to the Iron Age (500 BCE to 500 CE) the jars are composed of several different rock types including sandstone, granite, conglomerate, breccia and limestone, but their shape and size varies regionally. Several Lao legends surround the Jars including that of a race of giants, ruled by the ancient king Khun Cheung who built the jars and filled them with Lao rice wine to drink upon the victory of a long battle. Other people believe that the jars were constructed to hold monsoon rain water for caravan travelers throughout Eastern Eurasia.
Currently, the Lao government is in the process of applying for UNESCO World Heritage Site status for the Plain of Jars. First however, they must pass the safety requirements and clear UXO hazards from the area before it can be considered for official tourism. To date, 7 jar sites have been completely cleared, but that number is still too low to sustain the pressure of tourism in Laos.
Meanwhile, although I will not be living in the jars, this region will become the new landscape for my six month journey in Laos. The capital, Phonsavan, will likely become my new home and the "Wild Wild West" of Laos will be the starting point for my next adventure!
