Say What?? Travel Photo: Monument
In the middle of Vientiane (pronounced Wi-eng Chan), the capital of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (more commonly known as Laos), sits this bizarre monument:
That is Patuxay, a victory monument that was constructed in the 1960’s with cement that was supposedly intended for an airport (according to Lonely Planet). But it’s construction was interrupted by the Second Indochina War (more commonly known in the U.S. as the Vietnam War…have I mentioned lately that Laos is, per capita, the most bombed nation in the world?).
Perhaps the most memorable thing about Patuxay was not the monument itself or its decorative interior, but this sign that described it:
Of course, the best sentence here is, ” From a closer distance, it appears even less impressive, like a monster of concrete.”
I’m so glad the Lao government cares so much about their craftsmanship!
Oh and check out the gecko above the sign!