Hey Guess what, Nadine is sick again. Unlike my previous cold in Australia where I lost my voice, this was of the more…digestive type.  Which ended up leaving me severely dehydrated and throughout this entire day I was light-headed and felt like passing out. But, I trucked on and hopefully you’ll forgive me for this somewhat lack luster video.

Vlog #7: Contiki Big Indochina Adventure: Vientiane, Laos

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Y7K3SqCMi4

Welcome to Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. This will unfortunately be only a quick glance at this city since we just briefly pass through, and I spent most of it lying in my hotel room bed.

Arc de Triomphe

The differences between Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Vientiane are astounding. It’s hard to believe this is all the same country; however, all three have a similar under running style of  French influence. Definitely not what I imagined when I thought about Laos.

Just look at this face, how could you ever tell I was sick ?

Little unknown fact, at this point I could barely stand up by myself. Electrolytes are your friends!

COPE

One of the more educational places we got to stop at was the COPE Rehabilitation Center.

COPE stands for Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise. Founded in 1997, COPE is a local organization that works with the National Rehabilitation Center (NRC), Lao Ministry of Health and five provincial rehabilitation centers in an innovative partnership developing rehabilitation services across Lao PDR.

Being a traveler I sometimes take things for granted. I complain about stupid mishaps and I sometimes forget how lucky I am to be traveling the world and doing the things I do. So, whenever we visit places like COPE it always comes as a harsh reminder of how cruel and unfair the world truly is. Therefore, I love to try and give back as much as I can, it’s the least I could do.

So, while I was there I ended up purchasing a leg. At only $75 it was a bargain! I know my leg is worth a lot more than that.

Interested in donating to COPE? Click here to purchasing a leg or even an arm for a victim of the unexploded bombs is Laos.