The That Dam Stupa in central Vientiane. An ancient, bell-shaped stupa believed to have once been protected by a 7-headed water serpent. Also conveniently works as a roundabout. (Vientiane, Lao)

Khao piak sen, a breakfast of champions and for those on a budget. Nice when the opportunity presented itself (i.e. no concrete pours at 7am) to stop and be a part of this waking city slowly evolving into its typical subdued state, a far difference from the chaotic nature of its surrounding capitals. (Vientiane, Lao)

Our ride to work. The Lao lookalike of Joe Sacco. (Vientiane, Lao)

Wat Ong Teu in central Vientiane, takes the title for the largest Buddha in Lao. Grounds with numerous temples that offer a partial and leafy sanctuary from the ongoing soundtrack of scooters. (Vientiane, Lao)

The groundskeeper of the skatepark grounds. Always a welcoming smile coupled with a suspect laugh. If only I could speak some Lao to share the joke. (Vientiane, Lao)

An early morning stroll of the back streets quickly turned into the edge of the city. The image manages to hide the colourful litter and the less than friendly barks of unwelcoming dogs. (Vientiane, Lao)

Daily commute on his customised bike. With Lao being the most heavily mined country in the war, clearly demonstrated through its ongoing impacts to the young and old. (Vientiane, Lao)

Early morning sausage sizzle with an array of local examples. (Vientiane, Lao)

A war monument to honour those that served that subtly resembles Paris's Arc de Triomphe. Funded with American dollars intended for an airport. A structure that through its form and carvings offers insight into the countries Buddhist beliefs OR as the informative plaque states 'from a closer distance it appears less impressive, like a monster of concrete'. (Vientiane, Lao)

With the setting sun setting the stage finished with the dust from the constantly stamped surface of this informal court the national sport is a mixture of volleyball and football. Volleyball because there is a net between the two competing teams that they have to volley the ball over and football because the players are not allowed using their hands. They make contact with the ball using their feet, chest, head and knees. A mix between traditional sports and gymnastics. (Vientiane, Lao)

Don't stare for too long... This Wat (and statues) specialises in the blessing of new cars. Evident on the day by the drive through nature of the car procession. Apparently the temple’s name comes from a young woman, Si Muang, who sacrificed herself over 400 years ago to appease angry spirits. She threw herself into a hole in the ground where the building’s central pillar was to be placed, and was crushed when the massive pillar was lowered into position (Vientiane, Lao)

A wat with no shortage of gold paint. Being away from the city center its offers a much more placid visit as you wander uninterrupted and aimlessly around its grounds and buildings. (Vientiane, Lao)