Travel Channel

I had the pleasure of visiting Laos in 2003 (Vientiene, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and Huay Xai). It has affected me deeply and changed my views in many ways.

I am so grateful that a popular show like No Reservations has gone there and shown what an endearing place it is to a wide audience.

Although I also fear more media exposure will start to spoil Laos, it is truly a unique and beautiful country and visiting there will be a life-changing experience. Americans need to be more aware of what this country did to Laos, and for no good reason.

Bourdain mentioned in the show that he wasn't himself. I can relate to that. It's somber, seeing how the people there have been affected by what we did. And seeing that they are still gracious, forgiving, and welcoming literally brought me to tears.

I'm glad Tony went to Whiskey Village. I also got to visit there. But it's a shame he didn't go to Kuang Si falls, one of the most spectacular sites just outside of Luang Prabang.