Confession: I had no idea Laos existed until I my first trip here (after all, it's not exactly an international hub). For those of you in the same boat as I was, here are a few facts about this fascinating little country.

Lao People's Democratic Republic

• the people of Laos live in Lao, speak Lao, and are Lao

• Lao is a tonal language and uses non-Roman characters

• Laos is divided into 17 provinces

• the city of Luang Prabang is an UNESCO World Heritage site 

• Lao people drive on the right side of the road

• the best thing about Laos is the people
  (OK...technically an opinion. BUT it's an opinion held by everyone who's been here!)