A Fine Balance

I've often thought of myself as having a fine sense of balance. That is until I came to Laos. Whether I'm on a river, in the street or trekking through the jungle, I'm constantly presented with examples of how I'm not as good as I once thought.
It seems that you are either endowed with a fine sense of balance in this country or you will not survive your first few years. Each and every day we see small families riding on tiny scooters. I do remember this from my trip to India - but it seems to be taken to a whole new level here. I've seen two children under 4 years riding behind their mother without using their hands or feet. People ride along in groups of four on individual scooters having four way conversations while holding (and sometimes texting) with their mobile in the other. Beyone that there are the mothers cradling infants at their chest while riding along at 60km with no helmet, using only one hand.
On the river the Laos people are graceful; jumping in and out of long narrow boats with ease. They punt the same boats using long bamboo poles while standing at the narrow prow. I imagine that I could do the same - but know I'm kidding myself.
Then there is the shameful experience of travelling through the jungle alongside a Laos guide who steps gingerly across a narrow bridge in his flip-flops while the Canadian has to scrounge around for a bamboo pole to use as an aid to struggle across the pumy gap.
I'll always think of Laos as a well balanced place.