We have just spent two wonderful days floating down the Mekong River. Our mid way overnight stop was a small town on the river which only got electricity two years ago and internet, two months ago. We arrived in Luang Prabang late afternoon the following day. This UNESCO Heritage City is certainly very charming and a welcome back to civilization. After a Laos BBQ at a local eatery it was a little after dark entertainment. Bad mistake. Should have gone to the hotel and to bed. Sometimes I never learn. How do you say karaoke in Laotian?
The following day and a harrowing ride (the guide never advised to take Gravol especially after a raucous previous evening) in a minivan; we went to see the beautiful waterfalls. True to their reputation they were absolutely lovely and a welcome sight to a battered body and bruised mind. Of course the invitation to go swimming was not to be ignored and true to form, I made my debut as Tarzan swinging from the tree tops. (See photo which Jennifer captured in a rare moment of photo genius) The water was invigorating and I started to feel like I was about to make a comeback. That evening was an invitation to a local family’s home and a traditional Laotian meal. The girls all seemed to really enjoy the meal. I enjoyed the experience, the food....not so much.
Today our Tarzan and Cheetah road show took us to visit the elephants and a visit of a rehab sanctionary for these giants who are no longer required for hard labour. The Japanese tractors took away their livelihood and this is how they still manage to sustain themselves. Off to another temple tonight and who knows, dinner probably down by the Mekong overlooking the boats ferrying rice and tourists back and forth.
Ian,
ReplyDeleteWOW ! Sounds great ! See my replies between “”.
RE: Small town on the river which only got electricity two years ago and internet, two months ago.
“Betcha they got high speed too and don’t hafta hang out in neighbor’s driveways bumming bandwidth”
RE: After a Laos BBQ at a local eatery it was a little after dark entertainment . Bad mistake.
“Stay away from the hors d’ouvres. You don’t know where those dogs and snakes have been!”
RE: battered body and bruised mind.
“Ahhh.. You mistakenly drank the blood of a condemned gay Buddhist monk at that BBQ, thinking it was a western type shooter. Good for you ! No need for Viagra nor Cilias from here on in. Let Jennifer in on good newz!”
Re: Today our Tarzan and Cheetah road show took us to visit the elephants
“Just warn Jennifer to keep an eye on those elephant trunks. Seems when they’re not used for hard labor, they don’t know what to do with them. LOL”
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