At least I put something out (more to follow)!

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We left the Gibbon reserve no worse for the wear and out on the paved road we parted company: them back to Huay Xai, and I on my way in a bus to a one night stopover - Luang Namtha (pronounced Nam-tah). I find that there is something about the actual process of 'traveling' - air travel excluded - which invigorates and revitalizes me. Passing the small villages, and being privileged to observe people as they live their lives - eating together as a group, harvesting rice and tending to their gardens, school children dressed in uniforms laughing as they walk home-and all this as a fly on the ceiling not impacting them.
The next evening in Luang Prabang I found a cheap room in a guesthouse away from the clamor and din of restaurants, bars, people walking up and down the streets, and the various forms of transportation such as bikes, tuk-tuks, motorcycles, cars-all vying for the very limited amount of space. Here, once again, I could observe the locals living their lives independent of many tourist encounters. Some of the my most memorable experiences are, in fact, the time I spend with a family and truly experience The town is up against the Mekong and I found a spot early one morning overlooking her which afforded views both up and down the river. There is an industry which provides marine transportation to various destinations on the Mekong. These craft are referred to as 'slow boats.' It takes several days to make the journey from Luang Namtha, for example, to Luang Prabang. It provides a very relaxing way to see the countryside and wildlife along side the river in relative silence.

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Photos

One hour massage-$5.00
Tippy toes to scalp

Joma coffee shop
This shop is in Luang Prabang and was full of tourists. My ham and cheese croissant were a testament to it.

Quite beautiful
The pic doesn't do it justice. Beautiful varnished teak and other tropical woods

Two more victims
Red's charm is unrivalled