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Temple at Dan Sai
On top of hill, this was so calm. Small Chedi pictured. As i got closer i realised there was a meditating Monk inside
The last few days I have covered quite a few k's mostly following the rivers which form the border between Thailand and Laos. Initially a small river which then joins the Mekong. The scenery has been varied, despite the dominance from the Mekong river.
I've decided to tell the tale via pictures and a quick summary this time, please view on
Monday: rest day in Dan Sai. Hospital and Winery visit (in that order)
Tuesday: 106km to Tha Deeme (small village, found by chance and stayed in Homestay)
Wednesday: 35km to Chaing Khan
Thursday: 109km to Sang Khom. set off early (8am) had a wonderful 2 hours in the cool (<30C) and managed 70km before lunch
Friday; 90km to Nong Khai
Saturday; rest day
I haven't been taking much in the way of photos of Monks as i feel like this is a bit of an intrusion, but i the Buddahism I have encountered, evident in very village, town and stretch of road in between, has impressed me and left a mark so that photos are not needed. Temples and prayer sights are found everywhere and even when there appears to be no one around, someone praying or making an offering is soon to be seen. Some temples are pristine and splendid, other more ordinary but all have a sense of calm. I feel a bit out of place when looking around but they are more than happy for people to come and see, and when visiting with Thais i have been encouraged to take part; praying and banging gongs (i had a go at the latter which must be done 3 times). Quite an experience.
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March 31st 2008 - agnes:
thank you for sharing your impressions with us. the photos are great, so nice and it is fun to read your impressions, a nice way of following week by week in your great adventure. Thank you so much. great pleasure each time + your weekly phone calls, texts ... I am impressed by the 65 year old cyclist couple touring Thailand while their son is travelling the region. May be a thought for us, meeting you somewhere but where ?
April 2nd 2008 - agnes:
glad to hear your have met Frenchies and are practising your French. You won't be losing your fluency " on the road"...
I have just discovered the slide show icon on the top right hand side and we have been able to view your very good photos in big! Thanks a lot. They are amazing and give a good "flavour " of the country. It is good you have been staying at a homestay. Love Maman
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Chateau de Loei
The Cellar Door. A huge disappointment. They had one wine for tasting! A very small reward for the tuk-tuk journey. I bought a bottle becasue i felt sorry for them, but on reflection maybe it was beca... [more]
First cyclo tourists
A 65 year old couple from Holland I met. Touring around Thailand and Laos whilst their son also toured the region, also planning to go to Tibet. Mum, Dad, fancy doing the same on the next trip?
Village of The Deeme
Small, remote village. They did not seem many (any?) foriegners here. I followed a sign to campsite here. Only thing that could have been a campsite was the army camp.. I fortunately was pointed in t... [more]
Route planning on the Mekong
Or maybe just an excuse for a beer in perfect setting. The route afterall was just along the river!
fishing on the mekong
Many other activities were going on around, wood collecting, charcoal making, food collecting (wild nuts and fruit). The main flow of the river can be seen beyond
Islands in the Mekong
with a rise of 6-7m in the wet season (reduced from 10-13m due to dams in China) most of these would be submerged later.
2 Comments - Add Public Comment or Send Private Message
March 31st 2008 - agnes:
thank you for sharing your impressions with us. the photos are great, so nice and it is fun to read your impressions, a nice way of following week by week in your great adventure. Thank you so much. great pleasure each time + your weekly phone calls, texts ... I am impressed by the 65 year old cyclist couple touring Thailand while their son is travelling the region. May be a thought for us, meeting you somewhere but where ?
April 2nd 2008 - agnes:
glad to hear your have met Frenchies and are practising your French. You won't be losing your fluency " on the road"...
I have just discovered the slide show icon on the top right hand side and we have been able to view your very good photos in big! Thanks a lot. They are amazing and give a good "flavour " of the country. It is good you have been staying at a homestay. Love Maman
All Comments
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