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Published: February 20th 2015
Tuk-Tuk
Laos version of a taxi or mini-bus. Powered by a motorcycle.We are now in Luang Prabang, Laos which was the royal capital of Laos in ancient days. The entire town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which helps to preserve the history and feel of this quaint village. It is located on a peninsula between the Mekong & Khan rivers and is surrounded by mountain ranges. Flying in was beautiful and everywhere you look, equally lovely. It is cooler here with a wide range of temperature each day from 50's at night to 90's during the day. To preserve the heritage, no buses are allowed in the city so we take tuk-tuk rides everywhere where 6 people crawl into the back of a small truck bed, sit on side benches and is powered by a motor-cycle.
Our first day lunch overlooked the river and was so serene and beautiful. The town of 50,000 has 30 active temples and hundreds of architectural buildings. It is serene, quiet and a haven for tourists who want to relax and enjoy the local beauty. Our hotel is a former palace built with teak wood floors, balcony's, gorgeous gardens and is right on the river which we see from our balcony. A visit to the
Novices on way to monastery from school.
2nd boy from left has been a novice for 2 years. Boy on right is 12 and others up to 16 years old. Question: To you like it? Yes, we love it. Do you miss your family? yes royal temple Wat Xiang Thong (built in 1560) was followed by a visit to Phouusi Hill where part of our group climbed the 328 steps for a view that unfortunately, was overcast. Along with about half the group, we stayed downtown to shop in the local street market where vendors spread their wares out on the pavement to sell each evening from 5:30 - 10:00. Dinner was a wonderful Laotian meal.
Today, we took a cruise on the Mekong River with a stop at Pak Ou Cave known as the Temple of the Spirit. The cave-temple dates back to the 14th century. After climbing steep steps to the cave we discovered thousands of Buddha icons placed there over hundreds of years. The belief is that there are spirits in the cave that help to protect the area and is regularly visited by the locals. For example, people taking a journey on the Mekong river place a bag of flour on their boat for good luck and a safe journey. We also visited Bann Xang Kong, a village of 400 where we sampled rice whiskey. One was 50% proof and 15% proof, another. Diane & Ray purchased bottles of each
Learning
Saying blessings in temple -- wishes for good luck, prosperity, good health etc. to drink prior to dinner this evening. Another village visit included a silk factory that grows their own silk worms, processes the worms and silk threads all the way through the process to weaving. We also visited a paper making factory in the same village. Another fun day filled with many discoveries.
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Durelle Evans
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Ancient Kingdoms
Once again, you provide us with fascinating views and information on your travels! As a former teacher, I was particularly interested in the school and the ages of these children. Thanks so much for sharing. Know you are missed, Brenda, but so happy for your new residence being closer to family and good health for your travels.