Hello, sorry we have been off the radar for a few days (how many exactly? I have no idea, what day is it ??). We are now in the UNESCO world heritage site, Luang Prabang in northern Laos, littered with Temples, this stunning (and decidedly French-colonial) city is stunning. Nestled between the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers there is an abundance of fresh fish on which we are feasting (fish on a stick and fish steamed in Banana leaves with mint and coriander were particular favourites). We have been setting the alarm for 5,30am to try and give alms (food, not weapons) to the multitude of monks (31 temples housing 100's of monks clad in bright orange robes), we made the 1st day, but sadly plans were halted by a huge storm, we slept through this morning but are confident of success tomorrow before we depart on a 2-day boat journey up the Mekong. Hopefully the monks don't go hungry in the meantime...We spent yesterday lazing in cobalt blue waters under a waterfall deep in the jungle. It really was as blissful as it sounds, although if it makes you feel any better this was sandwiched between 1 hour tuk-tuk trips - mode of transport definitely not designed for the comfort of it's 7 passengers, especially if you are nearly double the height of the average local.
Other than that our time in Luang Prabang has been very relaxed, soaking in the atmosphere, chatting to our increasing circle of travel-buddies in the numerous cafes / bars around the 1.2km sq former capital city.
We came here from the decidely less-relaxed Vang Vieng, a mecca for 19 year-olds looking to pull and/or get wasted/high all day in bars or even tubing in the river (floating down on tractor inner tubes). Rich and I automaticaly assumed the roles of over-protective; can't-dance-at-weddings; can-i-tell you another bad-joke / reminices-about when-i-was-19 faux-parents, and hence found our own little niche amoungst the hedonism (Am i too old for this??). Luang Prabang is also an ideal spot if you had an overwhelming urge to watch EVERY episode of Friends ever produced on continuous loop in cafes. Is that really fun, even if you are stoned out of your mind? I am being overly critical, the place was gorgeous, and like most of Laos, punctuated by enourmous limestone, jungle-covered mountains with fantastic caves and sparkling lagoons (see photo) which we decided we would cycle to (an obvious choice at midday in the 43degree heat... English.... us??). Thankfully, given the steel frame and spare seat.... they had cut down the weight on the bike by rendering them devoid of gears, oil, and indeed air in the tyres had been kept to a minimum, but for the equivalent of 80p a day hire, you can't complain!
For variety from tomorrow we spend 2-days on a boat on the Mekong travelling towards the Thai border, assuming the Chinese decide to keep the water flowing out of their dams further up the Mekong. And then on to Chiang Mai (not spending any time in Bangkok).
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