Wow! We stepped off the plane from Vietnam into another world. First of all the airport was just a paved field with a small building. Second, no one wanted us to buy anything and the prices were fixed, not made up. The best part of getting into Luang Prabang in the north of Laos is the food is back on the street and cheap. We have been eating at the night market, pictured above, every night this week and love it. They have great sandwiches and vegetarian buffets. Plus fun coconut ball things in a bag. I am in heaven.
We went for a three day trip into the mountains and villages of Laos. It turned out to be a triathlon. The first day was mountain biking along a nice dirt road and river. Every person we passed said Sabidee (hello) and we said Sabidee back and waved. It was really fun and good exercise. That night we stayed in a village and played soccer with the local high school kids. The next morning we started hiking straight up a mountain with full packs. I thought the whole day would be like this and I would die. We backpack in the states, but we are out of shape travelling and we were going straight up. The funny part was the three local boys walking with us. They would go ahead and behind and run up and down. After four hours of serious trekking and lots of beautiful mountain views, we arrived at a very remote village. The kids were just getting out of school and I had brought some pencils and paper to give to them. It turned out to just be enough for one pencil per kid. So I felt bad, but at least tried to do something besides just take their picture. We played with the kids some and showed them pictures from Vietnam. Also Clemens made a bamboo didgeridoo and played it for them. That night we stayed at the chiefs house and for dinner we ate sticky rice with our hands by candle light. Very unique and local experience. The village had three different ethnic groups so I learned hello and thank you in three languages.
The next day we hiked another four hours back down to the river, warding off leeches, and then kayaked for three hours. Clemens and I dumped twice just ten minutes before the end. So we were wet, cold, exhausted, but very happy. Our trip was very special and worth all the effort. Laos is a unique place and I hope it doesn't get swallowed up by tourism. Of course I write that while typing away in an internet cafe.
I hope you are all well and eat a lot for Thanksgiving. We will probably have fried rice and spring rolls, but maybe find some coconut dessert in a bag. :)
