Today is Tet, the Lunar New Year, celebrated by the Chinese and Vietnamese mostly. Here in beautiful Laos, Tet is not really a big deal. Their New Year's - called Pi Mai - occurs in mid-April. But back in Vietnam, where we just came from, they will be doing it up big , adorning their kumquat trees with red and gold decorations.Luang Prabang, a small city of only 26,000 people here in Laos, has been a breath of fresh air for us these last 5 days. There is no traffic to speak of, no horns honking, no street vendors hassling you to buy something, and best of all, great cups of coffee. The Lao coffee is so potent you can add up to 4 ounces of fresh, cold milk and it won't even change colour. So strong, so good :)
Peaceful street in Luang Prabang:
Luang Prabang was once the capital, home to the royal monarchy before the capital moved to Vientiane. Because of this, there is a stunning palace/museum to visit as well as many well-preserved temples. The town itself is set at the junction of two rivers, the Mekong and the Nam Khan rivers, and mountains circle all around it. There are waterfalls nearby, scenic caves, and plenty of opportunities to go for a trek, elephant ride or boat ride on the Mekong. You can also observe the expert weavers at work with the beautiful Lao silk and cotton fabrics. We've done it all this week. Here are some photos . . .Tat Kuang Si waterfalls:
Lots of daring young people (including Mitchell but no other Elborns) took a leap into the falls from the rope swing:
Surprisingly - maybe thanks to the Lao coffee - we even managed to get up at 5:30am to witness the procession of Buddhist monks who stroll down the main streets at 6:00am collecting alms. For Lao Buddhists, they believe that performing acts such as feeding their monks and donating money to the temples will earn them merit that will pay off in a future life. I look like death warmed over as I'm not really a morning person. Good thing I had Darlene's Jacket to keep the early morning chill off me:
We purchased a basket of sticky rice and some bananas to give the monks:
We didn't realize there would be close to 400 monks and ran out of food before they all came by:
On our way to do an elephant trek:
We had a good time but then were saddened to see the elephants are kept in chains after their work with us tourists:
Climbing up the 358 steps of Phu Si hill for a great view of Luang Prabang at sunset:
View including Mekong River:
Diverse night market with great selection of silk scarves, H'mong blankets, silver jewellry, bamboo lamps, and the usual T-shirts:
Guesthouses abound - attractive architecture and vegetation:
Fruit shakes are popular and probably a healthier alternative to the high-octane coffee I've been enjoying:
Colourful tuk-tuks have been our transportation:
