We flew from Cambodia to Laos yesterday afternoon. Luang Probang, Laos. A river town nestled between the Khan and the Mekong. The Mighty Mekong. The river touches six countries and is beautiful in width. Last night we stayed at a decent guesthouse but today we found a better one in our price-range and switched and we're very happy about it. It's probably the nicest place that we'll stay in during our trip. It has wooden ceilings, a legitimate shower, and a huge bed. All of the beds that we've stayed on are a good size, larger than our beds back home.
Anyway, Laos. Luang Probang is in north-central Laos and it used to be the capital. Our taxi driver from the airport said it used to be the capital in 1560, I don't know if that's true but that's what he said and he's a nice guy. 1560. That's over two-hundred years before the U.S. gained independence. Crazy to think huh? Luang Probang is truly a beautiful place, tucked between two rivers and surrounded by green hills, some might say small mountains. It's strange to see hills because Siem Reap was so flat. We like the hills and the green because this is what we've grown up with in the WA, but there is also a mystical quality to viewing hills in the distance is there not? It tempts us to imagine what is out there beyond our reach.
Luang Probang is known for its temples and its monks, who walk the streets dressed in orange robs and gather alms early in the morning. It sounds like a sacred ritual and we hope to view it at least once during the next few days. We also hope to ride an elephant and perhaps kayak and view the waterfalls that are on the outskirts of town. We got a massage today for just under five dollars for an hour. Neither of us have gotten a professional massage before, but we liked it very much and it may become a luxury of the trip. Our next stop is northern Thailand to a city named Change Mai. We plan to fly there and we hope to leave in a few days on the 15th.
We miss you all.
- J
