Guys, as you now know im sooo far behind on this damn blog. it's all been hand written in my diary but it appears that Laos didnt get much a mention in that either. Absolutely shameful considring it was by far the best country i visited on my trip. Im hoping my pictures will show you how beautiful it was but other than that, take the lack of time to write in my diary as an indication of just how preoccupied i was my whole time there. It was a welcome releif from the hustle and bustle of Vietnam, the people were so welcoming and friendly and it was very very quaint. Here's an overview of my time in Laos:
- Day 21 Vientiene- was the capital of Laos in 1563 before it moved to Luang Prabang. Amazing place with old vintage cars and little pollution. A very chilled out vibe, with French bakeries dotted all over the place where we sipped many a coffee and ate lovely pastries for breakfast. Enjoyed a lovely massage and indulged in a great glass of Chilean wine in a fantastic wine bar called Jazzy Brick- you must go if you're ever there. Overall, fantastically charming and peaceful place.\
-Day 22- after noon bus to Viang Vieng, home to the famous "tubing"activities that all gap year, hedonistic travellers, engage in when in this part of the world. entails spending a whole day in a rubber ring (huge!) and floating down the main river that runs through the town. Often see crazy drunks flying across the river on rope swings too and are offered shots of drink all the way down. We kindly rejected the multitude of offers and got to the end in one piece. A fun day but a shame to see how a natural beauty had been ruined by idiots.
Day 24- 9am left for Luang Prabang. Another stunning city. Spent the evening exploring the night market and buying souvenirs and silyl T-shirts. had a nice dinner at Laos Garden- a very good restaruant.
Day 25- Luang Prabang, climbed Mount Phousi (pronounced mount pussy- haha!) and was very very out of breath once at the top. Spent the day at Kuang Sii waterfalls, sunning, swimming and chilling. Pictures will show you how stunning it was! Ate a great pizza for dinner and went bowling afterwards- a fun group activity but of course i lost!
Day 26- woke up at 4.30 to watch the monks parade down the main street in front of the temples at sunrise (5AM). Every morning, people give the monks alms- rice and money usually- as their sustenance. the young boys have given up their materialistic lives at home for those of piety in the buddhist temples.7am took slow boat down the Mekong River. Visited Pak Beng a local hilltop village where Hmong Tribe live. They migrated here in mid 19th centrury from Southern China. Believe in Animism, aranged marraiges. I bought some whiskey!
