Hello Everyone, We left the very busy streets of Hanoi and flew to the much more quiet town of Luang Prabang in Laos. The pace was slow, and the quiet atmosphere was very welcoming. Luang Prabang is filled with many temples or Wats as they are called here. Our hotel was directly opposite a Wat and early in the morning at about 6:30 a.m, we could go out on our balcony and watch the monks parade along the street collecting their alms for the day (see last picture). The citizens would give them bread, rice and perhaps bananas and this is what they would eat for breakfast and lunch. This is not actually begging, but rather it is giving the people an opportunity to "make merit" which means an opportunity to do good. During the day, the monks would study or do chores around the temple. Studies included learning English and as you can see, Ross was right in there teaching them. They were very friendly and open to conversation with us. From Luang Prabang, we took an overnight bus to the border of Thailand. Let us just say that we have been on better cow paths!! The land was mountainous and rugged. The paved road was non existant and filled with pot holes. Never to be done again! After reaching the border we crossed the Mekong River into Thailand and took a bus to Chiang Rai. The next day took us into the hills where we visited the Karen, Akha and Lahu tribes of the Golden Triangle. Our guide was a member of the Karen tribe and took us to his home to meet his family. You can see his mother-in-law and grandaughter in the picture to the left. The Karen tribe runs an elephant conservation camp and so we had the opportunity to see many elephants and ride on one for half an hour. Believe me, half an hour is long enough. Although these animals are very gentle and graceful for their size, the movement of their shoulder muscles jostles you from side to side. It was, however, an opportunity not to be missed. We also trekked up the mountain to a lovely waterful and took a refreshing break. The forest was filled with bamboo and the canopy provided a cover from the sun. After such an exhausting day we headed to the night market for dinner and some much needed protein. Yes, it is true, bugs of all sorts and sizes are readily available for eating. We just didn't have the nerve! After Chiang Rai, we will be heading to Chiang Mai..........I think we'll fly! Until the next post, Joan & Ross
Hello Everyone, We left the very busy streets of Hanoi and flew to the much more quiet town of Luang Prabang in Laos. The pace was slow, and the quiet atmosphere was very welcoming. Luang Prabang is filled with many temples or Wats as they are called here. Our hotel was directly opposite a Wat and early in the morning at about 6:30 a.m, we could go out on our balcony and watch the monks parade along the street collecting their alms for the day (see last picture). The citizens would give them bread, rice and perhaps bananas and this is what they would eat for breakfast and lunch. This is not actually begging, but rather it is giving the people an opportunity to "make merit" which means an opportunity to do good. During the day, the monks would study or do chores around the temple. Studies included learning English and as you can see, Ross was right in there teaching them. They were very friendly and open to conversation with us. From Luang Prabang, we took an overnight bus to the border of Thailand. Let us just say that we have been on better cow paths!! The land was mountainous and rugged. The paved road was non existant and filled with pot holes. Never to be done again! After reaching the border we crossed the Mekong River into Thailand and took a bus to Chiang Rai. The next day took us into the hills where we visited the Karen, Akha and Lahu tribes of the Golden Triangle. Our guide was a member of the Karen tribe and took us to his home to meet his family. You can see his mother-in-law and grandaughter in the picture to the left. The Karen tribe runs an elephant conservation camp and so we had the opportunity to see many elephants and ride on one for half an hour. Believe me, half an hour is long enough. Although these animals are very gentle and graceful for their size, the movement of their shoulder muscles jostles you from side to side. It was, however, an opportunity not to be missed. We also trekked up the mountain to a lovely waterful and took a refreshing break. The forest was filled with bamboo and the canopy provided a cover from the sun. After such an exhausting day we headed to the night market for dinner and some much needed protein. Yes, it is true, bugs of all sorts and sizes are readily available for eating. We just didn't have the nerve! After Chiang Rai, we will be heading to Chiang Mai..........I think we'll fly! Until the next post, Joan & Ross 
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