The past two days have been hot and humid, but that has not put the breaks on enjoying this city. Declared a UNESCO world heritage site, it has seen rapid development to accommodate the many people who come and are just as awed as we are. The peacefulness, safety, scenery, good food, lush green mountains and laid back people have put it up as advice from us as a must see from our perspective. Anyone wishing to visit SE Asia make sure Luang Prabang, Laos is on your list! Even Klinger approves.
Getting up at 5:00AM has its rewards. For the past two days our schedule has been to go watch the Buddhist Monks receive alms. The alms giving ceremony is a sacred Laos tradition. We stayed in the background (not all tourists did) to watch this early morning ritual. Rice, fresh fruit and sweets are the usual offerings. The purpose is for the monks to collect food for their one meal of the day. They are highly revered. A very peaceful experience.
Monks that have one shoulder covered are considered novices. Around 20 years of age they become monks and both shoulders are covered. Boys and men may drop out at any time. We met some young men and boys who were eager to practice their English and they explained some of the traditions to us. We met them at Big Brother Mouse; an organization for young men and boys to practice their language skills with English speakers. The boys were a hit. Nate was writing sentences for practice and was called "the teacher". Luke had some good conversations comparing high schools in Canada to Laos. All were so eager to learn. We saw some great learning strategies happening.
We biked around town but during the heat of the day we retreated to the coolness of the guesthouse. The fresh pineapple we have been eating is so sweet. It never tastes like this in Canada.
Monday morning we set off early with the taxi driver who had been after us to visit the Kuang Si Falls. Jack and I both agreed we had seen many water falls and did not know if we should go. We decided to go since we heard there was opportunities to swim in the cool water. Are we glad we went! Probably the most beautiful falls we have seen. There were at least five levels. Swimming in the aqua coloured water allowed on the first two levels. They were so perfect they seemed man-made.
The water was cool, clean and filled with small fish. Freaky at first when they started nibbling and pecking at toes. I have seen this fish nibbling service offered on some spa menus. I would recommend it! The location of the falls is more appealing than a spa.
Toes calves and fingers getting nibbled.
On the drive back from the falls we were the first on the scene of a scooter accident. A Brazilian woman was driving her daughter to see the falls and lost focus and crashed into a concrete post along the highway. Her knee looked broken and the daughter had scraped skin on her leg. Our driver arranged for a truck to come pick her up to take them to hospital. Other people stopped and between 4 guys she was hoisted into the backseat of a Toyota truck. The scooter was not driveable. They were to fly home tomorrow.
The afternoon had a massive downpour of water while we were on siesta. The droplets hit the street so hard they bounced back up a few inches. The rain lasted 30 minutes and left the air fresh and somewhat cooler.
Ate at the night market. I was trying to hold off on eating pad thai until we got to Thailand but I caved. Glad I did!
Luke got a belated birthday present. The crafts and textiles are different from other markets we have seen in the world. Indigo is big.
