Goboogo

Luang Prabang is lush, quaint, and improbable. This serene town of baguettes and butterflies seems to exist on its own terms, Southeast Asia with an unmistakably French panache. The green hills, gorgeous buildings, and kind villagers spread out before you like an over ambitious dream. You know the type, when it is too unreal to even bother with pinching yourself. There is a saying that God lives in the Himalayas; I have a feeling that he vacations in Luang Prabang.

On our first morning in Luang Prabang, bells and a commotion roused us from our slumber at 5:30. We all gathered on our balcony, wiping the sleep out of our eyes. A slow procession of orange cloaked monks passed on the street below us, collecting their morning alms of rice, fruit, and other gifts. This process takes place every morning. Locals gather in the streets to give to the monks in an act of religious virtue.

We rented some bikes for 20,000 kip (about 2.50USD) and leisurely strolled around the town. The entirety of Luang Prabang has been designated a Unesco Heritage Site. We rode down the Mekong and through local areas. At one point, Kristin needed to use the restroom, so she asked a local lady for help. She walked Kristin into her own home, later refusing any money for the service. We have really been impressed with how kind the Lao people are. Everyone smiles and says Saba-dee (hello).

After our legs and specifically my butt tired, we decided to settle down on the Mekong for some lunch at a very Lao restaurant. We sat on small neon colored chairs that appeared to be child sized. Our server approached. "We have noodle soup," she said. We all nodded. Kristin and Ryan broke up these very red peppers in their soup. The peppers caused a bit of a scare. The burning sensation that began in their mouths spread out across their entire face and wherever else their hands wandered. Eventually, the burning subsided. The lesson learned involved conservative use of unknown garnishes. The food was amazing.

We decided on a boat ride up the Mekong to see life along the river and to visit the Pau Ok Caves. The amazed on several levels, touting unbelievable natural scenery with a privileged glimpse of Mekong life. Mr. Thangi, a man with a 114 year old mother and diplomat friends in DC, was our boat captain. He looked back and smiled at us every 10 minutes or so. The ride to the caves lasted about 2 hours in which the caves were a very quiet period at the end of an altogether enjoyable sentence. On the way back we stopped by a river village that makes Laos rice wine, and passed perhaps the most idyllic prison in the world.

In the evening, a booming storm rolled into Luang Prabang. We all relaxed and stretched out like cats as the thundering echoed throughout the valley. We ate sandwiches on fresh warm baguettes, and thanked the world for such a perfect place.