Good morning all :)
I traveled from Chiang Mai to Chiang Khong (a small
border town in Thailand) and spent a day on the
river's edge, relaxing and relaxing some more. The
Mekong River splits Thailand and Laos here so across
the river, I could see Laos.
After going through immigration I headed on a slow
boat ride from Huay Xay to Luang Prabang, with an
overnight in Pakbeng. The trip was split over two
days, seven hours each day. The first day we were 80
on slates of wood for seats with one toilet (it was a
long, hard journey) but the views were fantastic. The
second day was better as we actually had cushions but
by the end, I was pretty ready to get off :) On the
boat, I met up with the Norwegians that I'd met in
Chiang Mai so we had dinner together and chatted -
they're a great pair!!
In Luang Prabang, we happened to get quite lucky as
they were celebrating their Water Festival. They had
races on the water the one afternoon, a parade of
fancy floats and then last night we watched as they
lit floating flowers pots and floated them down the
river. There were also very extensive dragon-looking
boats with lights that were put down the river as well
- it's all to celebrate the end of the rainy season!!
It was quite a pretty event and the town was all lit
up and excited in celebration - it was great!!
While in Luang Prabang I also visited a waterfall and
had a great swim and climbed up to see a temple/view
of the city. I've met up with a guy who's a refugee
from Laos (left when he was two and now lives in the
States). He speaks Laotian and English - it makes
travelling a bit easier. He'll be heading to his
mom's village tomorrow though so I'll be on my own
again :)
I'm currently in Vang Viang where I'll stay for a few
days (they have lots of outdoor activities) before
heading to the capital. All is well here and it's
amazing that my holidays are more than half over. I
had to actually sit down yesterday and figure out
exactly what I wanted to do for the next three weeks
as time's going too quickly :)
Carol, how do feel if I stay an extra couple of weeks?
Don't worry, I'm kidding - I can't afford to stay
much longer!!
Miss you all!
Sarah
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