Memories of Laos

The other day a would-be nomad called who wanted some travel advice. He asked what was my favorite destination. That is an extremely difficult question to answer, maybe impossible, but I thought about it and answered Laos. Sometimes a trip is a visit to another place full of malls, chain stores and restaurants. And sometimes it is like time travel or visiting another planet.

Our visit to Laos was part of an extended visit to South East Asia, a region I like quite a lot. I even lived for a while before I met Frankin. I had visited Laos but this was during the Vietnam war while the US was bombing Laos and travelers were not allowed outside the capital of Vientiane. So this time I wanted to see more. We started in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the most unique and picturesque places I have ever visited. 

Luang Prabang was not bombed during the war and has missed being modernized (a good thing). It is an extremely charming walking town where you can take the time to observe your surroundings and observe the Lao way of life. There are 33 temples and in just a few blocks and hundreds of monks walk the streets at dawn collecting alms to collect merit and also get food for their one meal of the day.  

This is the biggest event of the day with hundreds of people watching, dozens of people on their knees offering alms of rice or fruit. and hundreds of monks receiving alms. This was the highlight of  the day. I woke early to watch/experience this unique experience from a different viewpoint, street level, from a balcony at our hotel and one day even joined the ladies in offering alms myself.  It may seem like I am posting a lot of photos here but it was one of the most photogenic events I ever saw and hope you find these photos a nice break from your daily routine now.

Some children join in to collect food =for themselves and their family.

A street view of monks returning to the monastery after the monk parade. 

Ok. It is now roughly 7 am. The rest of the day was mostly spent walking through the picturesque streets and observing people and monks, and visiting temples.

An outdoor restaurant

There are 33 temples and hundreds of monks in Larang Prabang and you can visit and often interact with them. Many of these young men speak or are studying English and love an opportunity to practice. 

A cultural exchange

One of my favorite photos. A temple in Larang Prabang at sunset. 

Inside a temple

A home shrine in front of a house.

The city is quite small and one can easily walk around it, however, there is bus transportation available if you are carrying groceries. 

Lunch and laundry all in one

From all the helmets I would guess this is a combination restaurant and motorcycle rental.

A hotel. 

A typical shop

Some local art at the night market

Not far from Larang Prabang was an opportunity to ride an elephant. 

Note to self: riding an elephant bareback is not as easy as riding a horse. There is nowhere to hang on.

Filling up the tank before the next ride

The mahout (elephant trainer) fort my elephant