We flew to Luang Prabang today. I feel guilty about all this flying but we're running out of time!
I'd read that this place would be pleasant and the most laid back of our destinations in Indochina. Friends have said as much and that we'd end up staying longer if we could. Even fellow travellers have urged us to come and see how different this place is from the rest. They are not wrong.
This place is a haven, just the right size to wander round and gorgeous to look at with it's wide river, lush mountainous backdrop and red roofed houses. There are notable French influences including cute red roofed houses with plant pots out the front, delicate street lamps, restaurants, cafes, cake and bread shops. The shops and even the banks have wooden plaques above their doors as opposed to bright bill boards or glossy branding, thus enhancing the town's older, more subtle and rustic appearance. The Laos food is great too of course. Lots of fish and meat for Ric and mushrooms galore for me! They are especially fond of buffalo, goat and dog here.
Judging by what I've experienced so far, the Laos people are truly delightful. I've tried hard not to over use expressions such as this (so many do when they rave about new places including the Lonely Planet at times so everywhere begins to sound the same!) as here it really is true.
They are gentle folk with a cheeky sense of humour. No one hassles you here. Even the market vendors who started laying out their craft wares at 5pm this evening don't push too hard for a sale. Ric and I have already spotted rugs, throws, jewellery, salad bowls, boxes and even slippers we want for our place in Sydney. Unlike Thailand, it's stuff we actually want and would be proud to show off to friends! We might have to get two of everything however in the event of us ever breaking up!
We've already booked a day of hard-core mountain biking tomorrow and a visit to an elephant sanctuary. Then we might try some kayaking.
I'd read that this place would be pleasant and the most laid back of our destinations in Indochina. Friends have said as much and that we'd end up staying longer if we could. Even fellow travellers have urged us to come and see how different this place is from the rest. They are not wrong.
This place is a haven, just the right size to wander round and gorgeous to look at with it's wide river, lush mountainous backdrop and red roofed houses. There are notable French influences including cute red roofed houses with plant pots out the front, delicate street lamps, restaurants, cafes, cake and bread shops. The shops and even the banks have wooden plaques above their doors as opposed to bright bill boards or glossy branding, thus enhancing the town's older, more subtle and rustic appearance. The Laos food is great too of course. Lots of fish and meat for Ric and mushrooms galore for me! They are especially fond of buffalo, goat and dog here.
Judging by what I've experienced so far, the Laos people are truly delightful. I've tried hard not to over use expressions such as this (so many do when they rave about new places including the Lonely Planet at times so everywhere begins to sound the same!) as here it really is true.
They are gentle folk with a cheeky sense of humour. No one hassles you here. Even the market vendors who started laying out their craft wares at 5pm this evening don't push too hard for a sale. Ric and I have already spotted rugs, throws, jewellery, salad bowls, boxes and even slippers we want for our place in Sydney. Unlike Thailand, it's stuff we actually want and would be proud to show off to friends! We might have to get two of everything however in the event of us ever breaking up!
We've already booked a day of hard-core mountain biking tomorrow and a visit to an elephant sanctuary. Then we might try some kayaking.
It's amazing how quickly time seems to be going suddenly. We're trying to change our flights around a bit to save money and time.
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