Misty Mountains and the Mekong

My tour through Laos has been a spectacle of mountains and rivers. The landscape through the northern part of Laos is rounded mountains tops and rivers cutting their way through the rough terrain. This picturesque country also has some of the most delightful people. Although tourism has definitely taken hold, the Lao people are taking it in stride. They are not pushy or abrasive, even the Tuk Tuk drivers are very laid back.

On the way from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang, my camera took a fatal bounce on the payment, so I was forced to simply admire the view instead of wondering if I had a good angle for my good for a shot. I think some how I was being taught a lesson in appreciating what was in front of me at the moment. Living in the moment is something I am really hoping to embrace this year.

In Luang Prabang our group was treated to a variety of temples, palaces and caves. I fear I have already had my fill of Buddhas. For me the two highlights were the boat trip up the Mekong River to some caves and the hike to the waterfalls where we were able to swim in the pools of cool mountain run off. No surprise that the two special points involved water. The rivers serve has major expressways for Laos, bringing goods into the country from China, Thailand and Vietnam, so being apart of that was really like being apart of this country's lifestyle.

Luang Prabang is also a hub in the north for crafts people to bring their wears into the city for sale. The is a "Night Market" everyday on the main street where you can buy all kinds of local crafts. Some of it looks authentic while some looks imported from China or Thailand. Nevertheless, I have picked up a shawl (lightweight for those days I go into the temples) and a small gift for my mother.

Today I am leaving Laos and heading for Vietnam. So on my last afternoon, I am sitting on a patio on main street, eating another bowl of Lao noodle soup and sipping on a Beerlao contemplating a way of life so different from my own. I am not likely to pack in my life in Canada and move to Laos, but there are aspect of this peaceful life that give me ideas of how to better enjoy what I have and forget those things that don't go the way you plan.

By the way, I picked up another camera in Luang Prabang so the photos will keep coming.
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