Luang PrabangMar 3, 2011
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spider hanging over Kristyn's head
Receiving a blessing before dinner
Yummy dinner at La's house
| March 2; Another awesome day in Luang Prabang started with a visit to a museum where we learned about the various ethnic groups that make up the country of Laos. It was raining and not as hot as yesterday for our visit to the waterfall but some of us went swimming anyway. It was refreshing! Mike and I spent the free afternoon wandering the streets and found a spa where Mike got an hour long foot massage and I got a pedicure and manicure. Total bill 110,000 kip or about $13.50. Next we shopped the night market where villagers bring their wares to sell. The stuff is beautiful. I picked up a hand made table cloth, table runner, and a scarf and Mike got a t-shirt. I could have bought a lot more but we do have to carry it for a while. Bartering here is great fun and very pleasant. The seller quotes a price using her calculator. The buyer responds and the seller laughs at the offer and counters. This goes on until a price is agreed upon. The buyer pays and the seller taps her remaining merchandise with the money for “luck”. They bow to each other Buddhist style with a kawp chai (thank you) and carry on. It's very polite and friendly. I could shop all day if I had room in my pack! We met the others and went for dinner at La's house. We were treated to a “family” meal complete with individual blessings from 4 of the elders. La made us traditional Luang Prabang dishes but left out the chilis for our delicate “western” palate. Everything here is like nothing I've ever tasted before but I sure am loving it. Thursday, March 3 Breakfast done and we're out the door at 8 am to go ride an elephant. It was a nice ride through a forest and across a river. Mike got to pretend to be a Mahout and ride on “Ching's” head. Our driver didn't speak much english and there was no opportunity afterwards for any education or question period which was kind of disappointing but it was a great way to pass a morning. Back at the hotel for a quick cool down and then off to wander again. We went to a café for lunch where I thoroughly enjoyed a very tart lemon juice with my fried noodles and veggies. Mike had a burger and fries. It was time for some “Western” food. More walking about and we decided to get a massage. I've never had one before so nothing to compare it to but boy, it was intense. I wonder if the great thing about massage is that it feels so much better when it's done? Back to the hotel for another cool down and out for supper with the girls. Another great day in Luang Prabang. |
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