Meander the Mighty Mekong

After the flat expanse of rice fields the journey into Laos was an ascent into wilder and less tame lands. Limetone peaks rose from the sandy shores of the river into misty skys; covered at times in lush rainforest and at others with deciduous golds and browns. Tiny villages of bamboo huts clustered within clearings overlooking the river from which their lives are drawn. Men cast nets, women washed and children played along it's shores. My photogaphs appear flat and fail to capture the true nature of the scenery that surounded on all sides. The night was spent in the town of Pak Beng, and in the morning I ate breakfast overlooking a now mist shrouded river. The long river boat was comfortable and afforded two higly relaxing days of voyaging. We arrived upon the famous world heritage peninsular of Luang Prabang as the sun was setting.

New Years In Luang Prabang
Amidst this timeless landscape I had forgotten that it was New Years Eve. (It is not Lao New Year for a few months). I had dinner with some people off the boat, a beautiful red curry with sticky rice, a meal that must be one of my favourites of the trip so far. The sticky rice is formed into a ball with the hand and then dipped into the curry. Later we went to an outdoor bar on the river. At midnight sky lanterns were released across the city forming new a new constilation of stars in the sky. There were also fireworks and dancing and a fire. The usual midnight curfew was lifted for this special night in Luang Prabang. On New Years Day I explored the picturesque streets of colonial french architecture set amongst the Asian jungle. The french legacy lingers further with baguettes, pasteries and cakes in abundance. At night within the Hmong Night Market I discovered a vegetarian buffet of all kinds of delicious dishes. For 10000 kip ($1.20) you can pile your plate high. I felt rich today when I withdrew one million from the atm, unfortunately this is really only $130.