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Other entries in Luang Prabang

Lazing in Luang Prabang

We survived our 9 hour mini-van journey to Luang Prabang with some interesting pit-stops along the way.  Great little food stalls in small mountain villages. 

Had some kick-a*s Green Papaya Salad... I asked for only 1 chilli but it still set my mouth on fire.  Great stuff!  All the ingredients for the salad are of course grown locally and it is such a treat to eat vegetables that have actually been ripened in the sun, and not grown artificially and stuffed full of chemicals.  All the food here has so much FLAVOUR, even without any of the condiments. 

Most of the journey from Vientiane was through mountains and the scenery was incredible. I took some pics, but they do no justice to the landscape.

After tearing through the countryside and taking hairy turns on tight, narrow corners we arrived in Luang Prabang around 5pm.  There are so many Guest Houses here, and we opted for one that is really central and overlooks the Mekong.

At US$ 2 each per night (!) I can see us relaxing here for a few days.  Apart from Museums, the old royal Palace and many Wat's (temples) there is elephant trekking, waterfalls, kayaking, cycling and loads of other action/adventure on offer.  We are thinking of doing the boat trip up the Mekong to the Pak Ou Caves & Waterfalls. 

For today however, we are just taking this small lovely town in.  There seem to be more people here than Vientiane, however, it is (even) more laid back.  The further into the country side you the people are even friendly - and thats saying alot.

They have AMAZING night markets here selling beautiful handmade silk scarves, emroidered linen, beautiful lamps and other lovely locally made crafts.  'BrownGirl' and I have befriended two Swedish girls and the 4 of us are making our assault on the Night Markets this evening....  needless to say there will be anther box being sent home.  Mum - can you please add it to the small collection building up in my bedroom? ;-)

Oh - and last night - we ran into some friends Lopa made in Malaysia.  2 English boys & 1 Eng. gal - we sampled Luang Prabang's 'hippest' bar - "Hive" - and yeah it was pretty cool... till they kicked us out at midnight (things close early over here...  not like Tokyo where b4 you know it its 5am).  Being on a high induced by "Lao Lao" - the nation's poison of choice - a Rice Whiskey that smells like Methylated sprits - we were not in the mood to go home, so ended up drinking some more, and having lots of laughs, arm wrestles and ridiculous conversations at a small local restaurant.

Was a funny night - and lovely to meet you Sally, Jonny & Matt! Safe travels and hope our paths cross again.

Its lunch time now and BrownGirl and I are on a mission to locate the best 'PHO' (rice noodles) in town.  We'll take extra lime juice & chilli please.  Bring it on!!

Happy Monday peoples!

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