Luang Prabang -- Part II

We're still Loa-ing about in Luang Prabang.  We've been here five days now but we're beginning to lose track of time.  I think they spike the water here with opium.  Everyone and everything moves at a graceful, insouciant, lethargic, I-don't-need-to-get-anywhere-anytime-soon pace.  Not even the tauts have the mental wherewithal or energy to taut, giving half-ass pitches.  We've been told that southern Laos is even more relaxed and sloth-like.  If true, Erin and I may need to hire motorized mobility scooters to get around and tie bags around our necks to catch the strings of spittle sure to be dangling from our drooling lips. 

Not to state the obvious:  I'm really really enjoying northern Laos so far.  It's lush, mountainous, bountiful;  the people are kind and gentle and zen-like.  The women sit demurely side-saddle on the back of barely-moving mopeds holding colorful umbrellas to shield them from the warm sun, tangerine-robed monks chat in the cool shade of bougainvillas in full flower within the verdant grounds of the dozens of monasteries on the pennisula, the enveloping rivers flow in lazy swirls around the bend and towards the sea -- sun glinting on the tops of young boys heads who splash and play in the water -- and longboats quietly ply the waters delivering locals to their neighboring villages.  It is very easy -- way way too easy in fact -- to sit at one of the small restaraunts on the banks of a river -- really melt into your chair -- and while away several hours, not even noticing the time go by.

The other day we hired a tuk-tuk (a glorified open-aired golf-cart that can carry four to six people in the back sitting on parallel benches) and went to a waterfall -- actually a series of waterfalls in the rainforest that cascade into menthol green pools.  The swim was the first we've had this entire trip -- needless to say it was way over due and luxurious. 

I think we've both decided to spend more time in Laos then we originally planned.  Our next destination is a small village called Nong Khiaw, north of Luang Prabang and set on the banks of a small tributary of the Mekong.  We take a long-boat there tomorrow.  We may continue northward by boat after that until we get to Phongsili at the verymost northern tip of Laos, near the Chinese border.  We've been told the vistas along the river from Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw are a sight to behold.  We're looking forward to it.

Hope all is well.