Haven with a bakery >> Travel: Laos, Myanmar, Thailand 31

Nov 3: Morning, Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is a very pleasant town. Leafy lanes, interesting architecture, almost tout-free. Definitely stroll-friendly.

Unfortunately, the people in the tourist trade have not been as nice.

So far, Diethlem and another local agency sounded the most helpful. Some of the others we visited to check out transport and perhaps accommodation in Phonsavan just wanted your money.

Lao Aviation was unreliable. No one picked up the office phone. Even the travel agents had difficulty getting flight info because the airline's computer system was offline. It did not help that flight times tended to change.

Last evening, as we headed back from dinner, our peaceful stroll was rudely interrupted by the roar of motorbikes. The noise was a rude aural shock. A group of youths were racing up and down the road, churning up a ruckus. Later, we heard from some locals that this was a habitual nuisance and that many of those racing were rich kids from influential families.

There are snakes lurking in this haven too.

On a sweeter note, the Scandinavian Bakery was great and certainly worth the extra kip we forked out for their confections. Maybe we just miss indulging our sweet tooth!

Nov 3: Night

Earlier, we went to dinner with two Japanese women, Bosa and Siren, who were staying two doors from us. Dinner was a casual affair in one of the Indian restaurants. The ladies were gracious and gregarious. Annie and I enjoyed the easy chit-chat. We even made plans to visit the Pak Ou Caves the next day.

On our way back, close to 11pm, we visited one of the wats (temples). In half light, the place was serene and luminous. In a snug nook, Buddha sat in eternal repose. (I am so glad there was no one racing tonight.)

A cool breeze stirred some wind chimes, showering the air with music. As the cascade of notes tinkled off, we left the compound.

See Some where, some time for our Pak Ou excursion.

Budget (for two in kip and USD)

Nov 1
Room >> US$25 + Breakfast >> K12,000 + Coffee >> K6,000 + Lunch >> K35,000 + Bananas >> K3,000 + Drinks >> K5,500 + Dinner >> K33,000

Nov 2
Room >> US$25 + Breakfast >> K11,000 + Drinks >> K6,000 + Tea >> K9,500 + Breakfast (tomorrow's) >> K12,000 + Oranges (3x) >> K1,000 + Dinner >> K26,000

Nov 3
Room >> US$25 + Lunch >> K19,000 + Bananas >> K3,000 + Tea >> K13,500 + Wat Xieng Thong >> K10,000 + Dinner >> K33,000

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