So after getting back from the ever so great Gibbon Experience, I just relaxed in Huay Xai for the night having arrived back to late to leave. I got a room with someone I that was in the same treehouse the past few days and split the cost. We were both planning on heading to the boat pier in the morning for the 2 day slowboat to Luang Prabang, so it worked out. We were meeting up with two other girls from Holland on the boat aswell. Now this is going to be the 2nd time I backtracked through Luang Prabang, however heading to southern Laos could be done by a bunch of buses but who wants to do that when you can do a 2 day boat ride?

     The morning pace was fast, having to go get enough food and water for the 7 hours to Pakbeng, our overnight stop and get to the boat on time.  A quick tuk tuk ride later, we arrived fully supplied and at the dock. Dozens of boats lay ahead, but we are soon pointed to the correct boat and realize we are 2 hours early. Wrong info I guess. However it turned out to be a very good thing as there were about 20 car like seats with headrests while the other 80 people who would eventually be crammed into this boat had wooden benches…..

      The boat finally left around noon, and already slightly sore from sitting I was very glad I had the seat I did, along with the 3 others. The roar of the engine going, it wasn't long before the sights and scenery came into full force. Boats with golden tips, animals grazing along without a care in the world along the riverside, gorgeous mountains and unbelieveable views....

          As the ride went on, I found myself slowly losing interest and not really appreciating the ride. I felt that feeling that way was unacceptable and that I was somehow ungratefull. The fact was I just wasn't doing something right, but what I couldn't figure out. Hours went by as I ate my sandwich and fruit, until we had a pit stop on the riverside. Dozens of children ran in going up and down the aisles beers in hand as well as chips etc, trying to sell to everyone on the boat. It really made me quite uneasy and sick, a true sign that this boat was a far cry from the very local feeling one I took to Nong Kiaow. As the time went by and I kept looking at my watch, after what felt like an eternity we arrived in Pakbeng. Our boat pulled in just as the sun had set, leaving the sky a light orange behind me...

       Pakbeng.... What a nightmare. Perhaps thats a bit harsh, but this place was really not my to my liking. The second the boat docked about 25 people rush all the passengers trying to sucker them into buying there cheap guesthouse room, sell them drugs etc. We pushed through, did some searching and found ourselves a dirt cheap hole in the wall for the night here. After dropping off our bags we went and ate but took about 2 hours due to the massive amount of people that just poured into this poor little town. The truth was I was on the most touristed part of my journey, going through a town that has 100% of its existence now based off the arrival of these boats full of money. It's really not as bad as I'm making it sound to the average person I bet, but for me its the opposite of how any place should deal with tourism. Back to the room to get out and back on the boat for day two and not contribute any more to the problem.

    Day 2 started like any other, alarm going off at 8am, getting ready and going to have breakfast. There was a very nive cafe on the way to the boat pier and the place seemed so much calmer now I had a hard time still feeling the way I did yesterday. New day after all, today the boat ride would not be average, that was my goal. After all how could it be? I'm riding the Mekong river!

     Having this time been some of the last people to make it to the boat, all the seats were taken except for a few benches in the back. We took them lucky not to be on the floor as some were. Bag of goodies in hand again, we were off. The scenery really picked up here, and I was trying my best to take some photo's despite my awkward position. Being somewhat in the middle and uncomfortable, I was once again starting to wish I took the bus. A few hours past and I tried my best to enjoy every passing mountain....

     Seeing someone get up and move to the back of the boat which was really out of view, I followed him looking for any reason to get up. Down at the tail end of the boat were a few guys who found some old chairs and made a lounge of sorts on the back end of the boat drinking some beers, having the best view of all. I joined them for a few minutes before the crew gave the boot, but I wasn't ready to go back to my seat. Seeing a window just inside the engine room, I grabbed myself a beer and with one leg hanging outside the boat, I sat in the window, cuaght the breeze that rushed by, at times putting half myself outside the boat for better views. This was it. The ever loudening and defening roar of the engine right behind, cool river breeze, sitting in a engine room enjoying the ride. This brought it all back, how the ride needed to be. No comfort, not middle of the boat, just roughing it with a beer and the engine to keep me company. They were my views now, and no was taking them away. I found my peace of mind here for practically the remainder of the ride.....

     Finally I did return wo my seat, back to normal and very happy to have made the ride. My companions expressed how they thought I feel of the boat, I chuckled not saying I probably came pretty close at least once. Before I knew it we were in Luang Prabang, ready to debark. Off the boat here, free of pestering, we headed up the path to find a room. Once again sharing a room, we searched and with the others searching so hard for cheap rooms I already knew didn't exist here it wasn't fun. By the time my point got through most rooms were full as we arrived very late and after dark. Ended up having to settle for a much less desirable place..... I already was feeling itchy and ready to leave thi group behind as I enevitably do, this just made me irratated and for the first time looking forward to departing the group. Leaving for Vientiane in the morning to visit what I missed last time during my passing through. Glad I planned ahead and left something to do here. Only one stop away from southern laos and some islands! Bus in the morning.... Alone :-)

           There is absolutely no way to hold my feelings in until the end of this post. Quite simply this has been the most incredible thing I have ever done on this trip and perhaps my life. I lack the words to describe the entire time, but I'll do my best.....

           Leaving Huay Xai after dropping off my bag in the offices safe and just taking minimal things, the group of us was off. There were 18 to start and needed two trucks to get there. The hour journey to the trails leading into the mountains was hard and uphill. Then out of nowhere the trucks drive straight through a small river into some seriously muddy paths that would in due time lead us to the start of our time here. A small village is where we get off to start our hike into the forests. The people that are here are mostly guides for the gibbon experience as well as there families, allowing the forest here to be protected through the cost as well as giving work to locals native to the forests. The hike was far more intense than I had imagined and at first thought I was in way over my head. Sweat pouring like buckets of water, step after step going straight uphill for hours. Aside from the occasional pause to catch my breath gasping away, it was non-stop. Fortunately we did stop for some premade sandwiches for lunch halfway.... Never ate something so fast in my life. But then you reach your first zipline, and from here on out the trekking in always replaced by a zip or two to ease the burden. Here for the first time, my breath was taken away for something other than hiking. It was simply wonderful. My first zipline platform.

    Fixing my harness which we picked up during the original hour of trekking at a small cabin where we took a breather for fruit and water, as well as a quick harness lesson. The small set of straps keeping you from plunging hundreds of feet felt rather sturdy, and although extremely nervous there wasn't any time to hesitate. I clamped myself to the cable along with my safety clip,and with a small nudge from my guide I was off.....

      Speeding through the air at speeds of sometimes 30 - 40 mph, there is a feeling that is just indescribable. You look around as much as you can with wind pushing at your face. Too nervous to move much the first time around, I slowly peek to my side as much as I can to catch a glimpse of the passing mountains. A feeling that its fantasy, that this just isn't real is all too present. Miles of lush green mountains pass hundreds of feet below you. Approaching the other side, I try so hard to slow down using the break, but hit hard nontheless. Stepping off, releasing the clamps, I realize what I have just down. Still in utter disbelief I start walking again following the remaining group.

       During the walk to our long awaited treehouses, it finally sunk in what was happening. I just was so happy inside, but to much was going on to be able to show it. A mixture of shock and the utter intensity of the trekking kept it hidden. A hours hike, one more zipline and maybe 15 minutes hiking after that later, we reach our treehouse. There are only five of us now, having split into smaller groups and split up between the four tree houses we'd be staying in. The view of the zipline going into a giant treehouse like nothing any child has even though of is stunning. Breathless, I strap on to the cable again, and make my approach to my new home sitting more than a hundred feet in the air. Beautiful treehouse #7.

     The view is simply stunning from here. Although some of the tree's branches block some views, the others are amazing. I find myself pacing all over diving through everything the treehouse has to offer. So much nicer than expected waaayy out here hours from civilization. I didn't know until arriving, but the treehouse I was in was the newest and was equiped with a fridge, a sink and a bathroom. The bathroom is quite funny since all water from shower and toilets simply falls to the ground below. Sitting for the first time by the balcony in a chair and eating some fruit, for the first time I was able to take it all in.

     After resting a few hours and waiting from lunch to be brought to us by our guide from the nearby makeshift kitchen, I really started to get to know my group of 5. We all bonded so well, and our guide made it all the more fun. While I later found out most other guides speak little english, Bon Mai spoke perfect english and was never short of jokes. He brought us to remote parts of the place with perfect instruction every step of the way, even offering to take photo's of me whenever needed. It needs to be said that over the 3 days here, my guide Bon Mai was simply great and a truly great person. I was lucky to have him there with me.

     The afternoon of day 1 was spent visiting a nearby treehouse, #3, which had amazing views but not nearly the "nice factor" that ours had. Much older and having a very rustic feel, it was by far what I had originally pictured. I was quite glad to be staying were I was. After ziping away from there, we were led guide first as always to the longest line here, over 500m long, which I was brave enough to do single handed in order to take a video of the entire ride.... It was around this time, late in the afternoon that it really hit me and I couldn't get the deep feeling of how amazing it was to go away, nor did I want it to. I was deep in a real rainforest, zooming through the canopy and living in a treehouse. It's just too much.

        Heading back across on another zipline, we headed back to our treehouse for dinner and to end the day. The was great and again far better than expected, with many courses and some great pork. After dinner I watched as my bed was set up with a sleeping mat and blanket, covered by a mosquito net which made it feel much safer. For a few hours we all played various card games while eating fruit and chatting away, watching the night come. I really enjoyed everyones company here. The night was hard, and sleeping with all the noise that comes iwth being canopy level takes getting used to. Morning came fast with maybe 4 hours sleep total.

       Tired, but very excited I was forcing myself up to start another day. Awaking at 6am to trek to possibly see the hard to find gibbon, we trekked for roughly an hour before giving up and turning back for breakfast. After resting awhile we again strapped up our harnesses and were off for more sweating through the jungle, waiting for the cool breeze that comes with every zipline. we visited treehouse #5, which was quite nice and had some new ziplines along the way which made for a refreshing change in pace. By this time I had no nervousness left in me, always the first one to strap on the line and jumping into it to gain more speed. Although there were some scary times when my line started to twist turning my body so I couldn't see where I was going, it never stopped me. I was hooked, and truly loving every minute of it. Watching others go after and before still gives the same rush as doing ti yourself. Just hearing the roar the ziplines make gets your blood going.

      The afternoon was spent looking for monkey's from our balcony after lunch, and becuase of Bon Mai being such a great spotter we eventually saw a group of 4 monkeys swinging tree to tree. Wildlife truly in the wild.......  Day two ended much the same as the first, except for some whisky that our guide brought as a treat before our card game.... Well unless you count me and another girl getting lost because we went off on our own. After an hour of searching for the path home it was getting dark and not looking good. No one was panicing however, and we got flashlights from a nearby treehouse and were of again. A long 30 minutes later, we could hear the voice of Bon Mai, who came in search. I really loved this guy! :-P The night went by all to fast, but at least this night I got some real sleep.

      The morning was bitter sweet, as I was really aching and my body wanted to head back, but my mind was torn. I really loved this place. Strapping on the harness for the last time was hard. Bag's now packed, we all set off into the jungle one last time. Some amazing new ziplines were on the way back, giving us some seriously cool memories to end with. I looked down at Bon Mai on last time for a photo.....

     Almost 1 hours trek later, we reached the point were the harnesses had to be returned, and I parted with it reluctently. This was my lifeline since I've been here. Although a short time, it was still great. I would come back here any time. And as we reached the bottom and the wait for a ride home passed, we boarded our truck and started back to Huay Xai. I already wanted to come back.....

( So much happened here there's no way to remember it all.... So many jokes, so many little things just get lost to time.... Video's will be up soon! Going to bypass Weebly and upload then to youtube to get them on! )

     Well been eagerly awaiting the gibbon experience and just spent the past 3 days relaxing and just uploading pictures like crazy at an internet cafe. Finally got my Laos albums up to date by shrinking the file sizes but quality remained the same. So many photos! Not that the town is boring, just taking it easy. It's interesting to watch as it gets so busy in the morning as people cross in from thailand, but leave within hours, once again revealing a sleepy border town.

      Will be incommunicado for the next few days. Hopefully have an amazing story to report back with. :-P. To the rainforest....

 
     After deciding not to do the trekking in laung nam tha there was really no reason to stay longer. Although I might regret it later, I just am not feeling up to it. So off I to Huay Xai, the gateway to Laos from Thailand, and home of The Gibbon Expierence. For most this place is merely a place they spend an hour or so after crossing the border from Thailand and then there off. Now normally I probably wouldn't stay either but I had something I was looking into. After getting a room and eating after my 4 hour ride here, I stopped at the office of the gibbon expierence. The nearest thing they had since I didn't book ahead was the 18th. That wasn't nearly as bad as when they told me the price was now $265 for the 3 days. Now I had saved a little by not trekking and I'd gotten myself back on budget by spending about $20 a day versus my original $33. This would put me back to about $200 behind my plan which really isn't all that bad I guess. And this is the crown jewel of SE Asia. Every little kids dream. 3 days living in tree houses hundreds of feet in the air, swinging from place to place through 1000m zip lines zooming through the forest canopy.... I was hooked. But still undecided in a weird way. Going back to the room, counting money, thinking etc..... I decided to go to the towns temple to give it a rest. The climb was very steep, and looking up I almost changed my mind. Stair after so many stairs, finally at the top out of breath. I'm greeted by a monk who chats mew up a little before letting me go my way. The view was pretty nice from up here, but not as great as simply turning around and looking at the steps.
   

     Heading back down the steps, and then to my room, pacing back and forth I finally made my choice. Marching hand full of money down to the office, I booked the gibbon expierence. I would have regretted it too much not too. I'll just have to pinch every little kip afterwards and catch up like I did last time.... Afterwards full of excitement I eagerly awaited the sunset I knew would happen in front of my balcony. What a worth while wait it was..... The palm tree in front of me gleaming with orange light, an amazing sight lay in front of me.

     Retiring for the night after an amzing view, and turning my leaving the great orange sky behind.... Very excited about the 18th, although I have no idea what i'll do in this townor two more days. An interesting time keeping busy it will be.....

      Gibbon Expierence here I come........................................................ :-)

      The morning came fast, and rubbing my eyes and all I forced myself up to start my day. A quick breakfast later I was off to walk around the town and get my bearings of the place. Not large by any means, the place consists really of 3 very long roads that run parallel to each other and the small roads that connect them. The real reason people come here is the treking. The protected area here is a large portion of untouched forest the still contains wild tigers and elephants, aswell as all sorts of smaller critters. Part of todays plan was to check out whether or not this was going to be done and just how rigourous the trek was. While walking around I saw a neat little box that made me laugh. It was a small complaint box in front of the local police station. No idea if it stills fuctions, but all the same.....

     While walking I past a very nice looking guesthouse advertising wifi as part of the room price, and this brand new place is the only place that has it. So I moved from my room and decided to camp here for the next two days. Unfortunately the wifi worked for about 1 hour before it cut out not to return. It's happened many times before here since connections are nothing great, but I was really looking forward to uploading alot.....

      Belongings now tucked away in the new room, I went back down to the main road to rent a bicycle for the day to explore the outer limits of town. Having no real direction I simply turned down a back road and just kept my eyes open. Within about 5 minutes I could see a large gold temple on the top a of hill no to far away. A destination in mind I just headed my best in that direction. Reaching the winding uphill dirt roads leading to it, I was forced to walk my bike most of the uphill climb.   

     What a temple it was.... The hilltop complex sat atop a completely flat mountain top, much like a plateau. Approaching I noticed a elderly man shaking his hands at me in a gesture that seemed in the middle of "come here" to "get outta here" lol. Walking over he gestured me to follow me him, no words exchanging as there was no common tongue to be had here. Getting to the temple, he pointed to a paper, where the only thing I could read was the number 5000. So I handed over 5000 kip realizing he was going to let me inside the locked door. Having no idea why this man had the key to a monastic temple when there were clearly monks around, I stepped through the 4 foot door that I practically had to crawl through. Inside was quite nice, very large statues against the wall making up the shrine.

      The most interesting thing inside to me was the decorations made of money with the image of Chairman mao I believe. I know I am practically on the chinese border this ar upnorth, but his image inside a temple seems rather strange.

     Upon leaving, the door was once again locked behind me. This time, looking from the face of the temple, I saw a most amazing sight. The bell tower sat dead center in my line of sight tunneling the view of the town straight ahead. The complete picture was stunning and left me in awe. Looking left was great, looking right was fine, but dead straight ahead was sublime.

      Heading back to town for lunch and after looking in all directions for a place to go, I decided to follow the main road as far out as I could go before tiring out. Just riding for the sake of it, I peddled away for an hour or so before realizing just how far away had gotten. Paying more attention on the return journey, passing nothing but small cabins, vast rice fields, a large gathering with women dressed to there best which really consisted of the same garments just a better material. Something I hadn't seen before, I was well inside the village life and really just doing some serious people watching. Tired after finally getting back, I stopped of at the office where the treks can be booked. Guides are a must as entrance to the protected forest is restricted from casual day trips. Group size affects price and since there where only two others looking to go the price was not happening for me, so I went back to the room to think things over. Staying here really makes no sense unless the wilderness is part of your itinerary.... Well see.

     Arriving at the bus station at about 8am for my 9am departure, I realize that there are no minivans here and I had most certainly overpayed by mistakingly thinking I was paying for a van seat. Oh well. I sat down next to my first public long distance bus ride in Laos. I didn't have to wait long to just laugh at the adventure. Sure enough the side of the bus is wide open and being worked on by 2 guys with sparks flying. Cutting some wires here, changing a battery there.... When the bus your supposed to be on in an hour is worked on until 5 minutes before when it finally starts, you're going to have a great ride. Somehow we actually departed on time with the bus shaking madly everytime the engine had to idle. Before long we were winding once again up the winding roads of the mountain. This time was different however, as due to the painfully slow speed the large bus has to go, there was no sickness and I was for the first time able to leisurely take in the entire rides scenery. To my surprise the paved roads gave out after about 3 hours, leaving nothing but rock covered dirt for the next 7 long hours to luang nam tha. Due to the frequent stops at bus stations in smaller towns to pick up passengers and giving me a chance to by some fruit and stretch, it actually wasn't so bad. The real fun started later when the last 3 hours of road where under construction and probably being paved for the first time ever, leaving only have of an already narrow road hanging on the edge of a mountain. I wanted to switch sides of the bus due to how close we got to the edge, but never did. Come nightfall, seeing the headlights turn on I really got a sense of adventure. Due to the roads, buses don't travel these mountainous roads of the north at night, and for good reason. Every corner is a blind turn and crashes happen often every during daylight, so night brings on a new challenge. A few camp fires in the center of villages we trucked on by, we pulled into luang nam tha. After a short ride into town, I followed a couple who looked like they knew were they were going to a very nice guesthouse. It was almost 8pm and after the ride I had no intent on finding one myself in the dark. The place doubles as a restuarant so I went to eat before bed. I was going to sit alone when I was gestured over by a nice guy from England to his table. We chatted away as I ordered and before long were joined by a girl from Italy aswell. It made for a very nice dinner, and nice way to settle in after the long ride.

    This morning I was off to Udomxai, or so I thought on my way to laung nam tha. After getting up quite early and having a quick breakfast, I headed up to the dirt road where the buses and and minivans waited for passengers... Having been told the bus would leave at 11am, I head back to wait out the remaining time and relax. Saying bye to my buddies, I headed back over the bridge to leave Nong Kiaow. Getting there the person that sat in a small bamboo hut that doubled as a ticket counter was nowhere to be found and a small line formed behind me. Upon his much later return, I was told that since I was only 1 of 3 people wanting to head west today, that I wasn't going anywhere. I knew that nothing leaves here unless there's a profit to be made, but this is the first time I came in contact with it. So van canceled due to lack of passengers and it being too late to take a boat upriver to the other place I was considering I had two options. Wait another night and try the same thing tomorrow risking the same scenario or backtrack to luang prabang and take an actual bus from an actual bus station there. Frankly I just felt like moving, so I boarded the LP bound bus and decided on a quick overnight there and onwards in the AM. In the end it turned out fine, LP being a great place anyhow and the ride was rather fun. The van was packed with a great bunch of people, one with a guitar in hand playing all sorts of tunes and a girl with a great voice singing away. Before long songs like "Wonderwall" were being sung in unison by all. Chatting while everyone drank there pre-packed beers and all sorts of antics made the ride one to remember. Arriving in LP in what felt like minutes, I was ready to go throw my bag in a room and eat. Unfortunately before the van made it into town a gut wrenching sound of a dog getting run over in the lane next to us brought silence. Only one saw, but everyone knew. A very uneasy way to end an otherwise great ride. Cutting out Udomxai I think and heading straight for laung nam tha in the morning.....

    I had a vague plan to get out and see the well known cave that was about a 30 minute walk outside town today, but wasn't sure if I'd do it. After a relaxing morning I set off walking through town enjoying the view before heading to use the internet for a little while. Later in the day with nothing really been done, I got the energy to start walking towards the cave. Flashlight in hand, walking past many of the same places I had rode my bike past days ago, I was saying to myself how it made much more sense to have done it then. Crossing a small bamboo bridge over a stream and paying a tiny 5000 kip entry I could see the cave. I set of makeshift stairs rose up to the entrance. I could see immediately that this was going to be something to remember....

     Needing a light just about 2 minutes after entering, I was slowly creeping my way towards points of light brought by holes in the face of the mountain. The place being used as a safe haven during the war, there were signs showing many places had special uses here. A small tunnel led to a cave within a cave that was used as a bank, another as a school etc. The place gave a really cool feel and brought back all the images of what a cave should be that you had as a child wandering off in the woods hoping to find one. Going deeper, not knowing just when it would end, I came across a point where the exit was at the bottom of a drop off maybe 100+ feet straight down into the abyss. Looking at the steps made of bamboo and natural rock, I opted to turn around and leave the way I came. Simply to much of a drop to do with only flip flops on :-P. How wears sandals to a cave anyway? Oh well, wasn't thinking.

     After getting back to town and seeing my friends eating at a restaurant I headed over to join them for the most interesting meal yet. They had ordered a large set of coals and a wok for the table and we were brought over a tray of paper thin meats and all the making for a crazy stew. I watched as they made there own dinner in this do it yourself BBQ with a cooking device I'd never seen before but it was really awesome. I think I actually enjoyed this almost cooking my own meal... Almost.

    Later back on the balcony, the 3 of us set up are makeshift movie theater again for a night of movies on the bamboo couch bed of pillows. Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Usual Suspects later it was 11pm and time to get some rest. Leaving in the morning..... For the first time I was actually a little unhappy I had to depart from my new Californian companions... Gotta keep going.

     The morning came fast since I decided to wake up at 5am to watch the monks recieve food from the people of Luang Prabang. Tired and eyes half shut, I approached the main road where the monks would soon walk. My hopes of a nice sincere offerings were short lived once I saw that the only people giving food here where foreign visitors, most from Japan but almost half westerners. People selling food to get people to play a role and give food left a bad taste in my mouth. With some even stopping to pose as monks walked by, the sense of being disrespectful was gone, This was set up for tourists and picture taking, and although I was off put I wasn't going to not get pictures after this. So I went about it using my long lense and keeping a distance anyway and took in the spectacle.

      After that really crazy morning and not even really knowing how I felt, I was off to catch my boat to Nong Kiaow. I grabbed breakfast and stocked up on things to take on the boat since I wouldn't be eating otherwise for 8 hours. The boat was packed with twice as many people as there where seats, typical way to make extra money here. I got on uneasyily and threw my bag in the back. My bench was rough as expected and the ride was about to begin with 8 more hours on it.

      Not long after leaving the boat landing, we pulled up next to some slowboats mirroring the one I was on, or so I thought. Turns out this thing was a floating gas station slowboat! I thought it was so great.

      So many things went wrong on this trip that made it so much better. The boat hit shallow water and everyone had to get out and push the boat for about a mile in knee deep water which was just priceless, although some people where visibly upset. Then not even 2 hours later we hit less shallow water but we all had to get out so the boat was light enough so we walked the beach beside it for 10 minutes until it was safe again... lol. Truly memorable. View from the beach walk:

      The ride was sure enough scenic, and although there was a deep for the first 2 gours, once it let up the view was stunning. Passing limestone mountains unequaled in size, Mountainside caves with deep black openings, numerous kayakers floating away down river, endless fishing boats and villagers plying there trades riverside.... But nothing more memorable than the children waiving away ever half hour or so as we passed by there village. Most were bathing naked in the river as is done out here in rural tribes, playing and splashing about. Yelling hello and waiving at the boat, I was left speechless. Mothers were right in on the action as well, never missing a hello. All in all a great trip, except for the aching in my back from 8 hours hunched over.... that really wasn;t fun. But the glimpse I got into village life here is simply the greatest...There are too many pictures to count from this boat trip, and many are better shown in person to explain them rather then post online. So I'm going to chose a few only for the time being.... Starting tomorrow after I go through them all since I can make up my mind! :-P

     Arriving late in the afternoon, there was little to do besides eat since I was very hungry and go to sleep. I found a riverside bungalow that was very cheap and easily the most primitive thing I'm stayed in so far. There's no choice here, no nice acc. to be found. Just bamboo huts lining the river, which is fine. New room with a view in hand, I was of to sleep eager to get busy finding the places here tomorrow.... Can't wait to see this amazing view I only got a glimpse of before sunset....

       Having absolutely nothing to do today besides roam the city streets. I decided to simply walk the grounds of lovely city until I got tired. I passed by a school full of children doing jumping jacks and other routines before entering the school. After eating, I went to see if the museum was open and on the way passed an older man playing what looked like the fiddle or spare change. I stayed and listened a minute, gave something and kept going. Something about his playing made me listen with much attention, I ended up asking or his picture. There's something about street music that touches me which is strange because all other music really doesn't do crap for me. There's so much to take in when you stop to listen and keep your eye's open.

       While walking I passed 2 guys looking to catch a ride to the waterfall here, and since they needed someone else to go to get the place down, I went. So much for doing nothing today :-). So off I was to see a national park filled with falls, however this time in Laos. We all chatted the hour ride there, laughing about what it took for all of us to get here. After arrival with the group of 6 we ended up getting to get the price down to $4 a person, I was off hiking up in lip flops like an idiot but hey its a challenge. The smaller falls leading up to the top of this mountain were rather dirty and not at all like at Erawan. However the people swiming and jumping from trees into the water gave me some amusement. The climb was long and at times pretty hard on the legs, but the top was simply stunning. Now on the reverse, here the top was ar more stunning than Erawan in Thailand. Flowing at what seemed like full force even though its the dry season, this fall was massive! The sun standing directly over the fall gave it a look that only being there can you appreciate it.... But I'll show you anyhow :-P

      After the time at the falls, I headed back down which is never as interesting as going up, and since I was the only one on time to the truck taking us back, I had plenty of time to grab something to eat from a stand. While waiting I had time to watch some ducks drinking away at a stream. Nothing spectacular but nice all the same.

      Once back to Luang Prabang, I headed immediately back to Phou Si hill to watch the sunset from atop the highest point around. I pictured it being a highlight of my time here. Turns out I was right, but in an very amusing and less romantic way. The top was covered with maybe 100 people of all nationalities waiting for the sunset. I was able to get to the front row by swooping in every time someone got sick of waiting and left. However even there, No good pictures were possible as a man had put himself on a rock and blocked the view for the angry mob behind which got pretty ugly. I found the whole thing very amusing. Regardless, this place is one of my favorites and taking in the view along up here is to die for. So I took my attempted picture and got one ok shot and a pretty cool one with the guy's silhouette from blocking everything. Plus a picture of all the people there for a single sunset!

      After the sunset or lack there of seeing one, I was off to the Hmong night market full of wares and food for sale. Pretty much all business is made street side here, I love it. Everythings a market, the second the sun comes up everyones out getting the freshest produce from the streets morning market, at night tents line the streets to sell just about anything else. Quite nice to see.

     Off to Nong Kiaow in the morning, a small town up river. Taking a slowboat there, and although it's 7 hours crammed on a boat with wooden benches, I hear the scenery is the best Laos has to offer on any boat ride......