We ended up on a long slow boat cruising on the grand Mekong River. The views were incredible. When I wasn't taking a nap, reading, or enjoying the fun company of my friends, I would get lost deep in thought. It was so peaceful and relaxing.
After a full day of boating, we docked at this tiny little city called Pak Beng (no idea if that is how you spell it). Getting out of the touristy area, Erin, Eden, Jenna, and I went on adventure following the one road of the town. We met some very friendly locals and had a grand ol' time. We also met a smiling group of children. We stopped to talk, but with no one saying anything, we just stood there for about 5 minutes, everyone smiling at everyone. Then we decided to keep going on our walk. When we turned back for dinner we ran into the kids again. This time they ran over to us, with more confidence, and one of the girls reached out for my sunglasses. I let her put them on and snapped a quick picture. We invented quite the game. All of the kids wanted their turn with my glasses. So we took pictures, taught them how to give high-fives, and enjoyed each others' company for awhile.
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| The small girl who started it all :) |
After dinner the same crew, as well as our new-found friend Marcella, hit up the only bar in town. They gave us all free shots. And only Marcella drinks alcohol. So that was pretty funny. But they played some good music and we had a fun dance party in the bar.
The next day was also spent on the boat. I will be posting more pictures on my facebook from this trip, but even the pictures don't do it justice. That evening we pulled into Louang Prabang. After eating a nice meal, taking in the views, and checking out the markets I decided that this was an awesome city. The cobblestone sidewalks and endless amount of baguettes (both a result of French colonization) were very much enjoyed.
I did have the unfortunate experience of standing in a nest of these tiny red ants that I have never seen in Thailand. Anyways, before I realized it, my foot was on fire and a old store keeper was pulling me out of the area and helping me brush them off. I was in pain and let's be honest, feeling really dumb. But this woman took me by the hands, led me to her desk, and started administering some sort of medical cream/gel on my feet. For this woman to rub her hands all over my dirty feet (keeping in mind she is Buddhist)...I just felt so much love. It was an act of kindness that I will not soon forget. With that said, my foot still hurt and became swollen. Back at my hotel room I counted dozens of bites. Thankfully when I woke up the next morning my foot wasn't super swollen, just a tad bit sore.
But if I was feeling sorry for myself, that quickly was replaced with amazement when we went to the waterfalls. Simply breathtaking. It was so gorgeous. Plus, there was a rope swing and plenty of places to jump off the falls. Let's just say I was in heaven.
The rest of my time in Laos was spent exploring and relaxing. I fed monks in the early mornings, ate really good Western food (but unfortunately made me rather sick at some points...let's hope that doesn't happen when I come home), and thoroughly enjoyed myself.
The emotions I felt while flying into Chiang Mai were very similar to those that I feel when I am about to land in Portland. This is my second home. I had a great time in Laos, but I am ecstatic to be back. I really missed my younger brothers and sisters and my co workers, and I am so happy to be with them again!
Til the next adventure,
Peace.
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