Dawn and the early morning alms tradition - neighbourhood ladies waiting for the monks with their baskets of sticky rice. We'd heard tourists were creating a bit of a circus atmosphere and was thankful there were only a handful of tourists on the morning I went out and all were keeping a respectful distance.
As soon as the monks passed by the ladies gathered up their things and walked home while quietly chatting.
Love these small lanes of LP
This lovely Laotian lady made the best cappuccinos we've had in months. Went back to see her every morning. She taught us how to say 'so dee' - have a good day - an addition to good day and thank you which has been the limit of our greetings. We also have the hands pressed together in prayer and bowed head down pat.
Pit stop on the tuk tuk ride to the Si Kuang waterfalls 25 kms outside of the city. The engine overheated but the driver had extra water handy. Expect it wasn't the first time he needed water.
Waterfall and pools. An oasis on a day where the temps were in excess of 40 and god knows what the humidity was. Actually it would be an oasis anytime. Really beautiful.
Had a refreshing dip in the pool. Not sure how I managed to get a shot without anyone in the pool as it was well used.
Fields of leafy greens on the way to the waterfalls. The added bonus of taking day trips outside of the city means you get to see more of the countryside.
Satay and beer lunch.
Bamboo shoots stuffed with tofu, vermicelli noodles and ginger with sticky rice on the side. Apparently they boil the bamboo shoots for 6 hours and then pound till soft before stuffing them. It was delcious! There are many varieties of sticky rice and this one had purple grains in it.
Sticky rice cakes drying in the sun is a common sight in LP.
As I said - love these lanes.
Even monks use the bamboo bridges. These bridges are taken down during the rainy season and remade for the dry season. The families who make them charge a small toll for crossing but I wonder if monks are exempt.
Vat Xiengthing is considered the most beautiful Vat in all of Laos. It certainly is the most beautiful one we saw. Pictures follow.
Note the line of shoes at the bottom of the steps. Before entering any Vat you are reminded to take off your shoes, remove your hat, dress respectfully, and to speak softly.
Simply amazing tile work and details at this Vat and they really sparkle in the sunshine.
Even monks like to get their picture taken in front of special wats.
Our last morning in LP and as my knees were showing I had to rent a Laotian skirt to be suitably modest. The ladies putting it on me were all giggles and said it was beautiful. I would have worn a better top if I'd known!
The climate is ideal for growing orchids and it's a rare house or business that doesn't have some hanging in old coconut shells or even perforated plastic water bottles. Luang Prabang is a very special place and some call it paradise. Put it on your list of places to experience - you won't be sorry.
I love your posts! What a great start to the morning when I see the new one in my email. Pictures are gorgeous and you look wonderful! xoxo
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful...and it looks very clean there as well. Many wows...looking at these pics...thanks Kate,
ReplyDeleteJude