January 25, 2004

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang is a great little city. Probably my favourite on the trip so far. The old city lies nestled between the Mekong and the Nam Khan rivers and is chock full of temples, palm-lined streets, and French colonial architecture.

Anita had picked up a cheap ticket from Australia so she came up to visit. A little strange for me travelling with a companion again after a couple of months alone but she was very tolerant of my crusty ways.

We took a stroll around the town and into a few temples. A novice approached us at one eager to improve his english. For many young Laos the Buddhist temples are a way to get an education. They often "take the robes" at 12 years old or so and stay on through their teenage years. Once they are 18 or so they can elect to become monks, having spent a large amount of time studying Buddhism, meditation, and the languages Bari and Sanscrit. Many would like to return to the outside world though and for them english is a more useful tool. Practicing with tourists is a prime way of improving.

We spoke for some time with Kalm (what a name for a monk) and Anita even convinced him to teach us to meditate. Just a five minute lesson but you could see that he was deeply immersed.

Finally we continued on our way around the rest of the town, before taking my same driver back to the waterfall. This time I'd chance a swim in the cold but clear waters.

The french influence in the town is still very strong, with coffee and baguettes easy to find and a number of french restaurants. We decided to head to the most expensive we could find, a very elegant place just near the river. Aperitifs, wine, and, for me, fillet mignon in a blue cheese sauce came to a whopping $12 for both. Very nice it was too.

Posted by David at January 25, 2004 11:12 PM