In pictures... Laos, part 2

After Luang Prabang, we headed north on a three-hour boat journey which
had it's whitewater moments, but was a wonderful way to see local life ...

... of course you do have to switch the computer off to really enjoy the view... 

... which when we reached our destination, Nong Khiaw, was spectacular.

Although there isn't much to do in the village but watch the boats...

... or the local traffic...

...  you spend most of your time just taking in the views.

Our next boat trip was even longer - 13 long hours down the Mekong to
Pak Lai where we were going to volunteer at the annual Elephant Festival.

Pak Lai is a small town on a sleepy and pretty remote bend of the river.

it was clear everyone was very proud to host so many visitors, decorating
the town and joining in all the celebrations.

One thing though - like in many of Laos' eating establishments,
the local menus made interesting reading.

The stars of the festival were awesome, even if they did keep eating the lamp-posts.

The second, and much less crowded, Elephant Procession. The previous
day's event was bedlam - imagine the entire verge packed full
with 10-deep crowds, and you get some idea...)

With all the crowds, and so many people wanting to get far too close to
the enormous and unpredictable beasts, professional, skilled and
experienced security guards played a key role.

But at the end of the day, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.