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.

In pictures... Laos, part 1

Wat Xieng Thong, the main temple in Luang Prabang....

... a town that sits on a riverbend where the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers meet.  

It's a small place so getting around is easy, although modes of transport can be
unusual. (This is one of the bamboo bridges rebuilt each year after annual floods.)

Bicycles are a great way to get around the town...

which is the country's spiritual centre ...

... as well a hub as for art and culture...

... and of course education and learning.

A real highlight is the street food - this is one of our favourite "noodle soup ladies".

The pace of life is as gentle as can be. While children play on the riverbank...

... fishermen try for their evening catch. 

.

And although the gusty weather can catch anyone out...

... there's often a beautiful sunset to end the day. 

One of our first trips was to a local village keen to work with volunteer teachers
on our project. The villagers' hospitality was generous to say the least...

... and everyone, including our American fellow volunteer Donna,
was defeated by the countless bowls of delicious food.

The local schoolchildren certainly enjoyed having us there...

... even though John bravely decided to do an impromptu English lesson.

We were invited to join the local game of petanque...

... which wasn't particularly wise after the amount of Lao beer we'd consumed.

Back in Luang Prabang, the early morning market is always full of life....

... and people of all ages.

There are veggies and herbs of all colours and tastes...

... including in the local delicacy, Mekong river weed,
which is delicious when fried with salt and chilli. 

The Mekong is particularly beautiful at sunset...

... and it's then the night market comes to life...

... where the street food - here sampled by Aussie fellow volunteer Mel -
isn't just very tasty, it's an absolute bargain at 60p for a huge plateful... 

... all rounded off with one of the legendary local fruit shakes. 

And yes, we did actually do a lot of teaching...

... as well as find some time for weekend side-trips...

(L to R: Mel, John, Kirsten, Donna, Lili and Henry)
Our small team of volunteers, included two Aussie sisters, two solo American
ladies and us. Our colleagues were fantastic - engaging, fun and supportive -
here seen with us on a trip to the nearby Kuang Si waterfalls...

... where there was no shortage of local wildlife.

 

The colours of Luang Prabang are among its many charms...

... as of course is the local hospitality and kindness. We were privileged to be
invited to a Baci ceremony, when protective spirits which have
wandered astray are asked to return and restore our inner peace. 

After prayers are said, and offerings of food are made, small strings
are tied to everyone's wrists as a ceremonial sign of harmony.

By the end of it all, we were fully fed - body and soul.