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Posted on 01/20/2009
Having crossed the Thai/Lao border at Friendship Bridge over the Mekong River, enduring the hellish 18 hour minivan ride to Luang Prabang, enjoying two blissful days wandering around the peaceful city Luang Prabang with locals, monks, tourists & tribals and enjoying the relatively serene big-bus ride back down the mountains into Vientienne, I was ready to kick back and really enjoy my final two days in Laos in the nation's capital. more...
Morning Bus Trip from Luang Prabang to Vientienne
Posted on 01/05/2009
In stark contrast to the exquisite endurance-test that is the minivan ride from Vientienne to Luang Prabang, the air-con (until the cold air stopped inexplicably an hour out of town) bus ride down the mountains into the plains of Laos to Vientienne is a pleasure-fest. It would have been nicer to catch an earlier bus in order to see the sunrise behind the ancient, jagged Laoatian mountains. Next time, God-willing I will consider that option, or better yet, hire a private car or smaller vehicle so I can make stops at scenic points along the way to facilitate my since much-improved photographic capabilities. more...
Two Days in Peaceful and Serene Luang Prabang
Posted on 01/06/2009
Luang Prabang. What can I say about this city? Serenity is its epicentre. Relaxation and peacefulness and tranquility are its ramparts. This city, with its historic sites and natural beauty, filled with peaceful and friendly Buddhist people lay and priests alike, exudes a patient and gentle charm that stayed embedded in my psyche until this day. Whenever I think of Luang Prabang, I am transported instantly to a heaven-on-earth of mystic elagant beauty. more...
Posted on 01/07/2009
The trip started at 6 o'clock afternoon and was supposed to be a scenic, relaxing journey (in my mind's eye that is!). In reality, the mini-bus ride from Vientienne to Luang Prabang was peaceful and relaxing until we started the long ascent into the rugged mountains. Once night fell, the winding-twisting-up-and-down hellish ride began. The fast-moving minivan slamming its passengers from side-to-side as it madly dashed towards the garden of Eden that is Luang Prabang. more...
Crossing the Thai/Lao Border at Nong Khai
Posted on 01/07/2009
I rolled into the border town of Nong Khai in the wee, early hours of the morning--but not so early that the first signs of daily life were already well underway, namely, the morning market and morning snack vendors. Ohh, how I love the morning market and the morning snacks! Ahh, my eyes nigh well up with tears at the fond memory of friendly market vendors smiling and chatting as they set up their tables for busy selling. And the deep fried doughnuts and piping hot soya milk carts... more...