Breakfast with the monks and lunch at the waterfall

“Get up DD!” I heard someone saying. “If you want to see the monks collecting alms you’ll have to get a move on”.  It was still dark outside – this didn’t seem like a respectable hour for a donkey to be stirring but I was keen to see age old early morning tradition of novice monks collecting rice and other foods from villagers kneeling on the pavement.


We then had our own breakfast before climbing into a tuk-tuk to head off the Kuang Si waterfalls.  On the way we stopped at Tat Paen where I was intrigued to find a little workshop where models of Pu Nheu and Nha Nheu are made.  They form part of the Songkran Festival which takes place in April and is the traditional start of the New Year.

 

 The circular walking route at Kaung Si follows the river as it cascades down a series of waterfalls, leading from one tranquil spot to the next.

Lovely, lovely Luang Prabang

Now we’ve had time to explore the beautiful town of Luang Prabang in daylight I’ve decided this is definitely my kinda town.  It’s on the World Heritage list and with good reason!  How do I start to explain the charm of it?  Perhaps it’s the brilliant colours that have the first impact.  The lush tropical vegetation is daubed with bright reds and yellows; the bouganvilleas drape over fences in scarlet profusion – and every now and then you catch a glimpse of a passing saffron robe.  In between the quaint French colonial architecture are the brightly adorned temples.  And best of all, from a donkey’s perspective – there are no noisy trucks and lorries – I say we should all get around on get around on four hooves or bicycles.  Well, I guess you could add the odd scooter to the list.

As we strolled around the lanes a cool cat relaxing in the shade leapt up and offered my one of his rice cakes which I found surprisingly tasty.

Service with a smile – Dan and Lavang provided the perfect answer to sit back and relax on the terrace and watch life in the slow lane on the Mekong.