Rolling on the (Mekong) River

Sunrise

To an inveterate sunset junkie, it is forgivable to have forgotten that there are also things we call sunrises.

When one’s hotel room looks out across the Mekong River to Laos, facing East, one is quickly reminded of sunrises.

We got up early for breakfast so that we could make it to the immigration center by 8:00. We were able to feast on the sun rising.

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Mekong Cruise – Day 1

We met our guide and our group was ushered through Thai customs to leave. We then boarded a shuttle that took us across the “Friendship” bridge to Laos customs and immigration. Here we gave them a passport photo and some cash and were rewarded with fancy Laos visas. We then boarded vans that took us to the boat.

The boat was quite comfortable. They had assigned seats. Ellen and I had our own table. They seemed to put many of the younger couples together. I guess we aged out.

The first day itinerary was to stop at a hill tribe village after lunch, then cruise to Pakbang for our evening accommodation.

The boat took off at a smooth clip. It was very relaxing. Everyone took it easy, talked, drank coffee and tea, and generally chilled. We passed through green mountains with occasional villages and houses. Most of the areas along the water didn’t have road access, so they were most definitely off the grid.

We did see a massive construction project to build a road along the river for part of the way, but mostly it was buffalo and cattle, fishing, and various small crop fields.

We stopped at Houy Palam Khamu village. The kids swarmed the boat. Ellen and I handed out our ginger candies. It was a pretty rough climb up and down.

Eventually, we came to Pakbang, where we were taken to our hotel. We found dinner with a few of our shipmates and our guide. The restaurant signage said the wife made the best curry in town. We tried it, and it was great.

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Mekong Cruise – Day 2

We got up early to make the cruise by 7:45. At breakfast, we were treated to an elephant across the river.

We took off. Today’s itinerary included the cave temples at Pak Ou,

Whiskey tasting,

and more rolling on the river. We saw people panning for gold, as well as some larger gold operations. There were jagged rocks and rapids. Mostly, we saw beautiful scenery.

Eventually we arrived near Luang Prabang, where we transferred to vans for transport to our hotels. The road was basic.

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Postcard from Ellen’s Edge

First of all I asked the mom’s if it was okay to give candy to the kids. The adults wanted some too. We had been told/encouraged not to give money as it increases begging and kids leaving school because it is more profitable. Laos is a Buddhist and Communist country. Different from Thailand. Very slow paced , very friendly and beautiful. Still undeveloped, but the Chinese are here! We are meeting a fair number of people our age that are traveling and lot’s of young people with months at a time off work! What is wrong with our system, this is so great for them.

My knee is making steps very slow and not having hand rails harder. I am very glad we are in no hurry and don’t feel the need to climb every mountain. Food is good, more options on the street for American food here in Laos, in Thailand it was in the malls. They seem to have gotten the message about spice hot and sweetness levels, so we get asked a lot. I feel like my travel legs are coming back! It’s fun.

The news from home is sobering with the death of my aunt and 4 more friends with cancer diagnosis. I am torn how to be there for them but think just moving on and sharing the adventure is best. I am reading a lot! Mostly trying Historical fiction this part of the world. Thanks Anne for the suggestion! All emails are welcome, it is different this time traveling as I feel more rooted then when we left before. It is probably age related. Hope all is well!

Ellen