An extraordinary travel moment...in Laos

Imagine for a moment, that you are lounging on a private longboat, floating down the Mekong River along the shores of Luang Prabang in Laos. The day is yours, you are there to experience life on the mighty Mekong and have until well after sunset to do so. You are in the capable hands of a knowledgeable guide who is only to happy to share the beautiful countryside that is her home, a place you know little about. You hop off and on the boat happily taking in all the sights around you...cameras at the ready.

Your guide looks at you quizzically with each disembarkment, it is an all too familiar look...three cameras? You are grateful she does not ask...because, yes, three cameras are necessary and you do not want to explain why. Time is of the essence. You are even more grateful for your travel partners, husband and son, who will fill you in on anything you might miss as you wander on your own. They know you well...and have the patience of saints.

The hours pass, the sun slowly drops behind the mountains...you are are astonished by the beauty around you.  And then you see it, the gentle the sway of the curtains as they embrace the afternoon sun. That is the moment when you know...it is one you will never forget. It encapsulate the essence of everything that has passed before you. It is your travel moment.

I have a feeling a few like minded souls will know that feeling...when you connect with an experience in an extraordinary way. I could write about this at length but at some point you might start to think I am away with the fairies..so I will stop and just say...we went to Luang Prabang in Laos last week and we loved it.

On this day we visited the pottery village of "Ban Chan", the rice paper and weaving village of "Ban Xang Khong" and The Holy Caves of Pak Ou, caves cut into a limestone cliff with thousands of Buddha statues inside. Best of all, we experience a full day of life on the mighty Mekong, an experience not to be missed if you have the good fortune to travel to Luang Prabang. A place I highly recommend! Here are a few of the reasons why..... ( I am hoping the photos speak for themselves).

On and off the Mekong River

Luang Prabang, Laos

October, 2014

In anticipation of the moon....

 A splendid night;

the moon shines with extraordinary brilliancy,

 silvering the surface of this lovely river, 

boarded by high mountains, 

looking like a grand and gloom rampart. 

The chirp of the cricket alone breaks the stillness.

Explorer, Henri Mouhot

travels on the Mekong River

Laos

July 15, 1861

More to follow on our trip to Laos,

wishing you a wonderful week from Saigon...

Jeanne :)