Laos

I LOVE LAOS!!!! Laos and Cambodia have been my favorite countries so far. I've realized that I enjoy smaller, quieter towns much more than loud and busy cities. I was ready to escape the craziness of Hanoi - streets crowded with people, cars, scooters, shouting, and more honking than I've ever heard in my entire life. The driving in Bali and Hanoi have been the worst by far. Coming to Luang Prabang was a breath of fresh air.

A Japanese guy I met in Halong Bay was on my flight to LP so we shared a cab and stayed at the same guest house. We woke up at 5 a.m. yesterday to watch the Buddhist monks collect offerings from the locals. After, I rented a bike and slowly made my way to some beautiful waterfalls. I was advised to take a tuk tuk instead of biking, but of course I turned that down. However, the ride wasn't exactly a walk in the park. 32 km to the falls sounded easy enough but on my heavy, single speed bike, the 30 km uphill ride was a little more than I bargained for. The tuk tuk drivers were impressed that it took me only 1:50 min to finish...apparently that was a good time. Wish I had known about the mountain bikes with gears that were available beforehand. But the waterfalls were beautiful and totally worth the trek.

Instead of catching a rose back to town, I decided to brave the bike ride back. I stopped halfway for lunch at a little local joint. There were two older gentlemen in the army and one of their friends having lunch as well. They invited me over to join them but spoke no English. Anyways, they offered me beer and I accepted. But apparently when you "cheers" in Laos you have to chug your glass. Luckily the glasses were pretty small but I can't chug and they continued to fill up my glass about five or six times. I was definitely feeling the effects but thankfully they drove me back to town and even oUr for my meal. The food is really delicious and so cheap! I tried dried river weed which sounded disgusting but was really tasty and dried buffalo skin which tasted a little like beef jerky.

I biked around town, went to the Phu Si temples, and walked around the night market. LP has the best night market. Delicious food with fresh veggies and fruit shakes, tummy baked goodies, and tons of cool artwork, bags, jewelry, and other fun things. I'm currently drinking a latte on a crisp morning overlooking the Mekong river. LP was a much needed breath of fresh air after Hanoi.

Tomorrow I head to Vang Vieng and then Chang Mai, Thailand after that. I can't believe I've made it to five countries so far and only have two left! It's been an amazing journey so far and I feel so blessed to be able to do this. I definitely caught the travel bug....if only there was a way I could get paid to travel. Know of anyone who works at a travel magazine? :)

I can't believe I'm missing another Thanksgiving, but I'll enjoy some Thai.curry while you're all feasting on turkey, mashed potatoes, and pie.