Laos And Laos Of Fun

That's the best way to summarize our three days in Luang Prabang, which is the 4th largest city (population ~ 65,000) but #1 tourist destination in Laos. Based on comments from friends who had been to Laos, we had high hopes going in......it's safe to say that our experience exceeded those lofty expectations. The thing that really struck us was how peaceful this place is. Everything -- the people, the natural beauty, the temples, even the night market -- has a consistent serenity, making it easy for visitors to quickly feel very comfortable. The highlights of our three days included a hike to the top of Phousi Hill in the center of town, a 6-hour boat ride with stops along the way at a couple villages and the Tham Ting Cave, shopping at the night market, and sitting in at a temple as Buddhist monks chanted in prayer.
Here are a bunch of pictures -- the two of us in front of one of the MANY Buddhas we came across, Pallavi taking notes in the pottery village (notice the monk in the orange robe chilling in the background), the two of us in the Tham Ting Cave (there are over 5800 Buddha idols inside this cave!), our guide for the 6-hour boat tour....his name is Wat, and he kept directly addressing us as 'Dixits' (e.g. 'Dixits, see the man on left brushing his teeth in the river...'), the Luang Prabang night market, Sleeping Buddha (as opposed to Sleeping Beauty), the view from the top of Phousi Hill.

Finally, here is our favorite picture from Laos. Yes, that's a really sharp knife in that little girl's hand. Don't worry, her mother was right there, and she didn't seem too phased.

We highly recommend a trip to Laos if you get a chance.......we think you'll La-ove it!