Getting Luang Prabanged as we speak

Luang Prabang is truly a beautiful city, and deserving of its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike the rest of Northern Laos we've seen, the city is crawling with wats and monks (one of whom is sitting at the computer next to me, downloading .mp3's i think, dressed in his saffron robes). Much of the french colonial history of the city is very apparent in both architecture and cuisine, and french travelers seem to outnumber everyone else.





Yesterday was a wandering day - to the market, to the museum, to a few temples. The city is distinctively lacking in high buildings, which makes the wats stand out. The Meknog and its tributary, the Sam Kahn, wrap around the old city.





Sadly, though, we are likely here for just another day or so before starting the long journey to Hanoi - by boat, bus and truck. We will likely be out of computer cnotact until reaching the city. We remain well, though Christine is wrestling with a bout of the pukes today, only the second time on our trip. Despite a gurgling stomach, I've avoided the worst of it. It must have been the place I convinced her to eat yesterday - a whole meal for both of us for only $1.50 on the street. You know there will be an eventual payback for that kind of price!

Sorry the pictures are sideways - just the way its gonig to be i am afraid. I you were here you could get a $5 massage for an hour to take care of any soreness that results...

Ian