We started the day by visiting a paper factory. The paper was magnificent. We did purchase some souvenirs there. Today was kind of a lazy day spent going down the Mekong river to the cave of the Buddhas. We saw life along the river, washing clothes, bathing, and cooking. Water buffalo could be spotted along the shore as well as elephant rides. It is very easy to imagine soldiers coming down the mountains and crossing the Mekong river. The war of our youth we prot...

We started the day by visiting a paper factory. The paper was magnificent. We did purchase some souvenirs there. Today was kind of a lazy day spent going down the Mekong river to the cave of the Buddhas. We saw life along the river, washing clothes, bathing, and cooking. Water buffalo could be spotted along the shore as well as elephant rides. It is very easy to imagine soldiers coming down the mountains and crossing the Mekong river. The war of our youth we prot...

Today was what hoped this trip would show us. The theme was a day in the life of the Laotian people. The day started at 5:45 am when we fed the monks from the nearby temple. People fill the streets with baskets of sticky rice to give the monks as they walk by single file with their bowls out. Before the procession you hold the sticky rice basket over your head and make a wish. The monks are fed by what the villagers provide. Many boys spend time as monks to get a...

Today we flew from Bangkok in a small prop plane to Luang Prabang, Laos. Luang is an unesco world heritage site which means their culture s preserved and tourism is encouraged. We visited a temple in the afternoon and then climbed 328 steps to get a panoramic view of the area including the Mekong river. Dinner was at a local Laotian restaurant. So far our conclusion about the food is that it is very similar to the Thai food we get at home. Not much else to write ...