Luang Prabang

Woke and did a little walking around town.  Luang Prabang has a poplulation of about 40,000 - 50,000 and is at the conflunence of the Nam Kahn River and the Mekong.  It was once the capital of Lao, until the communist takeover in 1975.  Vientiene, south from here and on the Thailand border, is now the capital.  Will be in Vientiane in about 10 days.  

Many westerners around town, many French, as Lao was French until 1945.  French TV stations, French often overheard in street conversations.  

A very safe place.  Reserved room another 3 nights...am in a small room, with a great shower, a flat screen and a balcony overlooking the Mekong, about 2 blocks from the central part of town and the National Lao Musuem.

Walked around the day market.  After spending 5 mornings walking through Keng Tung, Myanmar's market, it was like walking through a WalMart.  Lack of atmosphere compared to Keng Tung's market.  Keng Tung's market was unbelievable.

Got my bearings and then stopped at a restaurant overlooking the Mekong and watched several young Buddhist boys attempting to get their long boat running.  

Was sunny, warm enough to sit without a jacket and just watch the river and the many long boats.  After beer was finished walked 50 yards to the Guest House and took an afternoon nap. 

Had contacted Robin, the Brit I met and made friends with at the Bamboo Nest in Chiang Rai about a month ago when I first landed in Northern Thailand. Made plans to meet with him this evening up at the National Musuem, once the Royal Palace for the King of Lao before the Communist takeover by the Pathet Lao in 1975.

Robin

Luang Prabang is more expensive than any location I have traveled so far, and it definitely has a western feel.  Is still reasonable, but some things approach US prices.  

Luang Prabang is a prime destination in SE Asia, and I can see why.  Many westerners - young, old, t shirts, tank tops, jeans, and the more conservative dress of older westerner travelers on packaged tours.

After meeting, Robin and I retired to a restaurant overlooking the Mekong and talked about where we have been in the month since we first met at the Bamboo Nest in Chiang Rai.  Had a few beers and dinner as the sun set.

Sunset on the Mekong, from a riverside restaurant 100 yards from my Guesthouse.

A relaxing day.  Great conversation again with Robin.  Although on much different life paths, we can talk for hours without interruption....

Finally, a great Mocha.