We crossed the Mekong River into Laos. Then we made our way to the sleeper bus
After a harrowing 12 hours on a road that twisted through the mountains like a snake, we made it to Luang Prabang, the northern most major Lao city. I slept for the afternoon, stretching out in my bed in my single room and using the private bathroom. What a luxary!
I had noticed a place on the main road earlier called "The Pizza Company" and it had been oh, so long since I had eaten such a promising looking pie. I had no choice but to go there. I wandered around town in the early evening before grabbing a table and a 'Beer Lao', the country's pride and joy. I devoured the best veggie pizza that I have eaten in 6 months. The older couple next to me initiated conversation with a "Well, I'm glad you're a young lady with an appetite!" I slowed down to talk to them. They were Canadians who owned a set of villas in Chiang Mai, Thailand and were visiting Laos for the weekend to renew their visas. Their typical older couple camaraderie (and nagging) was cute to listen to. I had big plans for the next day and couldn't resist some alone time, so I headed back to the guest house to relax into the rest of the evening.
The next morning after breakfast of tea and a baguette, I rented a gas scooter. I had heard the best way to visit the waterfalls outside of town was to go it on your own rather than rent a tuktuk to drive you. Never mind I had never driven a scooter before, I can figure it. I promptly drove straight into a curb. After that embarrassing start, I did figure it out and headed out of town. For about 20miles, I weaved around rice paddies, small village huts, wooden bridges, and genuine Lao jungle country side until I reached Kuang Si Waterfalls. The first stop was a Asiatic Bear refuge center. They were rehabilitating bears that had been hurt by poachers in the area. Farther along, I reached the bottom of the falls. The pools were a beautiful milky blue. I headed to the side less traveled and starting hiking, or really climbing, up to the top. Once up, I took off my shoes and waded across, peeking over the edge, and then climbing down the other side. When I reached the bottom once more, I found the swimming areas. Lao and foreigners were diving off the smaller falls and wading around in the warm water. After a little deliberation, I gave in and went off the rope swing. I also helped a Lao girl who couldn't swim very well jump in and doggie paddle to the shore.
On my ride back into town, I went off on some dirt, pot-holed roads trying to find some caves. I had become overconfident in my scooter skills and went head over handle-bars. There was a reason I had a first aid kit in my backpack. Bleeding and bruised, but bandaged, I got back to my room and again took the rest of the evening off.
The next day, I realized my injuries and moved slowly from cafe to restaurant for most of the day. I was content to read and people watch in the laid-back town. In the evening, I hiked up the central hill to watch the sunset. Miss Thailand was there recording a segment for the Discovery Channel. When I hiked back down, I stepped right into the night market. Hundreds of tents of vendors and, to my gleefulness, a cheep Lao buffet. Per usual to where my money goes, I bought earrings and food.
The next day...a Lao cooking class.
