Cowboys in Laos

Yesterday I left Vientienne Laos to fly to Luang Prabang for the final part of a not so exciting tour of Laos. Half way into the 45 minute trip I looked out the window to see the view had changed to a forest of lush green mountains with craggy peaks. A few minutes later the pilot announced "prepare to land." I could see nowhere to land until we banked almost 45 degrees to squeeze through some mountains into a spectacular valley fed by the Mekong River. Still no place to land, but we kept descending until I saw the smallest runway in history.
In flight school the one thing that you practice endlessly is the short field landing, in case you have to make an emergency landing somewhere. The Lao Airways pilot must have paid attention during these lessons because he planted the plane.
Waiting for my luggage in the tiny airport, I was grinning like a fool when the 2 pilots walked past me. They gave me the "what's wrong with you, Lady ?"look. I couldn't stop grinning. They had just planted 300 people on a postage stamp and were walking away like it was nothing.
Later I was talking about the landing with my new guide. He said that if it is cloudy or if it is the rainy season, none of the other airlines will fly into Luang Prabang. Laos Airlines flies here no matter what.
The wild west is still alive in the far east!

Viet Nam Contrast

New Face of Saigon

Saigon is now known as Ho Chi Minh city and along with the new name, it has a very new look. The downtown looks like any major city in the world. Even though the country is over 80 % Buddhist and only %10 Catholic, there were more Christmas decorations and lights throughout the city than I have seen in American cities. The same thing was true of New Years Eve celebrations. It was a beautiful celebration complete with flower shows, lights and parties, even though it was a western celebration. Chinese New Year isn't until Feb 14, but the western New Year was a big event.

New Years Day in Halong Bay, Viet Nam

The wooden dragon prow of our boat points the way through the thousands of limestone pillars and mists of Halong Bay. This is the northern most point of our trip and today we head to our last stop - Hanoi.

It's Christmas Day Here.....

And I send to you my favorite American Indian blessing:
"...and the creator of all things brought light to the world.
May it fill you with joy
and make the voice of your heart undeniable."
The best of the holidays to you from ramblin me.

Bangkok Kitty

This Kitty and her sister seem to be permanent guests at my hotel. They hang out on the deck overlooking the canal where I have breakfast.

Back in Bangkok

I'm back at my hotel in Bangkok where I will stay until I leave for an organized tour of Viet Nam and then for a short organized tour of the northern cities of Laos before heading on to Dubai. On Christmas day I'll actually be flying into Hanoi and it feels a little strange to be celebrating the holidays in Buddhist countries. There is an attempt by the stores, airlines, and hotels to have Christmas decorations and Christmas music for the tourists. Both Thai Airlines and Laos Airlines were playing the Kenny G Christmas CD. I wanted to let them know that in America, playing that CD is considered torture, especially when you have heard it for the 1000th time, but I behaved.

Last Night on the Rooftop

My last night in Laos found me in my usual place on the rooftop of the Pakse Hotel, watching the sun go down and drinking a last Lao beer.

A Four Headed Beast

Temple Stairs

The shocking pink stairs are lined with dragon-like creatures and cobras. Everywhere in both Cambodia and Laos, hand railings on bridges and in temples all are lined with carved cobras.

View From the Temple

If Peter Max Designed a Temple

This is a working temple just south of Pakse on Rt 13. Every inch of it is painted in vibrant colors. There is also spiritual text painted on top of that. It's at the top of a hill and serves as a spiritual retreat for the Buddhist monks or anyone who wishes to worship here.

My Trustworthy Driver and Bargainer

Traffic Jam

Tourist cottages on the Mekong

Notice the hammock strung across each deck

The Village Near the Waterfall

Banana Plants

Coconuts and Soft Drinks for Sale

Downstream

The Somphamit Waterfall - Laos

This waterfall spread over a large area and almost everywhere you looked the water was finding its way though cracks and paths to come back together in a powerful stream.

4000 Island

We have gotten into the area where the branching Mekong makes small islands, most of which have small rural villages that recently have added water side bungalows for tourists. It's a chance to really get to see village life close up. This is a french made railroad bridge that connects 2 of the islands.

Another Lunch Overlooking the Mekong

4 Paul - MR Ducks

The King Kong Pizza Restaurant on the Mekong

Along the Mekong

Boating the Mekong

I love this photo. I asked the driver of our boat if I could take his picture and he posed this way for me.