Our first day in this little paradise of Luang Prabang. We are here for 9 days. My not be enough! We didn't rise at 6am to watch the procession of monks past our hotel, seeking alms and food. We can participate in this ritual later, just ask the staff for some rice to donate and we too will be blessed!
It's peaeful and quiet here, a very international clientele but seasoned travelers by the look of it, many returning once they are hooked...few North Americans. Maybe the Americans go to Vietnam.
After breakfast we venture out to explore the lovely little town. Quite touristy main street, some very classy residences, restaurants and shops. The weaving rom this country is exquisite, better than anything we've ever seen anywhere. Reminds me of Guatemala in the 60s with more tourists.
There's a weaving school I might try my hand at. Also cooking schools where I will definitely go later this week. You do a market tour first.
The tapestries are finished back and front, the work quite asounding, but prices to match. The wall hangng we love is US$500! You can haggle where there is no price advertized but seems the price is set if it's marked, esp. next door to the most expensive hotel in town!
Yesterday we were pretty exhausted but today we were out exploring. So much to see and do here. Those who were not going to shop...have already acquired a number of lovely things, but small or edible! - silver necklace (ECF) and earrings (SF), green and ginger tea - and have my eye on some of the gorgeous silk scarves which won't take up any space at all!
I am now looking for a Lao flute as I've heard the music and it's lovely...but it will need to be travel size, but good for my collection.
Tomorrow before it gets too hot we will cimb the hill overlooking the whole city to see the magnificent temples and National Palace complex from the royal era, before communism took over.
I think my iPad has caught up with the time now, I'm not writing this in themiddle of the night.
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