Luang Prabang

typical low roofed house
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The bus ride  gave  constantly changing views as it twisted and turned across the mountains . Unfortunately , many lao people seem to suffer from motion sickness so the journey was accompanied by their regular retching. Just what you want on a 7 hr trip!

Luang Prabang is one of the top tourist spots in Laos as it's the ' best preserved city in South East Asia ' according to Unesco and has been added to the list of World Heritage sites.

It's a lovely genteel place of attractive shuttered houses , many of course catering to the tourist trade by becoming cafes or shops , but it all seems tastefully done without spoiling the natural charm of the town.I've found the Scandinavian bakery that does a great mug of coffee and Western food. I do like to eat the local cuisine , but after months of noodles and  rice dishes it's great to have a change.

Main street
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The main activity here seems to be sitting back and relaxing .Browsing the shops and markets is popular when you're feeling energetic  and when all that activity has worn you out , there are several places that can destress you with a massage for a few  dollars. It's a hard life.

I did summon up some energy to visit a nearby waterfall. There are several large pools at different levels ideal for swimming and it's a nice half day trip. At the same site there are some caged black bears and a tiger. Sadly , both the bears and tiger were orphaned as a result of hunters and the cubs were rescued but now condemned to a life in captivity.It's a real shame to see these animals in cages when they should be in the surrounding forest.

The river in the rain
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Tiger numbers particularly are dwindling and I fear it is only a matter of time until the only tigers left will be those in captivity.It's all very sad but if I start thinking too much about what we've done to the planet it will be very depressing. Enjoy it while you can!

Until now , days on this trip have hot and sunny , only varying in how hot . Now we're into the rainy season here and most days bring a shower or two.It actually makes a nice change and it's not long before the sun's back out.

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I'm making my way to northern Thailand now and the most direct route is the Mekon river , so will be aboard the slow boat tommorrow.