Robin and I found each other in the swanky and not-under-water International Airport in Bangkok and continued our journey to Luang Prabang in Laos. Even Robin's visit to Hong Kong was not without a crisis. Her booking on the Sunday morning flight to Bangkok was cancelled and after hours of panic and pandemonium, she was rebooked Saturday night only to land in a city where every available hotel room was being used by the locals evacuated from their flooded homes. The best she could do was the Grand Inncome Hotel. I say no more.
Luang Prabang is in the mountains of Laos, due north of Bangkok. Out the window, the Mekong River meanders between the ranges like a giant, chocolate snake. The landscape is lush and fascinating. No wonder we're in a turbo prop. I suspect the runway isn't going to be that long.
Visa issue and passport control are efficient and quick. That my bag has made it gives me great joy and relief. Our driver was waiting. Suddenly the trip is starting to come together. We deserve it after the rough start.
We are staying at the Villa Chitdara, a lovely little inn in beautiful downtown Luang Prabang, where the local roosters chat hourly throughout the night. Everything is close to hand, including two rivers - The Mekong and it's tributary the Nam Kham. Restaurants and guest houses abound. It's reputation as the place to chill out in Asia is just what we need.
Our first foray on foot takes us to the bank of the Mekong, a block from our hotel. The sun is setting and the scene is magical. We raise a toast to the start of our holiday adventure with a Lao beer. After an early dinner of delicious Lao cuisine, it was early to bed. Mama Robin wants to make sure that I get my health back before we hit the "working" portion of the trip in Cambodia.
I loved Luang Prabang. It's so great to see you there! go to the waterfall if you can. Touristy - sure. Hippy dippy - absolutely. But soooo worth it.
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