Our guesthouse, Sayyo Xieng Mouane, is across the street from Wat Xieng Mouane a large monastery that dates back to 1879. our room overlooks it and it's interesting to see the monks (lots of young boys) going about their daily chores as well as learning painting, wood carving etc. To help maintain Luang Prabang's temples.
This morning I awoke to the sound of drums which heralded the preparation of the monks daily alms procession. At dawn each day a line of monks walk barefoot through the streets with their begging bowls into which the local folk place small balls of sticky rice. I don't think this happens in Sri Lanka so I was fascinated watching this from our 1st-storey bedroom window. This tradition has become a circus in recent years with loads of tourists arriving in droves wanting a "photo op". Thankfully there were no 'Falangs' (westerners/tourists) in our part of the street getting in the monks faces with their cameras so I was able to enjoy the quiet, meditative ceremony in peace and quiet still in my pyjamas!
Later on we got rid of the boys (they went to Kuansi Waterfall with the Earnshaw family) and Ben and I just wandered the quiet streets until we reached the bamboo bridge. This flimsy looking yet strong construct crosses the Nam Khom river and is rebuilt each year after the wet! It was so picturesque with dozens of monks crossing it when we got there. On the other side was one of luang Prabang's best kept secrets for Lao food. Seating was on recliner cushions in rustic open-sided thatched roofed pavilions perched amidst bamboo and trees - like sitting in a treehouse! Sooo relaxing. The food was interesting and a real taste sensation - Mekong seaweed, buffalo skin, dry pork with sesame etc.
Even the nightly markets set up along the length of the main street has a relaxed feel to it. tourist oriented but highly appealing and soooo tempting! It's low lit and quiet with politely spoken stall holders who do no hard selling. Probably the most tranquil market in Asia.
It's going to be very hard leaving this town and heading to Vang Vieng's party atmosphere. Hopefully we'll retain some of this calm we currently feel.
Boys will be boys - a couple of novice monks stirring up their classmates :)
Early morning walk - collecting alms. Each day before sunrise we would look out of our hostel window at this silent procession of monks collecting donations form Buddhist devotees.
Always eating eating eating ...
roasted bananas! mmm mmm mmm
the incredible wats dotted everywhere we went - so symmetrical and beautiful
this little ANCIENT one was our favourite - stayed here for ages soaking in the peace and admiring it's perfect lines - sketching it (or trying to!).
the stunning artwork on the walls inside.
where else would you buy mandarins from?
best fruit juices EVER!! We had a few! :D
our favourite food stall at the night markets
There was such a magical peacefulness to Luang Prabang a different beat and stillness that was seen and felt wherever we walked.
Journaling over breakfast with THIS view! Inspiring!
Always look up!
Young novice monks - with the ubiquitous mobile phone!
perfection
Escaping from the boys and the Earnshaw family, to a little 'treehouse' style restaurant
crossed this bridge to get to our restaurant - then we sat for hours watching the locals, the monks etc crossing it. Something very still about that view.
no caption needed
chillies drying in the sun
these mini pancake-like melt in your mouth goodness was our favourite dessert!
this cheeky fellow kept following Ramesh around so here's a photo :)
finding roadside cafes (with retro tablecloths!) serving DELICIOUS food! Our fave pasttime!
Such lovely kids
Our HUGE room that cost $25 a night! The boys were 'upstairs', our huge bed was 'downstairs' and we had a great little ensuite and an awesome view over the Wat Xieng Mouane. Watching the monks at work and play was very soothing.
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