Friday 3 May 2013

Luang Prabang




Thursday  April 25 :



There are no meals at the Villa Senasouk so I walk just 30 seconds to the Bakery for breakfast.

Because of colonial history there is a strong French influence here and French seems to be quite widely spoken by the locals.  There are also a fair few French visitors.

The breakfast experience is not dissimilar to  "le petit dejeuner"  in the southern towns and villages of France.

Coffee, toast, croissants, eggs if you want, and just watch the world go by ! 






I have been told that there is an elephant sanctuary offering Mahout training courses about 10kms. north of Luang Prabang, so I walk into town to make a few inquiries.  This time I walk along the banks of the Mekong river,



On the way I visit the beautiful Xienthong Temple.
Some of the artwork is amazing.



There are not hundreds of street artists - these two guys are the only ones to have a license to work by the road.
They make art look so easy ! You can buy direct from them here but a lot of their work ends up at the night market.

Only ever 3 colours.
Pen and ink
No detail necessary.
Simple is best !

I found a great place to stop for some lunch.  Overlooking the river and with a nice garden but I'm not sure about the pricing policy !!!

             


After lunch I get into town and try to organise my day with the elephants.

Bad news  .....     Because this is the "low" season and there are relatively few tourists around, loads of people have booked for elephant "rides",  that is, sitting in a Howdah (seat)  on the back of an elephant and being taken for a ride.  I however,  am the only person who wants to learn how to "drive" an elephant (Mahout)! and they normally need at least six people..      

Good news .....  I persist and seeing my obvious enthusiasm and an extra $20 !  I have booked a private days tuition tomorrow.


Coming  Soon  !!

For Josh, Harry, Emily and Georgia if she's watching,  I'm sorry there hasn't been any silly hats or animals for a while so I'm going to keep this blog a bit short and leave you with a preview of what's coming next !  This video clip should give you a laugh !