Hi, gang!
Thought I’d drop you a note to let you know I”m alive and well and living it up in Luang Prabang, Laos!
This hotel is definitely 5-star! My room is like a small house… all done in dark wood floors, cabinets, etc. The tub and shower are moulded with beautiful green concrete. I have a view that goes for miles. The pool is a mystical, disappearing pool overlooking the jungle and mountains. The restaurant is indoor/outdoor. This place is breathtaking! Wish I’d seen it before building the Coronado house… I’d have stolen some ideas!
Luang Prabang is the former capitol and home of the last king of Laos. I’ve seen every temple, museum and outdoor market (of course, I bought something at each!). The fabrics here are beautiful! $2.00 seems to be the going price for almost everything.
Food here at the hotel is fabulous! The manager is a charming French man. One thing for sure is that trip is going to go by fast!
My guide here is a 26 year-old former monk who had to quit ‘monkdom’ to help support his family. He’s married now and has a 6-month old baby boy.
Next I’m off to the Mekong Delta for a cruise on a long-tailed boat. Those puppies are really long… the one I saw yesterday was at least 60 feet!
Have been hitting the local cuisine. Found a restaurant that was listed in one of my books run by a Frenchman and his Laotian wife. Again, complete dinner for $2.00!
Weather has been good… about 80 degrees during the day. This area is considered ‘old’ Laos… no buildings to really speak of. Markets are all outdoors. We’re driving a brand new Toyota van; the driver is great, but slower compared to my wild guy in Mongolia.