Laos airlines will never make it into the top 10 airlines of the world. Actually I wouldn't even call it an airline. Its more of a bus company that had to save up a few years to buy a few propeller airplanes and stick some stickers on the side. Turbulence that wouldn't phase a normal aircraft creates mindful death gasps when the tin can drops 30 feet 10 seconds before landing in the dark. Im on the ground now, and the airplane I am running from becomes the least of my worries as I remember I have have the equivalent of $20 USD in Vietnamese dong and a visa at the airport costs $35 USD in Lao Kip or USD. I stand in line hoping my charm will miraciously change my currency and put a smile on the face of the immigration officer a few steps in front of me. This doesnt happen. Everyone seems tired (its 7pm) from a long day of work and the clap of each light cluster is drawing nearer as the airport is closing. Laos doesnt look good. With me next in line to the disgruntled immigration man, I decide to drop my pride and start asking the few other foriengers for a loan of $35 USD until I reach an ATM. A weary but kind Canadian couple step up to the plate to save my ass, and I learn a lesson in carrying cash when entering little countries.
A little tuk tuk takes me into the calm, warm village of Luang Prabang from the airport and right into the center where I easily find Karolina, my Swedish travelmate, enjoying a crepe (a relic hand and hand with the bagette left over from the colonial french) and chatting with a Hong Kong friend met on the tuk tuk into town. She makes me jealous with her stories of Vietnam Airlines jet powered planes and claims of Laos Airlines sub par safety record. We all sigh from leaving the hectic life of Vietnam and Hong Kong and melt into the buddist calm that sits over the city like a dimly lit haze. We are instantly in love with this village. Ohhhh ... Luang Prabang.
The next few days pass quickly and slowly at the same time, while Karolina and I take our time relishing in coffee, dining with the sunsets on the Mekong, visiting charming buddist temples, watching the world smile after Obama is elected to office (and my tears of joy and pride at the acceptence speech), bicycle riding to markets, and shopping that requires more of waking up the shop owner to buy something, than young men hoaking worthless items at you (vietnam). We get nothing done. We love ever minute of it.
Laos airlines will never make it into the top 10 airlines of the world. Actually I wouldn't even call it an airline. Its more of a bus company that had to save up a few years to buy a few propeller airplanes and stick some stickers on the side. Turbulence that wouldn't phase a normal aircraft creates mindful death gasps when the tin can drops 30 feet 10 seconds before landing in the dark. Im on the ground now, and the airplane I am running from becomes the least of my worries as I remember I have have the equivalent of $20 USD in Vietnamese dong and a visa at the airport costs $35 USD in Lao Kip or USD. I stand in line hoping my charm will miraciously change my currency and put a smile on the face of the immigration officer a few steps in front of me. This doesnt happen. Everyone seems tired (its 7pm) from a long day of work and the clap of each light cluster is drawing nearer as the airport is closing. Laos doesnt look good. With me next in line to the disgruntled immigration man, I decide to drop my pride and start asking the few other foriengers for a loan of $35 USD until I reach an ATM. A weary but kind Canadian couple step up to the plate to save my ass, and I learn a lesson in carrying cash when entering little countries.
A little tuk tuk takes me into the calm, warm village of Luang Prabang from the airport and right into the center where I easily find Karolina, my Swedish travelmate, enjoying a crepe (a relic hand and hand with the bagette left over from the colonial french) and chatting with a Hong Kong friend met on the tuk tuk into town. She makes me jealous with her stories of Vietnam Airlines jet powered planes and claims of Laos Airlines sub par safety record. We all sigh from leaving the hectic life of Vietnam and Hong Kong and melt into the buddist calm that sits over the city like a dimly lit haze. We are instantly in love with this village. Ohhhh ... Luang Prabang.
The next few days pass quickly and slowly at the same time, while Karolina and I take our time relishing in coffee, dining with the sunsets on the Mekong, visiting charming buddist temples, watching the world smile after Obama is elected to office (and my tears of joy and pride at the acceptence speech), bicycle riding to markets, and shopping that requires more of waking up the shop owner to buy something, than young men hoaking worthless items at you (vietnam). We get nothing done. We love ever minute of it.
Taylor--We are so sorry that we did not hook with you in this great little town. It was one of our favorite places!! I fed the monks one morning from a couple of straw baskets full of hot sticky rice. We then went to the temple and watched them mix the rice with other food that the town people brought to the temple. It was a great experience!!!
ReplyDeleteLove, Bob and Rosie