East, West, Far East (or Roots & Wings): Down the Mekong

After a short few days in chilly Northern Thailand (we bought pants!), we drove via bridge into Laos. Land of many sandwiches! Thanks to the French influence, we have seen baguette sandwiches everywhere we've been. Matt is stoked!

We hopped on to a 2 day slow boat to Luang Prabang. This used to be a local experience with a cargo boat and many local people, but the backpacker trail is well worn here, and now you are on a boat with around 70-80 other tourists. Comically, these long boats are filled with seats that look like they were taken from a 1990s van (like the Previa).

Not our boat but pretty much the same.

Flags on long bamboo poles and waiting for the boat to leave (it was around two hours late)

Baguettes to go wrapped in banana leaves..

Good times coasting down the Mekong with Matt and his "Myanmar mandolin."

Lao Village folk along the way..

Ladies cleaning fish by the river.

We spent one night in Pakbeng, halfway through the journey. Early morning view of the Mekong River, a papaya tree outside of our bedroom window, long boats, and work elephants across the river.

Novice monk riverside with matching bucket and bundle.

As we approached Luang Prabang, the topography became much more steep and dramatic with huge limestone carsts bursting skyward. Hopefully we will be doing some good climbing here in Laos!