I’m drunk on Beerlao right now!
First thing I take a bag full of children’s clothes I have been carrying since Australia to the Lotus Villa Hotel for donation to an orphanage close to Luang Prabang. I spoke to Andrew Brown, manager of the orphanage, and hope to visit there tomorrow.
A tributary of the Mekong rivers comes down the mountains and tumbles into the mighty river not far from Luang Prabang. It’s a beautiful spot and popular with the tourists and locals. It requires a bit of a road trip then a short down river journey on a motorised long boat. The water is crystal clear and cold. There is plenty here to keep visitors happy, including elephant rides into the water. Were lunching ant at the table next to us is a very loud group of Russians. They have a local guide showing them around. He can speak a little English as well as Russian, Chinese and of course Lao. He is Yao culture. Like the Hmong, Yao are hills people too and they’re cultural region spans several countries including Mongolia, northern Vietnam and the mountains of Lao. He acquired his Russian speaking skills from an education in Russia, courtesy of the Laos government. Laos and Russia are closely tied and until recently, the Laos flag carried the hammer and sickle. It doesn’t any more but the Lao flag is often displayed with the Russian flag side-by-side.
It’s an enjoyable day and my guide is Sithtidate. He works at at at a popular tourist swimming pool bar. It’s his day off and he shows me around. He is from Veng Vieng. He is moving from his crowded company provided accommodation to something more private and I help him. He is moving to a very simple place, which consists of a 3-meter by 3-meter ply board room with shared toilet and bathroom. This is very basic but such is life in Laos. He has nice friends though, in the same complex. They can speak some English and I feel welcome. We drink and eat to celebrate the move. I appreciate my own life even more. These people are content with the absolute basics. Alcohol helps. I enjoy the genuine experience and insight into Laos life.
Last night I sprung a young student monk smoking behind a stupa! I saw another littering! Hmmm…
angusmccoll 