Luang Prabang has a great feel to it, there is a strong French influence with numerous bistros and cafes, hip wine bars and French architecture. At about 5 p.m. one of the main boulevards is closed and in come numerous vendors who set up the most colorful night market we have seen so far. Handicrafts, jewelry, antique weavings, mulberry paper lanterns, and your typical tshirts and other tourist souvenirs line the streets. Ahh I again am feeling constrained by the size of my backpack and the strength of my shoulders. Unfortunately we are trying not to add to much to our bags - which means limited shopping for me. But at least I can partake in the traditional Lao massage, a bit strenuous, but probably a good workout for my muscles.
We had several leisurely days in Luang Prabang, one of which I spent with a case of “traveler”s disease” - luckily it was of the 24 hour variety. Another day we rented bicycles and just rode around the Old Quarter viewing various wats along the way. Later that same day we attended a chanting ceremony performed each day at dusk by the monks. As we were leaving the ceremony a young monk approached us and asked: “Hello, where are you from? John replied: “USA” “Which state?” “California” “Habla espanol?” Ok that caught us a little off guard. But John quickly responded “si, como estas” The monk replied: “Muy Bien!” The conversation continued, but switched to English shortly thereafter. Turns out the monk had been studying Spanish and was thrilled to even practice a simple salutation He was teaching himself by reading books and didn’t get many opportunities to actually speak. As we have discovered throughout SE Asia, it is very common for people to speak several languages - especially in tourist locations. But it is not always easy as there are not exactly classes, rather many are self-taught by books, television and talking with foreigners.
We had several leisurely days in Luang Prabang, one of which I spent with a case of “traveler”s disease” - luckily it was of the 24 hour variety. Another day we rented bicycles and just rode around the Old Quarter viewing various wats along the way. Later that same day we attended a chanting ceremony performed each day at dusk by the monks. As we were leaving the ceremony a young monk approached us and asked: “Hello, where are you from? John replied: “USA” “Which state?” “California” “Habla espanol?” Ok that caught us a little off guard. But John quickly responded “si, como estas” The monk replied: “Muy Bien!” The conversation continued, but switched to English shortly thereafter. Turns out the monk had been studying Spanish and was thrilled to even practice a simple salutation He was teaching himself by reading books and didn’t get many opportunities to actually speak. As we have discovered throughout SE Asia, it is very common for people to speak several languages - especially in tourist locations. But it is not always easy as there are not exactly classes, rather many are self-taught by books, television and talking with foreigners.
