A few days ago I took a day trek out to hill villages where we were invited to join a wedding celebration (lao whisky shots all round). Later, at the Tad Sae waterfalls, we chanced upon a training session for elephants. I was offered flowers by a young foont and was surprised to observe their skills in soccer. While it was amazing to see the dexterity of these magnificant animals, it was also a little sad. Surely these great beings should not be made to sit and lie down on command?
Yesterday, finally, I extricated myself from the warm embrace of Luang Prabang!! Have safely arrived in the tiny town of Luang Nam Tha. Its main claim to fame is its proximity to the National Protected Area, which hosts tigers, leopards, 200-and-something bird species.
Today I went for a trek through the jungle, up and down hazardously slippery trails with my freshly-cut walking stick. We had lunch laid out on leaves; sticky rice, pumpkin, spicy tofu and biscuits. We then stopped in an Akha village and shared rice wine with the village chief and swapped songs... an Irish tune, Laos love song, Hebrew walking song and Aussie offering (Waltzing Mathilda was all I could come up with I regret to say!!). In the village was a tiny hut on stilts with a removable ladder and our guide said it is for the boys aged between 13-17... a fine way to manage raging hormones! We danced the can-can for the village children (how's that for cultural exchange?!) then boarded the sangthaew to head back to town.
Tomorrow I am heading west to go to the Gibbon Experience so will be out of reach for a few days!
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2 comments:
hello chellie..jus checking if this works..
Aahh, it works..Yay! I've been tring to work this thang out..the secrect confuscian recipe..thou must use e-mail address to log into blog....I've been enjoying reading of your travels, sounds as though you're really stretching your boundaries and making the most out of your time..
I'm sure you must know this already but in case news has travelled slowly I must tell you that the Australian Government has said sorry to the Indigenous custodians of Australia..A long time coming and much reason for lengthy celebration..Very Happy!! I went into our lovely Fed Square and marked the occassion by sitting in front of Archie Roach and listening to his lovely soul music..
I miss you Chelle, the air around here is not the same without your vocal harmonies in it.. I've been drawing lots and can't wait to share music and art and all things godly and godsent with you when we see each other again..
All my love to you..
May God Bless Your Journey..
Karleigh XOx
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