14 Feb. Today is our second day here and is much more relaxed than yesterday. We landed at the airport at 11.15 yesterday but then had a long queue at Immigration. We were checked into our hotel by 12md and were pleased that it is just as new and comfortable as advertised. We then set off on a walk to orient ourselves and find some lunch before testing out the bed with an afternoon nap.
Finding some essential supplies such as plenty of bottled water and fresh milk was made more complicated because we also needed tea and coffee having left both supplies at home somehow. Along the way we learned that the Lao people drink mainly varients of green tea or coffee. After a lengthy and hot route march around the central area I left Bob to it and retreated to the airconditioning. He was fixed on finding not only black tea but also a phone sim so he can link into the Lao phone system. He returned with black tea and a clear idea of where to go today for his sim.
This morning we set off in the cool to have breakfast at a bakery which is reputed to be the best and is also committed to fair trade and supporting local communities. The breakfast was delicious and we were given a complimentry donut with our coffee - pink icing and hearts on it. We will be going back. It was interesting how much more attractive the city looked in the cool of the morning when we were strolling along with time to look at the scenery and a sense that we knew more or less where we were going.
On our way back we did a bit of shopping and found the Lao Telecom customer service office for the sim. Elise and Ingrid will be amazed to know that Bob bought a pair of shoes. Lunch was delicious stirfry accompanied by mango and banana smoothies. I am sure I will be able to find that cafe again.
After our usual post lunch nap we took a tuk tuk out to a small Wat on the outskirts of the city. It is described as the "Forest Wat" and I thought it would be cooler than some of the more exposed memorials in the city area. We did enjoy the peace and being there while the monks were participating in their evening chant which echo-ed around the whole complex. Unfortunately it was peak hour by the time our hour was up so our tuk tuk driver failed to reappear. He obviously had closer opportunities. It took us half an hour cooling our heals to hale another one. They were a bit scarce out there at that time.
We have discovered that the trip out to the National Protected Area is not as attractive because the Chinese have built a dam on the river and the water tour section has been cancelled. The tour operator indicated that he thought we would have more interesting options at Luang Prabang. He also said he thought we would find the coach trip to Luang Prabang worthwhile and that he always encouraged people to go by land rather than fly. We have booked our seats for next Wednesday so feel quite organised.
When we returned to our room after the cleaner had been we found that we not only had our towels artfully arranged but a red rose on the bed as well. Some of the Lao are really into this Valentine thing. I will load photos separately.
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