Sunday, February 8, 2009

Into Laos



I have spent the last week or so in luxury. Staying at the River Ping Palace in Chiang Mai, eating really good food and dining with ex patriots, as well as getting more massages than I can remember (slowly getting over the ticklish feet). I also went to the highest point in Thailand on a one day get-in-get-out of bus tour. The national park it was in was really beautiful and the pagoda's at the top were really nice with gardens that my friend said are Disneyesque. There was a part that I felt uncomfortable with, we saw a small hill tribe that lives in the national park and it felt like there were just standing around for us to take photo's of them and such. They didn't ask for money or anything like that, but I just felt that it was a bit demeaning for both parties involved. I took no photo's of them. I also went with Giles to a temple that his friend from London painted murals in after traveling the world for 8 years and then spending 3 more living in Chiang Mai. I made my way from Chiang Mai to Nong Khai (about 14hr bus ride) and spent the night. The next day I rented a bicycle and headed to a sculpture park only to realize when I got there that I forgot my camera. The sculptures were really interesting as they are a mix of Buddhism and Hinduism, plus they are made of concrete and really tall. While there I met a family that showed me where the sculptor's mummified body was and then took me out to lunch. They also took me to the border and invited me to visit their restaurant if I come back around that way. Right now I'm in Vientiane, Laos so I can get a visa for Vietnam. Not sure how long I'll be in Laos, the visa is for 30 days but I might not stay that long.





Tea Time









River Ping Palace

Mural painted by Giles' friend




7 comments:

  1. Adam!

    I've enjoyed your pics a lot! I'm glad to hear that you are having an incredible time and eating awesome food! The tea time looks like dessert time ;) Hope all is well and keep safe! Miss you here in the house. It's quiet...well, not THAT quiet...you know what I mean :) Love you! Miss you! GINA

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  2. Hey Adam!! I'm also glad that you are eating well, quite a luxury it seems but i was always concerned if you were eating properly =P

    I'm amazed by the beauty of the temples and the scenery in general, I'm sure you must be captivated every time you get to see something new.

    More than happy, I am relieved that at least through technology we are able to see that you are doing ok, and although comments are not always posted be assured that i always check this site to see of Adamu's whereabouts. I like to think that through you I'm able to see such wonderful places.

    A lot has a happened to me also, and all i can safely say through here is that in May i'll be going to Peru to visit my family finally!!!

    I'm glad you are doing ok, keep taking care of yourself and remember that back home you have people that care about you! muah!!

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  3. The pics are beautiful and totally reflect life and travel! Thanks for keeping us in the loop. Love, Mom

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  4. ok, now i'm jealous. incredible vistas!
    though i do not envy the food choices.

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  5. fun! i hope your chopstick skills are getting better! and isn't it hard to pass up a $2 massage? lol

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  6. I love you!! and im glad you're having a good time. The tea time picture looks really cool.

    Josie :)

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  7. Wow. I must look crazy with my exxagerated smile in the computer lab right now. Everything looks amazing.

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