Wandering Laos

On a hint from a traveler heading into the massive cave I'd left moments earlier I started down the trail away from town and into the trees. Trees soon became thick forest but the trail continued to be well-defined so I figured it must lead somewhere. Non-verbal instructions from a Lao lady who'd calmed the barking dog by her hut pointed me deeper into the woods. Considering how long I would dare wander deeper and away from my desired direction I came upon a temple, and eventually the small 'hill-tribe' village to go along with it. Waving "saabaidee" (hello) to a baby girl I was quickly approached by two 12 year old village boys. Declining their offer of a smoke they indicated they'd like to take me some place so I followed. "Some place" turned out to be no place in particular, but proudly they paraded the 'falang' (foreigner) through the village, and as we continued our posse grew in numbers. In fact, what began as two soon bloomed to six and once passing by the elementary school that had just let out I think the number must have been closer to 50 (or the entire population of the school).

They attempted to show me the temple again but I declined and off we went (just 6 of them now) down a dirt road, through the raised pathway of a planted field, past some huts, up and then down a hill with palms, crawled through a crouched-12-year-old-boy-sized slot in a bush and arrived at what I took to be their hideaway. It was simply a stack of boulders but one of them they pointed out had what appeared to be a fossilized branch or vine on the side. Time was passed snapping photos, sharing my banana chips and hanging out before daylight forced me to say 'saabaidee' (conveniently also 'goodbye') and trek back (this time along the dusty road and not through the woods) to return via long-boat across the river to Luang Prabang, Laos.

All of this based on a few words from that traveler - an American I would meet again. After climbing to a 20m platform, a few Beer Laos Dark, and some beach volleyball in the bar we decided to search out a waterfall today. Misinformation led to an extra 22km (to total almost 60km) but the falls and swim were great and company was nice!

For those of you wondering - yes Christmas is being celebrated. Actually my first Christmas carol was overheard walking in Chiang Mai, Thailand on November 30th. Some of the establishments here have trees lit up and I even spotted a waiter with a Santa hat on. I'm looking forward to Christmas with the family in Shanghai though!