Amazing beautiful Laos

"I watched deep down into beauty'eyes"...

Last day in Luang Prabang we went with Julie, french friend from the boat, to the Waterfall around 3O kms from the city.
It was just simply wonderful. Swimming in this amazing blue coloured water, so refreshing.
There are protected small black bears just at the entrance. We had a very nice day there. Peaceful last evening.

In the morning I took a public bus to Nong Kiau, this small village on the North East. The way was funny, 20 people in a small ordinary songthew! I was amazed by the beauty of the place and decided to stay longer. I walked all the way to the cave used during the war as a bank and everything else. Then had a great diner and enjoyed my "Lao style bed"(on the floor).
Next morning we went on a trek at some waterfall around. We arrived in this small village by boat (pirogue) when there was a wedding. We were invited to dance and drink some Lao Lao with all the inhabitants. We had to leave for our trek but promised to come back. It was great: walking through water, clibing barefoot. Refreshing and so pretty. Enjoyed our "Lao style" eating way (with hands). Then around 4 back at the village, some more drinking and dancing. I love their traditional dancing. Playing drums and singing.

Next day I had to go unfortunately (no ATM) and took a bus to Oamdayxai, where I had to walk a bit to find a magic machine, went back to the bus station to Mong Kong, at the Vietnamese border. There I met Salomé, another french friend, we shared a room and left the next morning to Dien Bien Phu. We had the bus at 5 on the other side of the river, took a pirogue in the night to cross it, we looked like refugee! It was a long ride, we arrived around 3 pm. After a diserved hot shower we had a walked around. Meet some friends for a coffee and then went to eat at a place when they cook only goat meat. Interesting taste...

Next morning took a bus at 6 for Sapa! Arrived at 5 pm and let me tell you that the shower then and especially using the bathroom was heaven! After a rest we walked around the city, had some diner and went to bed.

Today, 3rd of march, we walked with Salomé for hours in the mountains, passing through very small villages, people filled with kindness, always smiling and talking to us. It was great for once not needing a guide and not having tourists on the way. Not paying a thing just enjoying the view, the walk, the sun, the mountains, the fresh air. Saying goodbye to the toxines, enjoying eating delicious fruit bought on the morning market. Now, exhausted in a good way, we enjoyed our grilled fresh fish (cooked while still moving) and while finishing my green tea and writing my memories down.

I felt in love with Laos, this country amazed me: beautiful people in a beautiful land. I had only 10 days but enjoyed every second of it. Magical landscape, the smells of lemongrass and smoked wood, the smiles on the children faces will stay in my heart for ever. Wonderful Laos, I know i will see you again very soon, you're magical and you filled my heart with magic and love. My heart broke when I left you. Now I know what beauty means, now I know what life feels like.