Squirreling about - far far Away

 

Feeling nostalgic for Luang Prabang!  I visited this lovely World Heritage Site earlier this year and am always dreaming to go back...  If you're contemplating a trip to Laos, don't forget to include Luang Prabang in your itinerary! 

Squirreling About - far far away

Today the temperature in Chiang Mai is predicted to rise to its highest point so far this year - 42 degrees C!  I can't help but wish myself back to Kuang Xi waterfall outside Luang Prabang where it was heavenly cool even in the midday heat...

Acorn

Windows and colourful window shutters inspire med and I photograph them wherever I go.  These are from a small chapel in Luang Prabang.  I just love this combination of red and white!

Squirreling about - far far away

Here are some more photos from Luang Prabang!  These are taken at Wat Xieng Thong, which is one of the most important temples in Laos.  It was built in 1560 and it is believed to be the site where the founders of Luang Prabang placed a boundary stone for the new settlement.  The temple was remodeled and redecorated in the 1960s and was added to UNESCO's World Heritage Sites in 1995. 

When I visited Luang Prabang the first time, over ten years ago, the Tree of Life mosaic made a strong impression on me.  It is one of the most beautiful mosaic murals I have ever seen!  Unfortunately that side of the temple was under renovation during this visit, so there was bamboo scaffolding in front and I wasn't able to get a very good shot with my camera. 

On the temple grounds there are also two small chapels, both decorated with coloured glass mosaic on a reddish pink background.  These depict scenes from village and pastoral life and its easy to lose yourself in them trying to figure out a story!

There are other beautiful temples in the area as well, so if you ever find yourself in Luang Prabang, I highly recommend hiring a bicycle and doing a little exploring!

Squirreling about - far far away

This little squirrel is just back from squirreling about far, far away - this time to Luang Prabang in Laos!  It has been over ten years since I visited this sleepy little city and I was so glad and relieved to find that although it has changed, it still retains all its old charm.

Luang Prabang is located in north central Laos on the banks of the Mekong river.  It was named a UNESCO World Herigate Site in the early nineties, which has helped ensure that several of the old colonial style buildings have been preserved and restored.  Many of them have also been converted into hotels with verandahs overlooking the Mekong river - the ultimate room with a view!  We stayed at one of these hotels called Le Calao Inn, built in 1904 in Portugese style and the only one like it in Laos.  There are several newer hotels in the vicinity which are also beautiful, but I still like this one for its feeling of history and friendly staff.  You can find out more about the hotel on their website

Although there are several things to do outside of Luang Prabang, such as visiting waterfalls and taking boat trips, for me the real pleasure lies in just walking around the city, absorbing the laid-back atmosphere and admiring the temples and architecture.  There are also lovely little cafes overlooking the river where you can indulge in french crepes and baguette sandwiches with a cup of tea or a glass of wine.  Here you can just sit and relax with a book or watch the river traffic until the sunset turns the water pink, then stroll over to the Hmong evening market and browse. 

The next day, repeat!