The Last of Laos

Hello everybody,

It’s me again!! I’m feeling a lot better. I still have a bit of a residual cough, but hopefully, that will make an exit soon.

Yesterday it was sunny! Which is such a bonus during the rainy season. It doesn’t rain too much, but it’s usually overcast. I decided to take advantage and sit by the pool. It’s a tough life out here. I literally read half of my book while sitting in the water. It’s my dream world.

After lunch, I enlisted Greig to teach me how to ride a moped/scooter. Learning to ride has been on my list for a while, but I hadn’t gotten around to it yet! Tbh, Greig had just learned how to scooter in Pai, but he seemed confident, and I trusted him. Shout out, Greig!!!!!!! It really is not too hard; you just have to learn the particulars of the bike first. Here’s me as a speed demon.

The one thing that made me really nervous was crossing this “Old Bridge” (that’s literally its name). There are just two narrow slats that you have to stay on. I was shitting myself by the time I got to the end, but I DID IT!!!!!.

I then met up with Greig for dinner at the night market and ate the best spring rolls ever yummmmmmmm.

Today was a me day as Greig, my only friend left here, was heading south. Again, I had a nice and relaxed morning. I finished my book and started a new one. LOVE.

I then had to return my bike, which was gradually giving me more anxiety, knowing I had to cross the bridge again. But I ROCKED IT. Here’s me, relieved to have returned the bike! So long, friend.

I then hung out at the cat cafe again. I really like the owner. She’s Dutch but has lived in Laos for six years. She first came here as a backpacker and fell in love. She also speaks fluent Lao!

This afternoon, I took a jewelry-making class at the Garden of Eden jewelry shop. I, of course, made a ring with my two least favorite colors, gold and pink (that was sarcasm, by the way). The cutest 16-year-old girl walked me through the steps. Here is the beauty below.

My next event of the day was hiking the hill in the middle of town called Mount Phou Si for sunset. There were several statues on the way up, accompanied by Monk chants.

The view at the top is stunning. You can see all of Luang Prabang and the beautiful surrounding mountains.

Oh, and of course, I couldn’t leave out the sweaty girl picture of the day.

This was the view at the bottom of the hill. You can see the expanse of the night market!

Tomorrow, I will have almost a full day here, and then I will fly to Hanoi, Vietnam. I have absolutely loved my time in Laos. It has been the exact pace of life I needed. I was adventuring during the day and in bed by 10 + lots of reading. I want to come back and explore Laos more in the future. This 100% will not be the last time I make an appearance here.

Anyway, I’m off to read my book (who would have guessed it). I miss everyone dearly. Thanks for reading my blog. Whenever someone has reached out telling me they love reading the blog, it has made my entire day.

Your content, girly,
Mahala