on the road to Luang Prabang

[zyzyly]

Actually there is no road--we took a two-day boat ride up the Mekong River. It was very relaxing--we spent a lot of time jus sitting on the deck watching the scenery go by, and stopping at the occasional village.

We stopped for the night at a place along the river called Pak Beng--a lovely little hotel with individual bungalows. We stayed up late playing poker with the Saddam Hussein cards I bought in Myanmar.



The second day we were all tired, so didn't do much but sit and watch the water go by. Karl, our tour leader, emptied out his camera bags and showed us what he carries with him when he is on assignment. It's not much, but he does a lot with it.

We stopped at another hmong village in the afternoon. They make textiles and whiskey, and both were in abundance. The kids were great there--I handed my camera to one of them and let him take pictures of his friends. We have done that quite a bit--it really helps make a connection, and makes us feel less like this group of peole who sweep in, take pictures, and leave without every having gotten a sense of what the place was about.



We arrived in Luang Prabang last evening. It is hard to describe this place--French Colonial meets Laguna Beach is about as close as I can come. There are over 50 Buddhist temples here, and monks everywhere. I will be getting up early tomorrow to take pictures of them as they make their way through town to collect alms, something they do every morning.



I have so many pictures--thousands of them by now. I don't know what I will do with them all--maybe wallpaper the spare bedroom.

Comments

[daisydumont.livejournal.com]

these photos are wonderful! that smiling child carrying the slightly smaller child (such a sober face), the smiling monk. beautiful.

[icunightnurse.livejournal.com]

Lovin' the pictures.......lovin the smiles......Keep em comin'

[amaebi.livejournal.com]

I love the pictures you show us.

[calledisrael.livejournal.com]

i put your little thai (i think?) boy on someone's shoulder onto my desktop. he reminds me to pray for you - and for asia - every day.

i am glad you are there.

Oh, man, oh man, oh man!!!

[jeffe42.livejournal.com]

I am sooooo envious, and soooo appreciative that you are posting your trip. Thank you very, very much....what a treat, and as I said, through the eyes of someone who know how to see.

Please don't stop now, I would have very serious and instantaneous withdrawal.

Thank you again........:)J.

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

The people photos are my favorites!

[http://users.livejournal.com/_chandra/]

I'm really enjoying your pictures and your tales.

[trekkingkitty.livejournal.com]

Wow, beautiful pix. Thanks so much for sharing. :)

[vereorc.livejournal.com]

Happy Chinese New Year. :-)

[fried-pearl.livejournal.com]

Your trip is fascinating me! I am enjoying your pictures and narratives so very much.

[brendamom.livejournal.com]

These are just wonderful, Mike. I find them really exciting photos. There is just a huge sense of joy and life! Keep them coming!

[destabee.livejournal.com]

The photos you are posting are amazing. I especially like the people photos. You have the gift of capturing the spirit as well as the physical form of people. Should wallpaper your spare bedroom your guests would never sleep with all the beauty avaialbe for their viewing pleasure.

I hope the remainder of your trip is filled with wonderful memories in the making and adventures of the nicest kind.

[fivecats.livejournal.com]

"I have so many pictures--thousands of them by now. I don't know what I will do with them all--"

i'll suggest 'continue sharing them.'

they're amazing and wonderful.

...

[purple7luv.livejournal.com]

These smiles are some of the most beautiful I've seen.
This is such a great set. Keep 'em coming please!?

[valvision.livejournal.com]

wow, just gorgeous! You really have an amazing sense for framing and timing.

[glaineacht.livejournal.com]

this made my heart smile so big.

love

[(Anonymous)]

I vote for something more public than "wallpapering the spare bedroom" otherwise I won't get to see more or hear more about your trip and that would make me sad (yes, purely selfish reasons here:-)A huge thank you to the friend that encouraged you to take more "live creature" photos before the trip. You seem more comfortable and more open with your subjects - it's been moving and inspiring to see the results. I wish you a continued safe journey ... and great coffee. LOL ~A

[blistermoth.livejournal.com]

I love the one of the children.