Wow Lao!

After a bit of delay in finally getting to Laos (pronounced Lao here) I have finally arrived and haved dropped back at least 30 years from where Thailand is and maybe a whole millennium as well.
Talk about laid back. This place may define it.
I am currently in Luang Probang the fabulous Northern Lao city along the Mekong River. Formerly a French colonial town, it is beautiful beyond description. Really unlike any place I have been before. It's like the French Quarter in New Orleans meets Hanoi with less traffic and more coconut trees. Hard to describe really.
Walking the streets at night or at dawn is a surreal experience.
Today I was awoken by the sounds of roosters crowing. I jumped out of the bed of my guest house so that I could see the town as it awakens in the early light and fog.
I knew there was the daily ritual of monks walking thru the town and people giving their alms to them. What I didn't know was where it happened and as it turns out it happened right down the street from where I was staying. Pretty convenient in my book.
I bought some banana's and cookies from this little old lady (who actually overcharged me- her karma will pay some day- overcharging for monk alms, sheesh!) and placed them in the monks alms bowls.
Another great way to start a day.
I will be off the bike for a few days to break things up and stay in this town.
Once I have my fill of Luang Prabang I will be heading north into the Northern states of Laos.
Since I was a week delayed in getting here, I was hoping to meet up with my friends Laura and Michael. As it turns out we got to see each other for a total of 5 minutes at the airport as they were heading to Hanoi and I was arriving from Thailand. It was short but sweet. They seem to be having a great time and are on their way for more adventure in Viet Nam. Go L and M!
Ok, I need to go chill out with a Beerlao as it's getting warm and I need to relax after a big day walking the streets of Luang Prabang.