outdoor pleasure, Pik nik, beer and fish in Prabang

Today is BBQ day at LPB backpacker hostel. Shampoo is always finding new ideas to animate the living of its residents. We start by going to the public rmarket to buy the necessary with the hotel truck. The market is typically Lao. At the bottom of a dusty street, there are a lot of food placed on the floor on a mat or on simple tables. The all-purpose products like soap are living near exotic products from the jungle like rats, lizards, a pig cut in two ready to be slaughter to amazing differents fruits and fresh vegetables. You really have to visit the public market of a city and especially in Asia to understand its cultures and its culture. Tell me what you eat and I’ll tell you who you are. The Lao eat healthy and spicy. They also eat everything that living and completely but no dogs and cats dogs and cats. The legs of chicken, beef stomach, grilled BBQ chicken heart, dried squid and a myriad of specialty drinks like sugar cane juice and corn juice served in a bag.We prepare all the meal with the family. Some Lao style kebabs with pork, beef, pineapple, tomatoes and hot pepper in a sour sausage. Cooked on a small metal grill filled with charcoal, which acts as a kitchen oven for most Lao families . This colorful dinner was filled with several languages, including Russian, English, German and Lao. It was a success of diverse culture sharing.

Today shampoo excels again and decided to invite us to a fishing trip and a picnic in the countryside of Luang Prabang. 15 happy travelers go inside the LPB mobile to go shopping at market to buy our ingredients for our future fish. A cheap $ 3 or 25,000 kips is enough for pay the whole meal and some beer. Shampoo not believe in our chances of catching our meals so we buy a dozen fish at market. Here you cannot sell a frozen fish or packed one nobody will buy it. The fish store woman catch the fish in front of us in the pool and stunning all of them. They weigh the scales and empty them at lightning speed. Believing she work with sharp object I realise it was just an Asian Metal soup spoon.

A 35 minutes ride in the green countryside of Luang Prabang and we finally arriving at fishing and tubing site. In fact, it’s the farm of the father of one hotel. A simple house with lime trees, coconut, chili and many other crops used for Lao food. The rain started to fall but shampoo greeting the troops by serving them a nice cold Beerlao. The rain does not stop the enthusiasm of passengers, because the river will be wet anyway and viva the adventure. I find myself confined to the kitchen, because there’s not enough tubes for everyone and I was tubing on several occasions already. I am left with two workers and uncle Lao to watch the beer and cooking I learn to cook the Lao traditional bbq fish. Washed the salad, wash the mint, wash the basil, cut the cucumbers, tomatoes, carambola and various condiments that accompany the fish.

Fish is salted with coarse salt, we inserts branches of fresh lemongrass in the stomach and they are ready for cooking. The adventurers are back from the river the rain stopped and we are ready to eat. the process is simple takes a large lettuce leaf adding anything we want from a condiment tray add some fish and the dip it generously in hot sauce. Tom the happy Australian start a chili eater Competition, I have no choice to participate. All goes well for the first 5 minutes, but the tears running down my cheeks. I could not hide that inside the fire has invaded my stomach.

on the way return to the house, police stop our truck for a control, his friends of Mr. Shampoo. They say there are many Falang (stranger) in your truck. Next time, bring us six beers to pay your passage if you like to pass free again. Corruption is cheap in this country. Russian Dima takes a series of pictures of the scene, but we told him to stop this is not really the time. You never know with these kind of things is better to not try at all.

I found a way to stay here for free for making a website for the future trekking company of my host. The work will not be very lucrative, but at least it does not cost me anything and I also may have a little job on my return in 6 months. http://www.southasiabackpackers.com

I learn a few Russian with Dimitry until Tiger Trail offers me a free trek to visit the countryside. I should wait for a group that I can join to justify my presence. Finally, they confirmed a trek for tomorrow … it’s the party and I try to stay calm, but they try to make me drink big glass of Lao whiskey …

[Show as slideshow]

Stay another night in Luang Prabang Laos

I enjoyed my visit to Luang Prabang to visit my friends Simon and Isabelle Quebecers who opened a shop here almost 10 years ago. They have opened since their start here. Bookstore l’Étranger, the Hive Bar and boutique fair products Kop Noi (little frog in Lao). They are always glad to live here and they return their happiness by redistributing some of their wealth to the local community. For example the project Stay another day in Laos, which promotes eco-responsible tourism. Give us idea of activity with its publication, multimedia exhibition and its website has to stay longer to Laos to unique experiences while contributing to economic development and less rich people of this country. By purchasing local handcrafts, or taking part in a trek that you will make you discover the culture of the local people while leaving more than 30% of your expenses in its economy which has need more than enough. You can learn more about the agencies and their activities by visiting this site: www.stayanoterday.org

They are also now producing documentaries including one on the last small-scale production of cotton in the world which is still practiced in Laos. They are also a reference for the government tourism office and association in Laos. I’m really proud to know people with the heart in the right place, with their initiative, change the world in their own way. Act locally to change the world globally is one of the best ways to contribute.
The Stranger library offers an exchange service, sales and loan book at good prices for travelers. Its cozy atmosphere offers a selection of tea, tapas, and tasty lunch tasted to accompany your reading. The second floor is used to heat shelters with air conditioning much appreciated its free wireless internet and its selection of films on the big screen every night at 19 pm

The bar along Hive is a must in Luang Prabang. Since its modest beginnings a few years ago, can now find everything to satisfy his wildest desires. His beautiful tropical terrace and rear stage show are only some of its assets. It presents a varied program: ethnic fashion show, live music, as breakdancing demonstration energizes by Lao and bboys dance to stretch their legs. Please feel free to enjoy a delicious cocktail or a refreshing pizza on wood fires.

Other notable attractions of Luang Prabang are: the night market open from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the main street closed to traffic (Sisavangvong Street) is located opposite the famous Mount Phousi. It offers the largest collection of handmade products from across the country. Textiles, clothing, basket and several small wonders await you in an environment without pressure. A place not to miss where you can find unique souvenirs at reasonable prices while practicing bargainers skills. One can also eat local and exotic flavors at ridiculous price in the street at the rear. Follow the smell you can not miss it.

The edge of the legendary Mekong: A beautiful river views, several terraces to enjoy the Lao food and international cuisine a reasonable price.

The Royal Palace: One of the must-visits of the city is the museum to better understand the history of Luang Prabang. Built in 1904, around a blend of traditional Lao and French classical style, this residence has housed the royal family until their exile, the date from which it became a museum. A room containing one of the most valuable of Laos, the Pha Bang Buddha in gold, which gave its name to the city.

Having fun in Luang Prabang

I woke up a little wrinkled, I sipped a coffee, but I have to go across the old bridge. I gotta go Meet Markus Neuer part of Tiger Trail a company that organizes fair treks in Laos. I found a job posted on the internet for Internet marketing for the company. I redid my resume. I sent a letter of intent and in less than 24 hours I have a positive response. So I went to the offices of Tiger Trail located just aside the city. The office is well and the receptionist make me sign to go on the second floor to meet Markus in his office. People sitting in the office are really friendly make me sconfortable. He speaks a bit of the work, the tasks that I should do and I assure him that I have the necessary background to accomplish this mission. He said that unfortunately for the moment there waiting for funding for an expansion that will allow the company to offer treks throughout Asia within two months.I’m very interested to working with them but I can not wait 2 months here I should return when the position opens. I thank him and ask him if I can make a trekking for better know the company before work for them.

I decided to make the free tour of “tubing” courtesy of LPB Backpackers Hostel. A small truck ride to the river and we went down for an hour through the fishermen, gardens and children who benefit from the river to wash. Really a funny experience with four Russians who barely understand English.

Today, I decided to visit the Kuang Si falls with 4 Canadians from Toronto and Vancouver. we had a 35 minutes truck ride through the countryside of Luang Prabang. Finally, we see the true face of this mountain city. The city is shaped gradually for tourists who come and go to see this world heritage city.

Arriving at the site we are asked 20,000 kip ($ 2.50) for granted access. 2 minutes walk are needed to reach the first point of interest. home of the Asian black bearsrescue center. Who help them recovered and assist in their conservation, because they are in danger of extinction. A lot of people hunt and sell them to underground networks of Chinese medicine for their supposed medicinal property. In addition, intensive logging in northern Laos are continuously reducing their natural habitat and their food supply. You can get more information on the site bearlao

Finally we arrive at a beautiful lagoon like tropical island paradise. The landscape is surreal see the emerald green waters in the middle of these dense jungle. The site is really well equipped and you can’t miss to make a visit. There are several pools where you can refresh in cold water or you can finally enjoy the warmth in the sometimes suffocating Laos.

Truly one of my favorites of Luang Prabang.

[Show as slideshow]

Luang Prabang Backpackers Hostels

Oh My Buddha! 5 dollars a night is it really possible?

The answer is yes, located in the center of Luang Prabang in the hometown of the grandparents of the owner smiling Mr. shampoo. This guesthouse offers an unforgettable experience at price defying any competition. This ancestral property filled of history and memory adopts us generously in his daily family atmosphere. His very friendly staff is always available to inform us and make our stay in Luang Prabang and the rest of Southeast Asia most enjoyable. Here, I was really part of the family, share meals, culture and history with wonderful people.

This ex-guide for backpackers and adventure tourists offer all his experience and good English knowledge to our service. The hostel got an ideal location within 10 minutes of walk from the main city attractions like the museum, the many temples, the colorful night market and the Phousi mountain.

This comfortable and quiet place can satisfy most travelers without too many compromises. Do not expect marble floors and Olympic pool, but it many free services and the availability of staff rarely disappoint.

Offer available: 5 rooms with a total of 24 beds, free tours, free pick-up service from the airport or bus station, wireless internet, tour booking and transportation service, Community Family Dinner , Lao traditional cooking classes, bicycle rental and many other services

Even travelers who prefer staying in other places have certainly to visit Mr. shampoo and its residents to take information, take a beer or attend the special event organized regularly.

Reservations can be made from hostel world visit the website http://www.luangprabanghostel.com/ for more information.

[Show as slideshow]

Spirit of Luang Prabang Laos made me a warm welcome!

The road is long to Luang Prabang and I appreciate being able to sleep, not needing a hotel that the night is cold and if the air conditioning does not work much better than it is in the light of day blazing sun. As usual in Laos we must be patient. The bus stops everywhere and we dunno why. Sometimes, the driver or the employees stop delivering a parcel to their mothers or their families living far from the city. The streets are dark, the villages lack electricity, many took the opportunity to pray Buddha with candles and offerings in their family sanctuary.

Bus timetables and prices in Laos

The road from Vang Vieng, takes between 4 to 6 hours depending on if you have a bus or a train that stops in small mountain villages. The mountain road are an experience close to a Russian mountain. I managed to get some sleep but i woke up when my head made a jump to the bottom. We are finally in Luang Prabang, the slow down towards to the river and the Mekong made me realise that the city is nearby. The ride takes almost 12 hours, but I forgot to tell you that the bus made a stop of one hour due to zero visibility caused by thick fog in the mountains.

Once at the bus station I resume my mind quietly and watch the tuktuk dancing trying to find customers. As usual, I decided to walk further to see if it’s close enough to go there on foot. Unfortunately, my backpack’s is heavy and the road is finally a little too long to get there on foot. I stop tuktuk offering me a to enter the city to lean $ 15,000 kip ($ 2). It is now 7 am 30, I sit in Hive bar stairs of my Canadian friends for some, but for me Quebecois. The bar is closed, but I do not know yet where I’ll stay. It is indeed a landmark that makes me realize that I am actually arrived. I will talk about these friendly owners in another story, Simon and Isabelle, who fell in love with Luang Prabang and decided to invest time and money to live there and open a ‘bookshop, a fair handycrafts shop and a lounge bar with varied activity.

I plan to hide my biggest bag in the courtyard of the bar and pick up a guesthouse with my precious belongings and return for them later. But I give up this plan and I walked into the streets to try to find a place to stay to meet my budget more than limited. I barely do ten feet on the street when a lao folk on a motorcycle wonder if I place to sleep. I replied that I don’t know and that my budget is rather limited. He leads me directly to Luang Prabang backpackers hostel. A place that seems to have friendly people and not too overrun by unruly travellers. It offers many free services such as transportation from the bus station, wifi, lockers and free excursions such as: guided tour of the ceremonial offerings to the monks at sunrise and a tubing session on the Nam Kham river.

[Show as slideshow]

On the way from Luang Prabang to Luang Prabang Laos

My brother in law asks me why I do not find work in Laos. I replied that I don’t know I never find a job that has answered my skills. I look on the internet and I found a job that exactly meets my skills in northern Laos. More precisely at Luang Prabang for a trekking company called Tiger Trails. promote the company on the net is just a job that I can accomplish with success. I was remake a c.v and sent him to five hours, the next morning I received an email saying they are interested in meeting me to discuss a possible collaboration. I await my money to be able to go meet the person in charge. I expect my money already for three weeks and I am now in “overstay” for 15 days already. I must now exit in Thailand and return to Laos. In Laos we can extend visa two times for a month without leaving the country, but after we have to go out to have another official visa.

So I took the bus from Talat Sao (Morning Market) in Vientiane in direction of the Friendship Bridge (Friendship Bridge) to cross the Thai border and re-enter Laos for the modest sum of 15,000 kip ($ 2 ). Once at the counter of immigration, I warned the customs that I am “overstay” and I know I’ll have to pay. She tell me to wait and took me away in an office where I must pay the sum of U.S. $ 160 for 10 day. I am very friendly with them and he asks me where I go, I tell them that I am going to Thailand for my visa and come back. He smiled and said thank you, bon voyage!. In one hour, I’m back in Vientiane a real achievement. the Lao customs is usually really slow. But this time, no one at the border probably because people are afraid to go to Thailand after the event related to the red shirts in Thailand. When people do not go to Thailand, it does not come to stay in Laos.

I prepare my luggage and I asked my brother in law to come with me on the main street to take a tuktuk to the bus station. I ask to take me to the train station to go to Luang Prabang. Once delivered to the station I look at the possible destinations, but there is no Luang Prabang. I’m at the station go to the south of Laos. I have to take another tuktuk to go to another station for $ 40,000 kip ($ 5) so I had to pay 2 times my race to get to the right place. 115,000 kip ($ 15) and I have my seat on the bus air-conditioned VIP and in good condition compared with public buses, which often leaves much to desired.