Taking it Easy By Climbing for Miles and Miles up to a Hill
Temple
Luang Prabang, 28th April 2002
As Matt & Danny were spending the morning at the waterfall, and
Tilen & Sophie had left for Phonsovan, I had a morning to myself to
chill in Luang Prabang. I enjoyed a nice lie in, before spending a
few hours sorting out all the dull but essential stuff. I sorted my
money & budget, sorted my bag & wrote a few postcards.
After it was all done, I went down town and had a lovely breakfast,
including a bowl of corn flakes with fresh milk (my favourite, but
so hard to find here). I then did a bit o souvenir hunting before
tackling Phon Si Hill. This is a lone hill, right smack in the
middle of the town with a Wat at the top. I think I chose the wrong
time of day to climb its 350-odd steps. It was boiling hot, so after
a long climb I reached the top dripping with sweat. The view is
quite good, probably better at sunrise or sunset, but hey ho. I took
a few photos then had a break to recover.
On the way back to my guesthouse, I decided to check out a new chic
sounding `literacy salon' (basically a book shop, mini-library &
cafe) called L'Etranger. It's quite an amazing little shop. It's got
a really funky atmosphere. Classy wooden furniture, big comfy chairs
and chilled out music playing. Very studenty/Starbucks-esque. I
really liked the whole feel of the place & I had a little talk with
the owner, a French-Canadian lady now living here. I must admit,
although Lao is fantastic, I never thought I could live here, till I
saw this place. It's a really good idea, that I wouldn't mind doing
for a few years! The lady also does a really good free library for
the locals which is very popular and great for them seeing as books
are missing in Lao culture due to government actions. If you pass
through Luang Prabang, pop into the L'Etranger Literacy for a browse
& a snack, I'm sure you'll love it!
The rest of the day passed quietly with some sunbathing, reading &
postcard writing. In the evening I met up with Matt & Danny for
dinner. I also took them to L'Etranger. Matt being a `well-read' guy
with English A-Level, really loved the place too.
By the time we'd left the shop & done a little fabric shopping, it
was coming up to 11pm. Time for bed, because I've got to get up
early tomorrow!
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