Where In The World Are Nancy And Dave: November 2011

Slow boat on the Mekong / Nov28-29

We've left Thailand for Laos via ferry to the Laos border. It's a simple 6 step process to enter Laos.

We're taking a slow boat down the river to Luang Prabang.

These boats are about 100' long with a variety of seating.

The Mekong is low at this time of year, but still has a good current. It's fairly wide in most parts.

The river cuts thru heavy forested mountains with many rock out croppings. Very 'Apocalypse Now'.
#3243

The slow boat is not the only way to get down the river.
These jet boats zipped right by us.

Or you could travel a little fancier

The Mekong is a major transport route with every sort of cargo.

And elephants

And still supports a traditional way of life.

We stop half way to overnight at Pak Beng

Morning on the Mekong

Brrrrr!

We stop a riverside village

The local ladies selling scarfs

made here

Everybody helps out

School's out for lunch

Last stop is the Pak Ou caves. The white steps on the left side are the enterance.

And from the inside

Inside are thousands of Buddhas.

There is an upper cave with more Buddhas

Another sunset on the Mekong

Next, Luang Prabang

Northern Thailand and the Golden Triangle / Nov27

This morning we fly up to Chiang Rai and then drove up to the Golden Triangle (so called for its part in the opium trade) where Thailand, Burma and Laos meet.

This is our guide, Da, showing us some Thai flexiblity.

Booooooong

And of course Buddhas

Taking the dogs to the vet.

Happy Buddha
You throw coins into the top of the metal channel which roll down into the Buddha's belly. When you do he laughs and blesses you.

The bench is donated by the 'United States Drug Enforcement Administration'. Isn't that nice!

We're making our way to Chiang Khong as the sun sets

Then, the tire blows on small crater on the road. Here we are supervising repairs.

We've finally made it to our hotel on the Mekong for our last night in Thailand. Dinner was followed by traditional Thai dancing (as interpreted by a bunch of westerners), John Denver sing-along and Christmas carols. The locals were impressed!

Much too early we're up

to see the monks collecting their alms

Off to the ferry dock to say goodbye to Da and hello to Laos

Bangkok /Nov26

Bangkok is the opposite of Hong Kong. It's hot, humid, messy and hard to get around. It reminds me of the opening scene of 'Blade Runner'. But it's much more interesting. We both had pedicures (Dave skipped the polish) at a Thai massage place.

This is same shot as above (from our hotel room) during the day.

And the pool after a hard day of touring.

Our hotel is off a main street (Sukhunvit Rd for those playing along at home).

A small cabling challenge

The people are great. Very friendly but not hassling you every step. We saw only a few beggars.

Street vendors are everywhere, selling 'Rolex's, DVDs, dildos, jeans, food, jewelry and everything else you can think of (and then some). Between these vendors are very swanky hotels and stores.