Anika auf Tour - internet? computer?? telephone??? electricity????

Or a coke - to calm my troubled stomach.

Since my last update in Vang Vieng, I have made some kilometers, most of them by bumpy bus rides, but a few ones by doing some phantastic hikes. On a short stop in Luang Prabang (where I am right now again) I woke up very early to see the monks' alm giving ceremony at 6am. It has become a very touristy spectacle, since many monasteries are clustered in the old city center next to the Mekong river. This quiet orange 'parade' has some magic to it - if only there were not so many tourists disturbing (I know, I am one of them...).

6:35 -9 minivans with 8 Japanese each arriving downtown. They are jumping out, running towards tourist food sellers with overpriced dishes prepared to give to the monks.
6:40 - Each Japanese carrying the plate, a little stool and a mat, they align on the sidewalk.
---- PICTURE TIME ----
6:45 - The first row of monks passes by. More pictures to be taken.
6:55 - After 3 groups of monks (out of ..? maybe 25 ?..), the Japanese jump up, into the minivans and continue their day program. This will probably include 2 major waterfalls, elephant riding and a hill tribe visit.

I left this world heritage city nothbound to Muang Ngoi, a little village that can only be reached by boat and where electricity is only available between 6 and 9 pm. It used to be a quiet little fishing village on the Nam Ou River (foating into the Mekong near Luang Prabang) which had been discovered by adventurous tourists due to its scenic location a few years ago.

And even despite the fact that there are wall-to-wall tourist bungalows along the riverside, the place has some magic. I decided to sign up for a guided 2-day trekking tour through the local mountains with a overnight stay at a khmu tribe village. The fact that the 'group' consited only of me and the guide made this idea unexpectedly expensive. But well, you know me: to not go trekking was no option. So I tried to get a map of the area, and yes, I did:

I started my hike, the huge backpack on my shoulders, lots of water (heavy) and the consciousness that I might have to backtrack if I do not find the trail or the villages. But luck was with me, when I bumped into two school kids who were on their way home to SamKhiouKam (or similar). I joined them which meant that I had to keep up with their pace...

The guys were just wearing flipflops, so I did not dare to put on my sturdy hiking boots. You don't want to be too girly.... So I was happy to wear my new TEVA sandals, that I just bought in Bankok, the original ones, of course. This is, why I was so surprised that they lost the sole after only one hike...

On arriving in the village, I felt a little strange, being the only 'falang' (foreigner) and not really being able to communicate with the locals. So I sat down and watched the kids' games:

Kreiseln

Volleyball - without using hands

my favorite: shoe-throwing

It was an amazing time - watching the families working, washing and socializing. They cooked dinner and breakfast for me and of course, I had to pay a few dollars. The village was full of kids of all ages, as well as all sorts of animals of all ages and all were running around and across anywhere. The cocks were yelling their concert starting at 2am when the full moon was the only thing to light up this little village. Of course, there is no electricity there...

The next day, I started my hike towards Nam Ou River from where I wanted to catch a boat back to Maung Ngoi. I was a little insecure about finding the way - but once again - I met a bunch of children on their way to go fishing. They were as happy to have me around as I was to have them...

They boys were fishing with their self-made harpune-like devices, while the girls were carrying the caught fish and the boys' cloths. While marching (very fast) they were clapping their hands, singing, laughing and always turning around to see, if the 'falang' is still following. It was a really nice day.

The next day I left the area to head towards another province, but on the way there...well you read it at the beginning. Backtracking...

After some 5 hours of very bumpy riding, I was happy to sleep for 15 hours. I am recovering now, already planning the next trip and starting to eat normal food again :-)

Big hugs from this weired internet place (where I have been trying to burn my pix now for 4 hrs!!! - without success...)

anika

PS.
my feet in a picture?

sunset at a bamboo-hut-bar in Vang Vieng

The reason is simple. There are just too little pictures of me. I need a proof that I have really been here...

You might think that this is typical, but no. I usually go for the adorable fruit shakes...