Luang Prabang, LAOS       August 2004

Here's the heart of Luang Prabang, and the muddy Mekong river, seen through a rain cloud:

Until recently the Mekong river was the only way into town:

Here's the main drag today, a block up from the river:

Luang Prabang probably has more temples per capita than any Buddhist city on earth:

And monks who study and meditate in them:

Vicki and I ate breakfast and had Happy Hour at this bar/ cafe/ restaurant on the banks of the Mekong:

One day I was sitting across the street from the bar, above, when a well-dressed lady drove up on a motorcycle and stopped.  A minute later a small girl ran out, handed the motorcycle lady a wad of cash, and disappeared back inside.  The previous evening had been a full moon, I figured the rent was due.  She was the Collector, perhaps the owner, she presumably left the rough stuff to her Kneecap Division.  The lady's features softened after counting and recounting her money.  She added the new money to her stash.  Then she fired up her motorcycle, drove a short way down the street, and stopped again...

Here are the people of Luang Prabang:

Kids loved seeing their picture in the digital camera:

Here's how people get around:

The rain cleared on our last evening there, and we saw this stunning sunset over the Mekong:

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