Monks leaving a temple
After breakfast in one of the French colonial buildings on the main street we headed to one of the many temples in Luang Prabang. Me and Ali were joined by James (who we met on the boat on the way here) and Steve & Pyper (from jungle trekking in Chiang Mai who we also happened to meet on the boat). It was nice to be with a larger group for a change and we all got on really well. James is from Coventry and Steve and Pyper are from London. As usual, Ali went missing within 10 minutes of us entering the monastery. I later found her standing in front a small shed talking to a couple of monks. She was asking them all kinds of questions until I dragged her away so that we could start the long climb up to the top of the hill. A set of stairs lead us up to a viewing balcony which offered great views of the town and beyond. We walked even further up the hill until we had climbed to the very top where there was a another place of worship. The views of Luang Prabang were even more incredible from this height and we could see how the town has nestled itself between two large rivers.
Tall palm trees lined the road leading to the former royal residence which is now a museum. We wandered around the grounds of the palace and visited yet another temple. As we walked along the road, coconuts kept falling from the trees and children that were close by quickly ran over to claim them. After more aimless walking we stumbled upon a night market. As usual the people sold the exact same things. The same patterned fabric, t-shirts, lamps, cushion covers and hand carved chess sets were on display. I promised that if I saw someone selling something different I would truly reward their initiative by purchasing that item. Even though I wasn't shopping it was still nice to wander around.
The royal temple
A random picture of a junction which I quite liked
