Luang Prabang Tak Bat, Cooking Class: Ballet

So I got up at 5:30 to see the monks collect alms from the citizens of Luang Prabang. Early morning very interesting (but not scary as it would be in the states). Someone was trying to sell me rice to give to the monks (no, not my style, if I give to monks, cook own rice), a tour company setting up little chairs for the tourists to sit in to give rice to monks, and so on. I did see a mother cat carry her quite large kitten somewhere. She was very frightened of me, understandably since I'm still not certain if they are food in Lao. 

I did eventually run into a kind person who told me that the monks don't show until 6:15, so I went back to my hotel for another cup of coffee and then ventured back. 

The monks, grouped by monastery (of which there are many) have collection bowls and collect food from the various folks who line the streets. I think they are collecting food for the day. Also, oldest monks are first, and then youngest are last. Some are children....the youngest I saw 13 or so. 

I don't know what to think of the whole thing. I took no photos out of respect...look it up. 

Later that day cooking class. Oh and did I mention I think I ate something bad yesterday so have roiling stomach. Thank goodness for the z-pak provided by my travel doc. Class was not nearly as good as Vietnam or Thailand and the food, once done, not so good either.

I did, however, taste ant eggs -- yum! Can't believe I tried them. This is because I ask too many questions.

In the evening I had tickets to the Lao ballet. Very very cool I enjoyed it way more than I thought even though parts (theater, proops) amateurish. The dancers were phenomenal, expressing all emotion via feet and hands. I am so glad I spent the time to see it.