Shompoo Cruise up the Mekong; Pakbeng Lodge

Today was lovely and interesting as I took a "luxury" cruise up the Mekong. We travelled 10 hours...through the muddy waters and saw fisherman, children, water buffalo, goats, villages, and even two elephants (not wild). The boat was nice, and  thank goodness functioned well. I had read horror stories of people packed onto boats like sardines for the 10-hour trip, so was happy that there were only 9 of us. Of course, I am the 9th, the single, with two groups of four. Definitely unbalancing! I am finding that I enjoy being alone though...it is not so different than my life at home. 

We stopped at the Pak Oi (sp?) caves to see the collection of buddhas. Apparently this cave began in the Hindu era but transitioned in the 16th century when buddhism came to Laos. I had my fortune told (because I had a translator handy). I cannot be sure what it really said, but it said I had a hard childhood (true), that my two children would be successful (true) and that I am healthy this year (no fevers) and that I would be happier married. He also said I am neither rich nor poor (true).

Of course I don't know what he left out!

Our two English speaking guides both learned English at the monastery. They are both Khamu and learned English at the Buddhist Monastery where their parents brought them when they were young. This is a familiar story in Asia it seems...the monestary serves as a vehicle for upward mobility similar to the  military in the states.

In March (and this is the month I am here)  there is slash and burn farming, leaving the air smokey. We saw lots of evidence of this on the ride up the mekong. I can't quite figure it out just by looking...I saw areas of a hillside where everything had been cut down ....but not burned. Other areas have been burned already. These are steep hills, so it will be difficult to farm! What are they growing here? I do not know. 

We saw large boats that transport cargoes of cinnamon from Thailand to Laos ... pretty cool. We all love cinnamon.

Tonight I stay upscale, but it turns out this is an isolated place so upscale is beautiful, but no aircon or wifi -- two essentials for me! But I am sitting here looking at the river with beautiful plantings and an elephant camp just across the river.

Shortly I go to the included dinner....surely sitting alone although the Russian contingent on the boat will be there too. Solo is different.