Flackattack’s Wanderings

View of Laos

Originally uploaded by Flackattack

After 32 days all over Thailand, I am now in Laos. I’m travelling with three Israeli guys for about a week until they head toward VietNam and I go toward Cambodia. I am in the old Frence city of Luang Probang now, having finished a 2day/1night slow boat ride on the Mekong River. The green hills and fields contrast sharply with the brown water. Lots of tiny little villages accessible only by boat dot the edge. 80 westerners on a boat for 60 add to the atmosphere. But beautiful and cheap is still a good combo anywhere.

Ayuthaya Ruins

Originally uploaded by Flackattack

After enjoying 17 days of sun, beach, SCUBA, snorkleing, kayaking and good clean partying fun on the Parhentian Islands of Malaysia and Koh Pha Gnan in Southern Thailand, it is time to get back to “travel mode.” 4 days in Bangkok was plenty to get a feel for that crazy, but fun, place. Now I have been to both of the ancient capitals of Siam. Sukhothai was the capital from the 11th-14th centuries and Ayuthaya took over until the 17th century. Both were eventually overrun by the Burmese and/or the Khmer (Cambodia) dynasties. The ruins from these places are sacred places with lots of temples, wats, chedis, and sculptures of the Buddha. The carvings and frescos show excellent craftsmanship. And the architecture of the buildings is filled with style and symbolism. And they were being built while Europe was still in the Dark Ages.
Up next for me will be some jungle trekking to see some of the local hill tribes in N Thailand, who are trying hard to balance the modern world with it’s technology and it’s pull on their children, with their traditional and simple way of living. Waterfalls and white water rafting are also coming soon. Hope everyone is doing well. Till next time. Cheers. Or Chokdi, as they say here in Thai.