Anything but 'Laos'y!

We backpacked through Laos this past week (yea, I started writing this a month ago).

It was the least planned out of our trips so far, but one of the best!

adventure. 

friendship.

motorbikes.

waterfalls.

rope swings.

elephants.

guesthouses.

Lao food. 

people.

breathtaking beauty.

The trip was broken up into three parts, spending about two days in each city with some travel time here and there. It didn't start off so well, because we unexpectedly had to spend the night in the Kuala Lumpur airport. The tile floor was not as good as the hotel we were supposed to stay in, but our flight was late so we missed the nightly train into town. 

 Vientiane
In Vientenne, we were greeted at the airport by Lauren and Emily. Last year, they were able to visit Chris and I for a four day weekend, so it was our turn to pay them a visit! Backstory: Lauren and I played several years of soccer together when we were younger. . . like 7-10 young :) She went to the same high school as Chris, and we went to the same church for awhile, but didn't really know or see each other until last year when they came to visit. I love the way the Lord reconnects people and manages to shrink the world down a little when you need a friend on another side of the world!
In Vientiane we got to experience a little bit of their daily life. Where they teach. Their favorite places to eat. How they get around. And a little bit of sight seeing. It was a blast! AND they had two dogs. . . yes! Here it is. . . Vientiane!

practicing on Lauren and Emily's bikes so we'd be ready to rent our own!

triumphal arch

from the top of the triumphal arch

Buddha Park

Vang Vieng
A small backpacker town that gets pretty bad press. It's known for its slow meandering river that people come to tube. Unfortunately, there were a lot of deaths due to drinking and floating, that it was shut down for a number of years. But I'm so glad we decided to stop through this town on our way to Luang Prabang instead of flying past it. It was SO beautiful! We arrived in a little minibus on the edge of town, hopped out, and started walking to find a place to stay. This trip was so different than any other one we've taken because none of our accommodation was booked in advance. It added an element of surprise, but it all turned out great. We found a guest house to stay in for just $10 a night with a killer view! The main pull for us to stop in Vang Vieng was the hot air balloons! Chris and I have both dreamed of riding in one since we were little, and it was magical to be able to do it together! We also rented a motor bike, and explored the countryside around the town, and found our way to a nice little swimming hole and cave. Here it is. . . Vang Vieng!

We stayed at the place on the left of the bridge.

perfection.

the "not so sleep" little town

"Today was good day. Usually crashing more." -- our guide

posing

the hike back down from the cave

LOVE rope swings!

Luang Prabang
LP was more put together than Vang Vieng because it's a World Unesco Heritage Site. When we arrived here (via four hour bumpy minibus ride through the mountains) we went on our guest house search again, and were pleased to find another place for about $10 a night. Our idea of a good deal at a hotel will forever be tainted after this trip.
We did a LOT of walking and motorcycling in LP. Our "in town" day was spent exploring the cute little streets, watching families decorate their boats for the boat festival, eating at cafes, shopping the night market, and getting a traditional massage. The next day we spent a total of 3 hours on the motorbike driving the back mountain roads to find waterfalls and elephants. Boy was that a day of beauty! Not just the tranquil turquoise waters, but the mountains of Laos along the drive! We drove through little villages, where people were out and about, and kids were walking home from school. It was lovely. But the highlight of the day was definitely riding our elephant friend :) What an incredible experience it was! We spent 20 minutes playing around in the water with her. She was so gentle, and was free to swim around or disappear under water (with us on her back) if she liked. We had always wanted to ride an elephant, and this was definitely the best way to do it!  Here it is. . . Luang Prabang!

the mighty Mekong

Our guest house on the left

From this picture through the rope swing pictures, is Tad Sae Falls

preparing to get wet!

down we go!

She took a dive!

From here down, is Kuang Si Falls

Headed to the airport. . . hearts full from the adventure together. 

I'm thrilled to finally have this post done after starting it a month ago (dumb master's homework got in the way!). It's hard to believe we were there.
Thanking God for the experience!