Wow, I can't believe we are already moving on to a new country! I stop sometimes and think about how long I've been here, and I realize it's been almost 2 weeks, but in the same pause I realize how quickly it's all going by. There are moments here where I think about all the people who I am close to, and how much I would like them to see what I am seeing, or eat what I just ate, or drink a Dark Beer Laos (my favorite beer so far!). My group is wonderful, but I am also realizing how independent I actually am, and what an introvert I am. I get all my energy by spending time by myself, and then I am ready to share my energy with others. Some of the girls groan when they have to stay a night by themselves, yet I rejoice in that space!
I realized I haven't talked much about food or animals, so I will update you a bit on both. The food in Thailand and Laos are very similar. Breakfast every day is bread, egg, fruit, and (thankfully) coffee. Lunch can be just about anything you can imagine, but typically served with either white or sticky rice. Believe it or not, I am branching out to try new dishes (I've developed quite a taste for curry) and am eating tons of FRESH veggies and fruit. The pineapple here is unbelieveable. All the food is bought daily from markets that line the streets early in the morning. These are so interesting to visit, as there is everything you can possibly imagine for sale, but nothing is processed, all raw and fresh. Including, veggies, fruits, MEAT (just lying around) eggs, whole chickens still alive, fish -fresh and dried, etc. It's so wild. Not too many desserts, even though the other night I found a man making pancakes (actually crepes) and had a banana, coconut, chocolate concoction. It was DELICIOUS!
The animals are another story... first of all, there are ANTS everywhere, and I do think some of them bite. The misquitoes have not been too bad, got lots of bites in Thailand, but only a few here. Beetles of all colors. Butterflies as big as my hand. Geckos scurry across the ceiling of every hotel we've stayed at. There are spiders here, I'm sorry to say, and yesterday I saw one that was the size of a very large cookie. Yuck! People in Laos cohabitate with their pets, so there are also animals roaming the countryside. Kittens, dogs, pygmy goats, a few small horses, a few small cows, potbelly pigs, water buffalo!
Hanoi, Vietnam is where we will be arriving later this evening, and we have a full day of touring tomorrow, and we have to say good-bye to 6 of our group members on Sunday as they leave to go off to other things, and we will be acquiring 6 new people. Some of these first 6 I am going to be very sad to see go... I loved Laos, and this is a country I would love to visit again someday! :)
3 comments:
I, too, am sorry you are leaving Laos, as your vivid descriptions have helped me enjoy the beautiful country vicariously. I'm sure Vietnam will be a different - but also incredible - experience for you (and those of us who are following your blogs). Also, the new six members of your group will surely be diverse and interesting.
I think about the contrast between Southeast Asia and Boise each time I hike in the - now very dry - foothills or walk beside the pond and hear the bullfrogs singing out their deep bass notes to welcome the day. Thank you for sharing your lovely experiences.
Safe travels, dear daughter. I love you.
Colleen! This is the first opportunity I've had to read all your posts--what fun! Thank you so much for the lovely descriptions. I'm glad to hear that you're having a good time, and being safe (but not too safe of course, as discovery is a gift given by risk). I got your letter at Pinkham Notch and was so excited--thank you! Hope things continue to go as well as they seem to be going. I want to learn some of these Thai dishes when I come visit you (assuming I finish this trail thing sooner rather than later).
Peace and sparkles,
Alan
I love that you used a "large cookie" to describe the size of a spider! hehe. Missing you! xoox
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