Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang

On the 10th we rented three motorbike/scooters and drove to a blue lagoon. We would have biked but it was along long way to go in this hot weather and we figured that for the smae cost we could see alot more of the area. The lagoon was about four metres deep and was shaded by a large rubber tree. There were two branches for jumping off and two swings. We had heaps of fun jumping and swinging into the cool refreshing water. Above the lagoon were huge limestone cliffs whiched surround the entire valley. In these cliffs were caves so we went 'spelunking' (caving) for a while. The cave we visited was 400m long but we just went into the beginning of it. it was full of stilagmites and stilagtites and in the middle of the first room was a buddist shrine of a golden women. After having a final swim we then continued up the valley until we reached a river. The only way accros was via a toll brigde which we decided was to expensive and we had to turn back. There is lots of smog and smoke and it was hard to see the hills around us while driving through the valley. Back in town we returned our motorbikes before going out anf experiences our first real asia dinner.

The 'VIP' bus ride to Luang Prabang was eight hours of long, windy, narrow road, up and down mountains with another crazy driver. Mum booked five seats to save money so we all squeezed across the back seat.  That night arrived at our guesthouse in Luang Prabang (Laos). We all have our own bed! The hosts live downstairs, and they are very nice people! It is New Year in South-East Asia and there are alot of celebrations going on all week. For the last few days we have been playing cards, walking in the beautiful night markets full of paper lanterns, silk scarves and other hand-crafted treasures. We have tried some interesting food down alley ways and it's not that bad. We have been 'eating out' in restaurants most nights but they are not like NZ restaurants. We like fried rice, fried noodles, fruit shakes and curries at the restaurants. During the day we have been baguettes/French Bread and Bananas. We have to by are find safe drinking water all the time because we are always thirsty. One day we were lucky enough to see elephants parading down the street as part of New Year celebration. There are Beautiful Temples and Buddha images everywhere and this morning we got up at six in the morning to see the monks in their orange robes receiving alms, mainly rice. Yesterday and today the whole town goes on the street and splashes and sprays water on each other to cleanse and purify each other for the Year to come. We have bought water pistols and it's been lots of fun. Everyone is partying and we went to a carnival two nights ago. The celebrations are very interesting and it's cool to be a part of it all.

The Nieuwys