Luang Prabang Part 5: Friends and Farewell

Big Brother Mouse 

Before coming to Laos, I realised that most of the tips and accounts about the country are from the perspectives of outsiders. I wanted to know more about the Lao people. And that was when I found out about Big brother mouse- a centre where English-speaking foreigners can help Lao students hone their English skills with just talking.

Most of the reviews online were written by Caucasians and I was wondering if the students would view Asian tourists as inferior in practicing their English with. This made me hesitant to enter and loitered outside trying to make up my mind until I saw a Japanese lady go in.

My doubts were unfounded and I did not wait for long as students immediately wanted to practice their English. It was actually pretty fun and it just got better with time. More students came, laugh, more stories shared and before I knew it, 2 hours has passed and the centre was closing. Those I interacted with disclosed that it was their first time talking to someone of similar age as them and they feel more at ease and we considered each other friends.

With the young Lao gentlemen. Yes ladies, they are single! I checked

Two friends, Tom and KJ, walked me to the night market and we continued our chitchat along the way. Like the previous night, it was cooling but the company this time around made it so much better! No sense of fatigue at all!

KJ introduced me to Lao food. Internet reviews say that Lao food is nothing to shout about, but having KJ guide me with all the different combinations of dishes, it was yummy! (And since KJ ordered, we got charged the local prices hehe) The French couple we shared the table with, also ordered and loved some of KJ's recommendations! Just a tip though, Lao food spicy is on a totally different level. I downed one bottle of beer Lao after eating some Lao chillies by accident and that wasn't enough.

With my dinner buddy. We ate the Lao way, a big ball of sticky rice in one hand, a spoon to scoop up the dishes in another. 

KJ and I walked around the night market, with me buying souvenirs and KJ shaking his head everytime I made payment. (KJ is a bit naive in the sense that he could not understand why there are different rates for tourists and locals haha). We spent the last few hours of the day by the Mekong river just talking and enjoying the breeze.. and he repayed my teaching him of English by teaching me some Lao and Hmong. (Fun fact: 'Nam' means river and KJ found it funny that foreigners refer to Nam Kanh as 'Nam Kanh River' aka 'River Kanh river' HAHA) He left for home almost 1 in the morning and I was just so overwhelmed by the day's events. The breathtaking views and places, new friends and experiences, the warmth of those I've met. I couldn't help but smile. I still get that fuzzy heart warming feeling (which immediately boosts my morale and mood) every time I think about this day. Thank you Laos, you have given me more than I have ever asked for.



Day 3 (251216, last day :(  )
KJ dropped by outside my guesthouse at 6 in the morning. I only had a t-shirt on and I was shivering. (Google said it was 14 degrees celcius) He decided to take me to Wat Thiem Kong and off we went. Again we talked, and it was a bittersweet feeling knowing that I was gonna leave soon, like in-a-few-hours soon. He introduced me to Lao buddhism (p.s. he isn't Buddhist. He is an Animist but he knew how these things work) and I had a really great time, plus earning these small insights about Laos at that! I don't usually open up to people within a short span of time (and apparently I have a resting bitch face which does not help) and did not expect to get along with anyone like a house on fire, but here I am making friends and exploring a temple with a close friend who I chilled with past midnight earlier on and only met the day before. In this almost spontaneous trip to Laos... that my parents have no idea of. Oh life, you are full of surprises and I felt really blessed. Looking at my watch, it showed 7am. I had to be in the airport at 0730.

Wat Thiem Kong. We reached before official opening hours but the ticket lady sold us tickets and let us enter anyway!

Hop can may (We will meet again)

KJ and I ranback to my guesthouse, along the pretty little houses, the back of the National museum, my smiling boatman for sunset cruise (he was there again  and recognised me and waved again!!), that same gorgeous Mekong view I can never get tired of (and dearly miss right now)... all on this super cooling weather. By the time we reached, we were sweating  and burst into laughter at our situation.

After checking out, an airport limo conveniently passed by (I AM REALLY SO BLESSED WHAT ARE THE CHANCES) and I frantically flagged it off I swear I looked like I was trying to fly. KJ initially tried to bargain with the driver with the price he found exorbitant (he wasn't aware that it was a fixed price) and gave a smile of triumph when he excitedly announced that I could get it at a third of the price if I waited an hour. I didn't have the time though, but thanks bruh!!! And with that, we paused and said our goodbyes.
'I'll come back'


'Lao ngam lai' (Laos is very beautiful) I tried to impress the driver with the Lao KJ taught me as he zoomed to the airport. Luang Prabang might not be that vibrant, pulse pumping, energy inducing, bursting to the seams kind of city but I really enjoyed my time there. You were just the break I needed from my daily rigid life amongst tanks, rifles and timings. A really unforgettable experience (a secret one at that!) and I can't wait to breathe your air again. Luang Prabang is changing, that's a given. But I do hope that this heart warming, friendly, laid-back atmosphere lasts for a long time.. And for the people I met, whether it be for the mostly positive aspects or the minority in the negative, thank you. Thank you for adding flavour to this short trip and I wish the best for all.

'Till the next time Laos!

Oh and yes, I made it!

Appetizing