I woke up at 6 a.m. to watch the local tradition of giving alms to the monks. Every morning, people line up along the streets to give food to the monks who are prohibited from cooking for themselves.
The monks walk by with copper pots and collect the food donations.
Tourists can participate and are asked to respect the customs and traditions. You can take pictures, but from afar with the flash off. I was a bit embarrassed to be a tourist.
People were standing face to face with the monks taking pictures with the flash on. And not just one picture, picture after picture. It seemed to ruin what is supposed to be a peaceful and special tradition of giving alms. Nonetheless, it was interesting to watch and I suppose the end result was still achieved. I did hear that most of the rice given by tourists is thrown away by the monks because it is old rice, cooked the night before.
Watching this girl was my favorite part. The picture is a little blurry from the zoom. She was sitting amongst the alms givers. The monks were giving the rice and food they collected to her. I assume the food was for her family or maybe other children.
I had to leave for the airport at 2 p.m., so I had a leisurely afternoon walking around town and visiting the shops.
I couldn't resist one last meal at tamarind! Above is a banana coconut milk smoothie with cinnamon on top.
Pumpkin soup served with an amazing rice cake. This time I was sure it was pumpkin. I was glad I returned.
Farewell, Laos! I expected to visit you again, hopefully in this lifetime.
I was in Hanoi, Vietnam around 6 and my hotel by 7 p.m.
The staff was extremely helpful and helped me plan the rest of my time in Vietnam.
I headed to dinner at quan an ngon. Everyone recommended this place.
I ordered the banh hoi chao tom cuon banh trang, which is pounded shrimp hash fried on sugar cane. It turns out Vietnamese food may be able to beat out Thai food. The waiter cut off the shrimp meat from the sugar cane. You then wrap the meat in rice paper, then add vermicelli noodles and herbs, then dip it in the sauce.
I did a quick stroll through the city.
I walked around the lake in old city then headed to bed.
Tomorrow I leave for a 3 day boat trip around Halong Bay, so I'll be out of touch for a bit.
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Location:Luang Prabang, Laos
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