Luang Probang, Laos. Day 2

We started our day visiting a local village, Baan Xang Kong, to learn about paper making and textile making.  We watched as a young girl made a beautiful large piece of paper made from mulberry bark.  And then I went shopping!  Such great prices.  I bought a paper lantern, paper wall hanging, picture frames, cards for under $20.  

Next we embarked on an excursion along the Mekong, one of the longest rivers in the world.  This river runs over 3000 miles and is home to over 90 million people.  Our cruise took us to a local village know for producing rice whiskey.  We did some tasting and the 100% proof was a little too strong for me.  I bought the 15% variety.

The above picture is the local monastery where some monks were having a meal.

After walking around this village we cruised to our turn around point at the Pak Ou Cave filled with thousands of Buddha icons.  It was very crowded with long boats and tourists from all over the world.  The first cave is 50 steps up with 3000 Buddha icons.  The second cave is over 200 steps up with only about 1000 Buddha icons.  The Laos people hid these Buddhas and some of them are very, very old.

While we were touring the caves, the owner of the boat's wife was preparing our noon meal.  The owner and his wife live on the boat.  They have a little cooking area in the back of the boat.  And a big bed over the engine which is not conducive to taking a nap!  The scenery along the river was beautiful.