Back in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is increasingly becoming our hub in Laos. On December 13th, we head back, but it almost seems as if luck has turned a bit against us. First, there’s the rain, and during our ride back in the mini-van, we sit closely packed together. Nevertheless, time passes quickly as we meet a couple from Germany who coincidentally live just a five-minute walk away from Tara - for those who don't know her: our daughter - in Bochum. It would be nice to meet them on our next trip to Bochum!

The hotel room that we thought we had carefully selected is falling short of its promises. We booked the Superior Double Room, 25 m², with a garden view, but we are given a room of 15 m², at the back corner on the ground floor. We open the window and face all the towels that were washed throughout the day. The towels are hurriedly taken down, and we now look onto the wall of the neighboring building along with the air conditioning units. Anja negotiates calmly that, since there’s no other room available today, we will get a different room tomorrow. It is even smaller, but we do have two windows on the first floor with a view of the street.

Before heading to Vientiane, there is one last - and largest - temple to visit in Luang Prabang, the Wat Xieng Thong. We have saved it for last because Anja was not allowed in during our first visit while wearing shorts. Silly of us, but there’s no question that we will come back dressed appropriately. Otherwise, we enjoy the city, which is beautifully decorated for Christmas, and go for raw marinated shrimp at Jungala once more.

At the night market, for dessert, we have a Roti - a type of fried puff pastry - with lemon and honey. A poem!