Guilty for not updating my blog for the past few weeks and now trying to decide where best to start covering all my recent travels reminded me of salient lessons evident everywhere I've just been in South East Asia. 'Live in the moment'. 'Above all enjoy your life'. 'Give whatever you may be doing your full attention'. My adventure began in Bagkok, capital of Thailand and hectic urban mass. The charm still exists, although it's best to know where to look. One of my favourite places is the wonderful Jim Thomson House, now a welcoming museum honouring the life of this fascinating American. Originally trained as an architect he single-handedly resurrected the Thai silk industry before disappearing without a trace whilst walking in the Cameron Highlands back in the 1960's, whilst on holiday in Malaysia. Bangkok's Grand Palace with it's impressive Emerald Buddha is not to be missed and for bargain hunters the weekend Chatuchak weekend market is a definite highlight, but for pure pleasure nothing beats a relaxing dinner on the riverside at the iconic Mandarin Oriental Hotel. One of those essential 'bucket list' experiences, but preferably repeated frequently.
After a few days at the renowned Chiva Som spa at Hua Hin on the east coast, my journey then involved a two hour flight from Bangkok airport to Luang Prabang, originally the ancient capital of Laos. Now a UNESCO world heritage city the 33 temples or wats and 111 historic Lao-French buildings which were noted for restoration have meant that this relatively small location is a delightful concentration of Lao culture. Bicycles are a popular way to explore, as are the reliable tuk-tuks (which I would never advise anyone taking in Bangkok - not just for the dense traffic with associated fumes, but for the frequent tourist scams). I had long wanted to experience Luang Prabang and it did not disappoint. Watching the monks collecting their morning alms at dawn (food to last them that day), was very humbling in the knowledge they then shared their supplies with those less fortunate. The monks themselves are detached from any material ownership and lead very simple but highly spiritual lives, worshiping in inspiring surroundings. The Vat Xieng Thong temple as shown in my photo dates back to the 16th century and is now being freshly gilded. Further to the centre of town the Royal Palace Museum gives an insight to the city's imperial past, but as an unexpected bonus on my visit there was a photography exhibition called 'The Floating Buddha' which captured beautifully the essence of this special place. I did not venture on the murky Mekong river to explore further into the countryside as I felt deeply content immersed in the relaxed atmosphere of Luang Prabang, the jewel of Laos. Definitely a place to live in the moment and enjoy simple pleasures to delight the senses, from the heady perfume of the Frangipani flowers (Lao's national flower) to a delicious cup of Lao grown coffee at the delightful Cafe Ban Vat Sene..
