In Relaxing Laos

Its been nice to be in Laos. It's really chill and mellow. It isn't modern like Thailand and that's the charm that Laos has. Taryn and I arrived in Luang Prabang via long boat along the Mekong river. It was lovely the first 2 hours - but after that, I was ready to get off the boat. Luang Prabang is a quaint city with the french colonial feel - which is evident with food and architecture. We're now in Vang Vieng and have been staying on an Organic Mulberry Farm. Its a really relaxing place to stay at - we're staying near the goat house ( so we can hear them sometimes) The farm makes excellent mulberry shakes and is located right by the river where many people launch into the river in their tubes or kayaks. Its just 3 km outside of town and I do enjoy the scenery - there are mountains and hills scattered about and the air is clean. There are animals everywhere and the farm really prides itself on being more than just a farm but a model of sustainability and provides education to children who otherwise would be out selling things to support their families. It's a great place to be and its neat to be there to observe how things work. There is plenty of opportunity to volunteer and help out. There are some people who have been there for months - who teach or volunteer on the farm. Taryn and I will be heading to Vientiane soon..our original plans to be heading to Vietnam soon were a little spoiled due to Laos New Year - so the Vietnamese Visa office wont be open until the 17th - which was the day we were hoping to be on our flight bound for Hanoi..But for now, we're enjoying the beauty that Vang Vieng has - and the playfulness of the locals and tourists during the water fight that is "Lao New Years" or "Sonkran" for Thailand.