A sunny morning, no Mekong haze or fog this morning, at least it was like this when we got up, which was a little late.

First stop was Wat Xien Thong, just up the street from us. Beautiful mosaic work and quite old. There are lots of Chinese people around, they are here in droves, and they speak loudly. We run into Helen at the temple, she’s contemplating the teachings of Lord Buddha on a seat in the shade when we see her.

Next, we walked to the Junction of the Mekong and had a coffee at the River Point Cafe, lovely view over both rivers, shady and seems a step up in quality. Of course the price reflects this a little.

The Royal Palace is a little but of a let down but might be we’re a little weary by now and a little less patient. We go inside but the rules are a little frustrating so we dontcreally see much.

A short, late lunch in an Indian Restaurant on the river then Its chill time for an hour or so.

Between 5 & 7pm Helen and I attend ” Big Brother Mouse” where holiday makers, ex pats etc come to meet locals and converse in English to improve their English up to conversational level.

It was started by an American philanthropist who we met there, he sold a publishing and travel business to sysrt this up. I had 3 Hmong boys, 16 and 17, from northern Lao villages, they live in dormitory accommodation, see their families once or twice a year. They are motivated to learn. The motto they have is “Education is not the filling of a bucket but the lighting of a fire.”

Dinner is at Riverpoint, the food is great

Tomorrow is Elephants, for some.

Ciao  from Laos

Pauolo