An Abode of Altitude

Seeking refuge from the beaten path of the "SE Asia Backpacking Circuit" we sought out an 'Abode of Altitude' while bouncing around the mountain passages in a truck bed with benches for a good handful of hours.  Here they call them 'Songtaews' in the US we would call them crazy.  Standard Corey behavior found himself standing on the tailgate grating that hangs just above the road (designed for standing)...while flying through stunning vast views of valleys, peaks, fields and small mountain villages. 

After a couple of tries to find the right place to settle in, we found home.  A crossroads sort of village with a bustling market.  The vendors were a collection of tough women, carrying their vegetables in from afar in wicker baskets on their backs.  More than anything, it was a place to feel unrestricted and free again.  To climb a mountain in peace without a money-collector charging for it, to stroll from one end of the village to the other while children run out to the streets to giggle and wave at the two white-skinned foreign specimen, having an invite from strangers to their housewarming party with no hesitation....or try this one....having a family throw a roof-top birthday party for the westerners? 

Overlooking the glorious mountain valleys and waking each morning to crisp mountain fog pouring through the window.  The only people in the guest house...we were blessed with royalty treatment and a jaw dropping view.  As well as access to a sun porch AND cooking supplies!  No better way of feeling home than to prepare your Husband his birthday breakfast.  ehh em........French-toast-stuffed-with-pandan-custard-topped-with-bananas-and-sweetened-condensed-milk. WHEW!

Now turns a new chapter with a new year of exploration in Corey's life. 24 years young with character strength of an aged man and the heart of an 8 year old boy in all his best wide-eyed explorations.  "That was one of the most incredible experiences of my life."-says he, after 10 Lao women sang "Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday to you!!!!"  No questions asked, the host of such a generous birthday party, prepared a GIANT platter of barbecue skewer materials and we feasted into the late hours of the night...complete with the blaring Thai karaoke+mic set up and us giddily preparing round # 2 of french toast to offer as a birthday cake for everybody (mostly the sticky fingered masses of children).

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Despite both of us being extremely...extremely sick the next day (bad meat perhaps?  the altitude?) it was a charming moment suspended in time.  Something that a husband and wife should store and cherish in their memory bank together.

Leaving time came and with a miraculous two-for-the-price-of-one we jumped in a van and made our long and winding way to Laung Prabang.....arriving exhausted having not eaten all day.    Nothing like a $1 buffet tucked into an alleyway next to the bustling market to cheer our spirits.  We loved this town in all of its charm, rented bikes and rode around in sick-recuperation stage for a couple of days, then hit the river to head back to the ever so familiar and second home of Thailand.

M

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Two days heading up-current in the mountainous Mekong 

"Flight" (guitar) keeps good company on long voyages