The Tour: Sunday started out with a walk in the rain to the travel agency. We were scheduled to leave at 8:00, but were delayed 45 minutes because our guide didn't show up and we had to wait for the replacement to arrive. Our driver and guide then took Peep and I, by van, to a small village on the banks of the Nam Khan. We then jumped in a small, wooden boat and motored up the Nam Khan a short way. From there, it was a short hike though a rice field, where the locals were using a water buffalo and plow to work their rice patty, and then through the jungle until we reached the Ban Xienglom Elephant Camp.
Elephant Ride: The rain continued in a light sprinkle as we approached the elephant camp. We were given raincoats to wear by our guide. They were made for use on motorbikes, with a window on the front to allow the headlight to shine through as the coat is draped over the fron of the bike to create a canopy. Of course, there were zippers to allow the mirrors to stick through. Also, there was a flap in the back covering a second hood to be used by any passenger on the bike.
The original plan was to take the elephant ride to the waterfall, but the rain all night made the path too muddy and dangerous for the elephant to travel, so we just took a path into the jungle before returning. The ride lasted about 45 minutes.
Tad Sae: After the elephant ride, we returned to the boat and continued up Nam Khan until we reached the landing for Tad Sae, or Sae Waterfall. Tad Sae is a large, cascading waterfall but was still low even with all the rain we were having. Fortunatley for us, the rain stopped and we were able to shed our raincoats before heading up the many levels of the waterfall. After taking a few pictures, we returned to the base of the waterfall and had lunch in the restaurant pavilion. Lunch was included in our tour fee.
Vat Phonphao: On the way back to the city, we stopped at one of the villages where the locals were mostly selling silk scarves weaved at looms in their homes. Peep pointed out the Vat Phonphao as we were passing and the driver offered to stop even though it wasn't on the original agenda.
Vat Phonphao in on a hill to the east of the city, offering another stunning view. Being a weekend, the temple was closed, so we weren't able to go in.
National Museum: The driver dropped us off in front of the old Royal Palace, now the National Museum. Built in 1904-1909, this is the building the kings ruled from until 1975, when the last king ceded his throne. It still contains the original furnishings, including the Royal Throne, as well as many other artifacts.
Also on the grounds is the phabang, the golden Buddha statue the city is named after. It is still carried from the National Museum down the road to Vat Xiengthong on the Lao New Year.
That Makmo: That Makmo, the Watermelon Stupa (named so because of its shape), sits on the grounds of Vat Visunalat, the last temple we visited in Luang Prabang.
Baci Ceremony: At 5:00 that evening, Peep and I accompanied mom and uncle to the governor's house for a Baci Ceremony in our honor. You can see me in my new, blue shirt purchased earlier in the trip. We are all also wearing sashes over our shoulders. It can be worn over either shoulder but is more commonly worn over the left shoulder, emulating Buddhist images that show his robe draped over his left shoulder. My sash was borrowed from someone else attending the ceremony.
One of the pictures shows us during the prayer prior to the bestowing of wishes and tying of strings, while the second one shows me receiving my wish from the governor.
After the ceremony was over, I was presented with the pha khuane and a large, silver bowl as a gift from the governor and his wife. Then we all ate.
Evening: Peep and I spent our last evening in the city again walking through town and browsing at the night market, where one street is blocked off from traffic and many vendors sell all types of souvenirs.