How I fell in love with Luang Prabang, Laos

I spent 5 days and 4 nights in the town of Luang Prabang in Laos. 

Arrived on a sleeper bus (this one was not at bad at the others*) early one morning (days are getting tougher to remember).

After landing at the hostel, I made a friend from Spain (who is living in China) and there began our bicycling adventures. First around the little and beautiful town. There are temples, rivers, smiling people, puppies everywhere, cool breezes and a glittery night market that never gets old.

In 2 alone days we cycled over 100 kilometers. Riding the second day to the Kuang Si waterfalls, up mountain 36 kilometers, through villages, passing schools of giggling children, and stopping for fruit at wooden stands along the way. Well worth the trip, even worth the uphill pushing of the rented bicycles without tire treads. 

The falls were unbelievable, cascading into natures most perfect pools of cool blue water. One of those places, like so many I have seen, where you take about 100 of the same pictures, because at that moment in your life, every millisecond of beauty is different but as magical as the next.

The following day we rode a total of 52 kilometers to the Pak Ou Caves. The ride was easier for about two thirds of the way. then we left the concrete to the rough and tough soil and mountainous terrain. The ride was rough, but I felt remarkably connected to my surroundings. There were 'awe' moments left and right, mountains that looked like those floating on clouds in Avatar, and minutes at a time when we were surrounded by the most whimsical and colorful butterflies I have ever seen. Those random times in life when you find yourself smiling for at least half an hour straight and laughing at just about everything, well that happened on the ride that day to the caves.

Which- were filled with thousands of Buddhas and almost enchanting when you enter the caverns...

Back to how I fell in love with this place- I believe it is the synchronicity. The flow. Everything works smoothly, like clockwork but with comfort, and not anxiety. The monks in the early morning with their calmness, the curiosity of the new tourists and the mixture of the old and the young, the traveler on a budget and the English old money. The way the night market glitters with exactly the same thing in almost every stall, but somehow you are mesmerized by it every single night. The 10,000 kip vegan buffet located right in the center of the market. The little lady who makes the coconut milk cakes and gives me an additional 1 to 3 each time I visit. The hidden bar called 'Utopia' where we ended up every night sitting on cushions with strangers, surrounded by vintage motorcycles and travelers all under what seems to be a magical canopy in Neverland. 

The last sunset I had in Luang Prabang- I found myself on the side of a concrete wall, staring at the mountains, the skyline, the water, and the man on a small boat creating these wonderful and smooth ripples on the water just awaiting someone to paint him. As I bicycled slowly away following natures light show, I said to myself, and then aloud to my friend, 'I am absolutely in love with this place.'

That perfect feeling where your skin is smiling because your heart is smiling, never loose that feeling. And when you find it, engrave it into your memory so that your life never falls short of this wonderful feeling of living.

What to do with 6 hours in Vientiane, Laos

What to do when you have 6 hours to spend in the capitol of Laos (awaiting a not so special 10 hour sleeper bus)...

First, start walking, towards the temples and the big-highlighted places on the ever favorite tourist map.

-Ignore every couple you see and smile in the fact that you are brave and wonderful and on your own in this beautiful world as a glittery gypsy with zero obligations.

-Resist the urge to put on headphones on your long, long walk. A.) Because this is life and the smells and sounds and all of it is NOW. B.) Its dangerous.

-Take pictures of things you don't understand but think are important.

-Sneak in the back entrances of temples 

"Friend Ryan"

-Meet a friend.:) And in turn we both have picture taker buddies:)

-Travel towards the mapped destinations with this new friend.

-Take pictures of random Tuk Tuks, because its not like you don't have 20 of these already.

-Visit all the places that are gold and shiny and full of Buddhas.

-NEVER forget to look up ...

-Hit an ancient gong, as loud as you can...

-Pretend you are the Pope...

-Spent almost 2 hours in a coffee shop with new friend talking about Stargate SG1 and life...

-Finally, grab uber cheap Indian food and some more samosas to go for your (not so amazing journey on a sleeper bus).

Lifes for the Living, Vientiane

I am in the future, in the New Year. 

Here is a recap of the last few days.

Vientiane

I spent 4 days here. Flew in to Vientiane from Da Nang, after a stop (completely running from the domestic to international terminal) in Hanoi. Arrived early in the evening and split a cab with friends from the plane. Checked into my hostel. Note: Always check if when you book a private room it includes your bathroom. I had to ration my water throughout the night in fear of having to stumble down 3 flights to use the WC. 

Woke up on New Years Eve for an early morning run down the Mekong River. I love these runs in Asia, I feel like I am running next to attractions in Epcot center, when really these temples are the real thing, busting with history and color. Water colors come to life like in Marry Poppins. Quickly changed hotels to one with a bathroom in the room. I am a backpacker but one a little past the sharing toilet stage when I have the choice.

Tattoos are a taboo here in Laos. I am not sure if technically it is illegal, but there are zero parlors anywhere. I was given the name of one guy from a hairdresser, and the same name from the manager of my hotel, so I went with that. Paid 60.000 kip for a tuk tuk ride about 20 minutes across town (of course we broke down along the way). Arrived, the artist was kind, creative, amazing. The people around the "tattoo supply shop" gave me food, a shot of whiskey half way through, then beer on ice (I will never ever get used to this) after to celebrate. About 3 hours of work for less than 75usd. The artist drove me back on his moped to my hotel. 

Got my hair and makeup done from a lady boy for about 4usd ( I will admit that the moment I left the salon I wiped off the white eyeliner and most of the gold glitter). And got ready for New Years Eve, with zero plans. Put on a dress and walked towards the music. I stood near the only people who seemed to speak English..told them this, and instantly made friends. We partied on the front row of this huge party, in front of the stage. Things got a bit crazy...someone had black label whiskey, there was almost a fight in the women's bathroom, and people were kicked off stage..story in a half. Epic night, crazy after wards, will leave that to my memories.

Woke up with a wicked hangover and a mystery bump on the back of my head. Made myself get to the pharmacy, which was closed because of the holiday, of course. Grabbed a passion fruit smoothie, veg Pad Thai and booked myself a trip to Buddha Park.

Which....was pretty cool. Except for paying to get there, paying for entry, and paying for the toilet, I got some amazing shots (sporting my hangover), 2 grilled bananas on sticks, and passed out next to the driver in the van while we waited for the rest of our tour. Scored IB Profin, visited the night market, got tons of grub including scallion pancakes and red curry with tofu, then passed out early.

Awoke, booked a bus for the evening to Luang Prabang (10 hour sleeper) and began my last day in the capitol city.

(read the next post to see the conclusion)

Christmas in Vietnam 2015

Christmas eve...

Meet Christmas

Woke up with a headache and a small kitten, small enough to curl in in the palm of your hand-nuzzled on my shoulder. I guess this is what happens when you are an animal rights person who is drunk from the winnings of a holiday pub quiz in the middle of Vietnam.

Team 'Winners'
3 Dragons Bar, Hoi An, Vietnam

Got my bearings, fixed little 'Christmas' up with bedding and food and went to work at the cat shelter, like every other day.

Came home in the early afternoon to feed Christmas..watched a movie and rested a bit, then headed out to get a 'blind massage. Self-explanatory. Literally. A blind woman gave me one of the best massages of my life, an hour for $5. Refreshed, I left, grabbed some sugar cane juice and headed home.

Went out in the evening and met up with some friends at a local pub called 'Dive Bar.' Decided to get not wasted on passion fruit juice, relaxed with some good company, saw the lanterns in the full moon, grabbed curry and called it a night.  Wonderful full moon Christmas eve I have to admit.

Christmas day...

Woke up and made vegan banana-coconut pancakes for everyone. Then headed to the cat shelter to work.  Someone has to help even on Christmas day.  It felt good giving instead of receiving this holiday. After the shelter I grabbed some veg food (.66 usd) and went to snuggle with the kitten.  Who is doing much better, eating tons and keeping me up every single night:)

I remember meeting an amazing girl years ago in Nicaragua..she had told me she spent her Christmas cycling in Vietnam- at that moment I dreamed that would be something I will do one day...So I headed out for the afternoon towards the beach. Rented a bicycle and rode though the rice fields.

As green as green can possible be, and the air was perfect, sunny and cool at the same time..riding felt on the brim of magical.

I rode to the beach and found a place on the sand. Enjoyed a bit of green to the crystal blue sky and mesmerizing view.

Saw the periwinkle sunset..it was a perfect afternoon.

Made an African Peanut Sweet Potato stew for Christmas dinner.  Dinner and a movie at the clinic with the cat and the duck and my friend, and called it a night.  

The day after...

Once again trying to get a nights sleep with a very little and young kitten is beyond difficult. Woke up and went to get some breakfast..the exact same routine I have every other day besides Christmas. Had coffee at the shelter, chatted with family (being that my Christmas is a full 12 hours different than back in the states,) worked and headed home to Christmas.

Now I am caught up...I wanted to write down my Christmas experience so that I do not forget it. Someone I have this amazing feeling that my adventure here is just beginning and it will only get more crazy and magical from here on...

-Phil Lewis Art

“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” 
― W.B. Yeats

“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.” 
― Roald Dahl

Happy New Years early, from the future, in the present.

xoxo

My Christmas Holiday

It's the week before Christmas.

When I recently spoke with a family member they said that they were sad because all of the family was not together for the holiday (meaning me of course).

Never do I wish sadness upon anyone, hence my life is dedicated to helping those who can not speak for themselves, helping the welfare, lives, and future of animals. So to those people who are sad, I send waves of positive energy and understanding.  I want to live for something bigger than myself.  To help until I can no longer...to give WAAAYYY more than I ever receive. This is the reason for the season, for life.

I understand that the holidays bring people together who may not have the opportunity throughout the year to. I understand that families have long standing traditions and that this is a time to create new memories and come together. But I also understand that the holidays are about love.  Love should be universal. Not just limited to togetherness with your relatives.  We should be glowing examples of love in everything we do, not just towards our human friends, but towards all living things.

As I am here, in Vietnam, where the dog meat trade is shockingly still legal, I am ever more reminded that we have to be the voice for the voiceless.  No being is less than another, we all deserve kindness, love, respect, and joy.

Vietnam Animal Welfare
http://www.vnanimalwelfare.org/

This is what life is about. Joy.  Not turmoil, wrath, danger, confusion, and death.  But living, feeling free, feeling love and living in a world where kindness is prominent, not greed.

Please this holiday season, give love, give kindness, please be vegan for the animals, for our environment, for your family, for your children, for this earth.

We are all earthlings, and "COMPASSION IS A VERB," Thích Nhất Hạnh

"Compassion is at the heart of every little thing we do. It is the dearest quality we possess, yet all too often it can be cast aside with consequences too tragic to speak of. To lose our compassion- we lose what it is to be human." Thích Nhất Hạnh

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