Learning to Live on P.D.R. Time

Laos is one of the five remaining communist countries along with China, North Korea, Cuba, and Vietnam. The country's official name is the Lao People's Democratic Republic (or PDR). The popular joke here is that everything runs on PDR time (Please Don't Rush). It is true. Things happen when they happen - no one is in a big rush. And it is a typical communist bureaucracy - every piece of paperwork must be filled out correctly, or else. Some people's entire job is making sure the paperwork is correct.

We got up VERY early this morning and went into Luang Prabang to see the procession of monks and everyone giving food "alms" to them. Several of the people in our group, including Caren, lined up to give them alms. It is a very Buddhist thing for those of you that have not traveled to SE Asia.

Afterwards, we visited the local food market where we saw all kinds of stuff that looked a bit strange, but that we have actually come to enjoy eating (except for the bugs, animal hoofs, and grilled eel). There is a Lao confection that tastes exactly the same as Cracker Jack and the most delicious small, soft coconut cookies that are poached like an egg.

Then we took about a one hour boat ride up the Mekong River to visit a famous park with a beautiful waterfall. We egged on one of our tour guides to leap off a rope swing and take a dip in one of the pools created by the falls. Surprisingly to us, he did it. Nathan is a great sport. Video to come.

We also saw one of the few remaining Asian tigers in a small animal sanctuary along with a group of Laotian Black Bears.

Then we jumped on our bicycles for our last "official" bicycle ride in Laos. We rode for 31 km (about 18 miles) back to Luang Prabang and right to our restaurant for lunch. We had a steep 1 km hill about halfway thru the ride, but otherwise we covered great rolling terrain thru the countryside. We passed a lot of small villages with kids that waved to us. As we got closer to Luang Prabang, we passed schools just letting out for the day, crossed the bridge into town, and rode thru the entire town (really neat).

Last night and after lunch today, we did some heavy duty shopping. The extra suitcases we brought along are going to be filled. The Lao textiles are gorgeous (my metrosexual self coming thru).

Tonight is our final dinner in Laos. We are eating French cuisine at the restaurant here in the hotel. This is a fabulous hotel - 32 rooms, very quiet, very friendly and prompt service, and a superb bar. It has been managed by Orient-Express for about a year now and it is fully booked 100% of the time. I spoke with the GM the other day and he has to reject 2 reservation requests for every 1 he can confirm.

Tomorrow AM we are doing a short "nonofficial" bike ride, visiting an village that B&R helps to support, and flying to Bangkok for our final dinner. Stay tuned.

Check out some of today's photos:

Laos Photos