Griffith University arrive in Laos

We all arrived safely to Luang Prabang, Laos on Saturday to a beautiful sunny day. We were greeted by our local guides/translaters that took us on the back of a truck with all of our luggage to our hotel, the Haysok Hotel.After settling into our very comfortable hotel rooms Graham our guide along with the lovely translators gave us an orientation and showed us around the town. We were able to explore the beautiful local temples, sample some mango & sticky rice and get to know some of the local traditions. At 4pm we listened to the rhythmic beats of the monks a definite must for anyone visiting here. Then we split up in groups for some free time. A group of 10 of us enjoyed a cold drink next to the river then we wandered the streets looking for somewhere to have dinner. We came across a bamboo bridge that went over the main river. Apparently it is replaced approximately every 6months because it gets washed away. It was a little daunting to cross for the fear we would fall through. On the other side we found a beautiful restaurant on the hillside, just think Bali style huts, lit with lantern and cushions for seating.

The meals were incredibly cheap I think it worked out to be about $6 Au each for a banquet of food including our drinks. Was such a beautiful relaxing atmosphere. After dinner we strolled the local night markets before calling it a night. New friendships within our group are already starting to form. We are all throughly enjoying Luang Prabang and getting to know the locals and their traditions. The Loatian people are very friendly, helpful and gentle by nature an absolute joy to be around.

Today we enjoyed a hot breakfast at our hotel and some of us have gone out to buy some supplies in the market. We are booking an all day trek for next weekend which includess riding an elephant, swimming in the waterfalls and getting photos with Sun Bears. sure to be a fun filled day. After lunch we start the 3hr journey out to the villages via truck, I'm sure that will be an experience with many giggles along the way. We are all very much looking forward to see the smiling faces of the Loatian people as we enter the many villages to begin work in the clinics. Saba ai-dii for now from all of group A.

Rachael Grant Griffith University Gold Coast Campus