2024 - Sonja's Farewell Tour (SE Asia)

  Leaving Thailand, we opted to skip a flight and take a two-day cruise down the Mekong River to our next destination, Luang Prabang in Laos. It was not our first time sailing on the Mekong.  We did an overnight cruise from Saigon (Ho Chi Min City) about 10 years ago.  Fond memories and so we had no reservations about this cruise.  Plus, it would be good to get away from everything for a couple of days. Day One: Setting Sail Leaving our overnight accomodation in Chiang Khong, we pretty quickly progressed out of Thailand and into Laos.  The entire process of customs and immigration took less than an hour and most of the time was taken up by the other passengers who had not applied for a visa in advance. Boarding the boat, you are immediately aware of the pride, quality and care that the boat owner took with his prized possession. We had two options for our trip.  The boat that most of the backpackers were taking to save money, where their seating was old car...

 ...  wait a second, somebody already wrote that.  Thanks to Mr. Dickens. Chiang Mai Has Been Fantastic We enjoyed the Loy Krathong festival so much.   It was an experience like we've never had before.  It's a festival where you can literally let your troubles float away—if only it worked for Seattle traffic! Picture this: people crafting beautiful little boats out of banana leaves, tossing in candles, flowers, and maybe even a few stray hair strands (because who doesn’t want to share their bad hair day with the water goddess?). As these krathongs drift off into the night, it’s like sending your bad vibes on a one-way trip to nowhere while you stand there hoping your golf game doesn’t sink faster than your floating basket. Part of the fun for the day was the parade we ran into.  We got there just before it started and were able to mingle with the floats and the performers who were just cute as kittens. Muay Thai Kick Boxing Talk about new experiences!...