Sunday 11 January 2009

Lazy days in Laos

Having spent a peaceful week in Don Det on the Four Thousand islands, I can't help but return to a reflective tone for my latest installment.

Of the 4000 islands, only 33 are inhabited, therefore many of the islands remain in their stunning natural form. Wonderful waterfalls, mystical mountains, breathtaking butterflies and bountiful birdlife - the beauty of the islands is indeed a sight to behold.

Island life is so simple. One reason for this is the lack of electricity. Families get up with the sun to make the most of the daylight. They spend their time fishing or doing other indigenous activities such as coconut farming. Children swim in the mighty Mekong, rides bikes or play with their farmyard friends such as the hens and their new-born chicks that roam freely all over the island. That's when they are not chilling - Laos life is very laidback and nothing is done at a hurried pace.

Evenings are spent huddled around the fire, which for many families is their sole source of energy. They don't have sinks, showers, dishwashers or washing machines. Instead washing is done on the banks of the river. It is a wondeful sight seeing whole familes bathe togther, giggling and screaming with delight.

We can learn a lot from these uncomplicated lives. Laos people have very few possessions, energy consumption is low, the family is at the core of every day life and more importantly, they are happy. I hope that when electricy hits the island in May this simple living remains. Somehow I doubt it.

Of course there are generators on the island, otherwise how else would us travellers get our crushed fruit shakes or listen to our knock-off CD's? They go off at 10pm however, when the whole island becomes still but for a few stragglers playing their guitars around the glowing scarlet embers of the fire. For me it's time for bed; lazing about all day is exhausting work.

Love Vic x

P.S. I saw the dolphins as the sun set over the Mekong - what an amazing experience.

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