Laos: Days four through six

DAY FOUR: Late-ish morning wake up, art market at the local international school, massages all around, photo-challenge scavenger hunt, parties with friends. Dreaming about moving to Laos, after Steve retires, and working for an NGO.

DAY FIVE: Eight-hour drive to Luang Prabang, roadside traditional Lao lunch, quick visit to explore Tad See Waterfall, incredible traditional Lao dinner at Cactus Garden and an evening stroll through downtown and the night market.

DAY SIX:  A majestic early morning long-boat ride to visit the Pak Ou Buddha Caves, a stroll through Whisky Village and Xang Hai Wat (temple), a quick walk-through the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre, an afternoon spent trekking around the many levels of the Kuang Si Falls (probably the most beautiful site I've ever seen in my life) and an evening closed with a lovely dinner at Tamarind restaurant, sitting at a table that overlooked the Nam Khan River. (Everyone tried the crispy frog plate (Chef's special) except for me because I just couldn't do it after seeing the body parts, bones and all. Skyler was quite fond of the dish, declaring that the skin was especially tasty as she chomped away.