Not as majestic as the Niagara Falls, but fabulous just the same
(First Published Aug 21, 2005 at www.travelblog.org/bloggers/gypsygal)
Luang Prabang — Our last day in Luang Prabang was a day for trekking and shopping.
We started the day with a trip to the Kuang Si Waterfalls- a two-hour drive and about 35 km southwest from Luang Prabang. The picturesque multi-level falls tumbling through a series of pools is a favorite spot for camera-happy tourists and picnic-loving locals. Sure, it’s not as majestic as the Niagara Falls (which I’ve seen four years ago, on my first visit to Toronto), but it’s beautiful just the same and all of us (Tim, Jennifer, Jesus, Graeme, Fhan and his girlfriend) just snapped pics of the waterfalls (and pictures of us with the waterfalls in the background).
Later, my more energetic group mates (Tim, Jesus and Jennifer) sprinted their way on top of the waterfalls. I followed them, slowly hiking my way up, coughing and sneezing, dealing with my flat feet, praying I won’t fall. I didn’t get on top though as it’s slippery. But the three of them went all the way up. Yeah, I know, I’m reasonably fit, with my regular gym outings, yoga and vegetarian diet – but I know I can’t keep up with them. But it’s
ok. I’m not here to vie for a slot in the Amazing Race.
***
In the afternoon, around 5 pm, my group mates (including the sexagenarian Graeme), who were still craving for some adrenaline rush, went to Phou Si Hill, as they wanted to climb the 329 steps leading to the hill’s peak, and watch the sun set. As for me, I stayed behind, still tired from the morning’s trek and the afternoon spent washing clothes in the bathroom. I said, I’ll be there later.
Phou Si hill is considered as both the geographical and spiritual center of Luang Prabang. At the top of the hill is Wat Pa Houak – a Buddhist temple built in the 19th century. Tourists want to reach the hill’s summit not only because they want to watch (and take pictures of) the setting of the sun but also to marvel at the stunning panorama of the city. And you can only do this if you’re on top of the hill.
I managed to haul my fat ass, my flat feet and chunky frame out of the hotel by 6 pm. I reached the hill’s summit around
630 pm (after much huffing and puffing and sweating climbing the 329 steps). Of course, I missed the sun set. But my hard work was rewarded by a vista of the changing color of the skies. The indigo blue clouds slowly transforming into a swathe of red and black. And I was there, just savoring the moment, thankful that the Universe/God/Goddess gave me this opportunity to witness such spectacular display, grateful that I quit my tedious and senseless job. Now I can just live again.
When was the last time I looked at the sky? In my former life as a business reporter, 6:30 pm means sitting in front of my PC, monitoring the ups and downs in the Singapore commodity exchange, filing a closing market comment for the day. All the time I was inside my cubicle, I didn’t even know whether it was raining or not, and definitely never had time to just breathe and look at the sky.
The day ended with shopping in the night market, where I helped my mates save money by bargaining (and bargaining really hard)
***
There were times that I wished I was more athletic and slim and gorgeous so that I could at least have a more “glamorous” career as a host of the many (adventure) travel shows in cable tv. But I’m not and I’m not into sports or outdoorsy stuff. I’m a meditative, cute, curvaceous earth mama, preferring the silence of asanas, the clicking of my camera. I am what I am. Finally, I have accepted that.
