Finding Zen in Luang Prabang

We spent two days in Luang Prabang, in Laos, over the weekend (February 7-8). This town is famous for its "alms giving" or "procession of the monks". Each morning at sunrise, Buddhist monks from each of the 80 temples walk the main street with their bowls, receiving food from the local people and the tourists. People prepare sticky rice, or give bananas, or even packaged food. The monks, in turn, give back a portion of what they receive to the community and hungry children.

One kneels, or sits, in order to place one's head below the monks' as a sign of respect. Alan and I had bananas, mandarin oranges, and tamarind to give.

Being part of the sanctity of this ritual was very meaningful to us. To participate in the ancient observance, the symbiosis of the people taking care of the physical needs of the monks,  and the monks caring for the people spiritually, was very special.

Our time in Luang Prabang was also spent visiting the Palace Museum, former residence of the royal family.

We climbed the many stairs to Phu Si, a 100 m hill in the center of town. We had a great view of the city, and saw the footprint of Buddha, the many statues and altars, and the gilded stupa called That Chomsi.

Still, for us, the magic of Luang Prabang was feeling the presence of the monks, and seeing a bit into their day to day lives. Which includes hanging the laundry up to dry.