A lot came from the wat for Tak Bat

I'll explain this post title in just a second. First a recap continuing from our first night in Bangkok...

We got up early the next morning, ate breakfast and headed to the airport in a cab with Manoo Richon - killer, insect killer. He was super friendly and made our 35-minute taxi trip to the airport quite enjoyable. We checked in, breezed through customs and were on our way (along with the chickens stowed just outside the captain's door in the airplane) to Luang Prabang, Laos.

Upon arrival, we checked in at the Sayo River GuestHouse, a charming place on the Mekong River. They didn't have the big room ready, so we split up (Staci and I in one room, Lisa in the other). We ditched our backpacks and headed out to tool around town. We ate khao soi, a noodle soup with beef with fresh herbs. Then we strolled down to a side street offering many unique food offerings such as intestines, heart, tongue and other fun stuff. Later, we ate dinner at a pretty upscale place called 3 Nagas where we feasted on Luang Prabang salad, fish/chicken/eggplant & mushrooms in banana leaves, water buffalo stew, beef & onions, warmed banana & tapioca, and chocolate fondant with cream & caramel sauce). All for the grand total of $15 each. It's great to have good friends so you can order a bunch of things and have a small taste of each one!

Now, I'll explain the title of this post. Every morning at 6:30am, there is a ceremony called Tak Bat. All the monks in the entire city come from their respective wats (temples) and walk a route through town collecting alms from the loyal Buddhists in the community. It is absolutely amazing to see the long line of orange-clad, bare feet monks walking through with their bowls to collect rice. Male Buddhists paying homage are allowed to stand and give the rice while females must remain kneeling the entire time. Those observing the procession are supposed to respect the tradition - dress accordingly (no bare shoulders or knees), be lower than the monks (i.e. sit while they're walking through) and remain on the side opposite the alms-givers. It is always curious to me when traveling to other countries how little some people read about other's cultures and completely disrespect them by not being aware of their traditions (i.e. taking pictures up close during the procession, standing in the middle of the road, etc.). Just a pet peeve of ours: When you travel to a foreign land, do the research and don't be the ignorant American that gives the rest of us a bad name!

Off to the elephants...