What a cool trip! We crossed the border at Chiang Khong, Thailand into Huay Xai, Laos for our 2-day 'slowboat' ride to Luang Prabang, where we would spend Christmas. First we had to survive the 5 hour bus ride from Chang Mai north. The driver couldn't figure out how to hold his foot steady on the gas, accelerating and slowing every couple of seconds. Except while passing on blind corners, then he would just gas it! Feeling a bit pukey getting into to Chiang Khong, we checked into the Bamboo Inn guesthouse, had a Tiger beer and enjoyed the best Mexican food so far on the trip! Next morning, got stamped out of Thailand, crossed into Laos, cleared immigration and made our way to the boat. What a wild ride. We were some of the last folks boarding (@130 total passengers) and settled for a seat in the back with the roar of the engine in our ears and stink of fumes reminding us too much of work.
After a long day, we ended up in Pak Beng, settled into our guesthouse, and slept.
We got up extra early the next morning, and picked a great seat near the front of our new boat, which was much nicer than day 1. Fun day. Luang Prabang is fantastic, Laos is our new favorite spot on the map and we will definitely include it as an extended stop on our next trip. Remnants of French control are abundant, from architecture to the fresh baguettes in the morning. We also enjoyed the local cuisine, including a fried river moss garnished with a jam made from chilies and dried buffalo skin. Yumm! We will post the pics soon.
We took a quick flight from Laos to Bangkok, followed by a 4 hour train ride to the outskirts of Khoa Yai National Park, where we do a 2 day trek/safari. We will be looking for snakes, elephants tigers, and toucans.
Love you all, hope the Holidays were great!
m&c
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Great pictures of Laos and the river life! Hey Alasia and I have a question, when are you two getting back into Seattle? We're thinking its Jan. 4th, is that correct? Let us know so we can pick you up at the airport. We have an appointment with the caterers on the 5 and/or 6th up in Bellingham, but just let us know and we'll work it out. Have a great New Year!
a&b
Hey you guys,
We have actually extended our trip, getting home on Jan. 14th @10am, instead of the 4th. Pretty sure I sent you an email...let us know if this complicates matters.
see you soon,
m
Michael,
Thanks for calling on Christmas - it was awesome to hear your voice! Don't think it would be Christmas without my brother!
We had an amazing week. So many fun experiences with the kids. I really enjoyed hosting a big family meal - now that I'm feeling so well and getting the hang of gluten-free cooking.
Jake's had a wiggly bottom front tooth all week and then all of the sudden, while brushing his teeth last night, we spotted his new front tooth growing in behind the baby one. It's HUGE and such a sign that he's growing up so fast - I got misty at the sight of it. Oh, he also announced to Sean and Ian that he has a girlfriend. It was news to me. Her name is Makenna and she's in his class.
Ryan is having fun playing with all of his new toy motorcycles and trains from Santa but he's very territorial about them. He collects them all before he leaves the room and either carries them all with him or hides them in the couch cushions. Oddly enough, it kinda reminds me of Bailey when he used to hide his bone around the house!
TJ has a bowl haircut and looks so grown up. He's talking all of the sudden and says sentences now - "Bye Bye G'dad" was his first, followed by "I need Dada" and "Thank you Dada". Now, when I'm reprimanding him, he follows suit with the older boys who say "yes mom" by saying "uh huh, mama". Cute.
Anyway, I hope you get a chance to read this soon. We miss you!
Love, Erica
the pictures are incredible!
Love to you both and we miss you. Can't wait to see you soon.
Snow tomorrow for my birthday and a trip to Longwood Gardens with the boys then they stay overnight. Should be fun!
Remember when we used to take G'mom to Taylor Park every New Year's Day?
Love, MOm
Hi guys, I just realized that I have been sending all my comments to your email. I just wanted you to know how proud I am of both of you for taking so much time and effort to let us join you on your journey via internet. I hope you have the best start to 2008 there could ever be!!! We are home tonight enjoying a fun evening of me doing the usual laundry while Lauren is setting up a board game for us to play, Garrett is eagerly awaiting to use his "non-flammable" fireworks I purchased due to county restrictions. Grant has his ipod on while playing "Guitar Hero" waiting for the big countdown, and Scott is grilling two leftover steaks from Christmas Eve!!!
Enjoy the rest of your trip! Happy New Year! Call or write when you get the chance. And Happy New Year to all the rest of your friends and family too!!!!
Love you guys lots,
The Ellis Family
Hey Michael and Chandler,
New Year's Day for us, we went skiing! I'm sure you had a great time wherever you're at.
As is turns out Alasia has a district meeting that day and I'm scheduled to sub for her. I would be done working at 2:00pm and I could pick you guys up after that but I'm betting you don't want to hang out at SeaTac airport for 4hrs. Sorry we can't be the ones but I can make some calls and perhaps my brother isn't working that morning and he could come get you. We will leave out keys to our front door whatever you decide so you can just come in when you arrive. Hope this doesn't mess you guys up too much, let us know either way.
Take care,
Bobby
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