Reflections of Tham Xiengliab, Thakhek, Laos

After our brush with death on the bus, we did arrive in Thakhek a few hours later than scheduled but alive. We spent much time figuring out what to do here as there really isn't much of a tourist infrastructure. Our first day there, we took a smoky, crooked tuk tuk to the Giant Wall of Laos. Supposedly man-made, but to me it looked like a natural rock formation jutting out of the land about 30ft. They had built an interesting little church there though.
The next day was caves, caves and more caves. The same wonky tuk-tuk saw us coming and blew blue smoke all the way over to us. We arranged a $20 pay off for him to take all 4 of us out for the day. First stop was Tham Nong Pa Fa (Buddha Cave). This cave was only discovered in 2004 and was full of Buddha relics, including some solid gold statues. For some reason the Buddhist monks like to hide out in caves and worship Buddha. Our treat was taking a boat along the underground river beneath the cave. Some pretty cool cave scenes.
Next stop, Tham Pa Inh - if you haven't guessed it yet, Tham means cave in Laos. A big cavern with prayer flags across, but interesting as there was some water in the distance. After exploring, Earl and Martin stripped down to their underwear and went for a dip across the turquoise waters. Some great colours in the cave walls, and a natural bridge above with 2 huge skylights. We explored outside after, to find the holes to look in. A third cave awaited us, Tham Xiengliab. We got escorted by a bunch of local kids to the cave, where they all quickly hurried up one formation to pose for us, with their hand under their chin (which means 'handsome'). They enjoyed showing us around the huge caverns, and right out the other end. Some great reflections in the water. I kept thinking they wanted cash for the 'tour' but in the end, they did not seem to want anything. They even picked flowers for Michelle and Joy!
A dusty tuk tuk ride home along the red dirt road with limestone landscape, dropped us off at our hotel with a view over the Mekong for sunset - not too bad. And of course, a few games of Euchre (a Canadian card game favourite) with some BeerLao. *Stub