With the slowboat from Huay Xay to Luang Prabang

After our nice experience in the Gibbon experience, Jules and Heather decided to go to Luang Nam Tha and Femke, Dave and myself 'd take the slowboat back to Luang Prabang.
This trip 'd take 2 days with a nightover stop in Pak Beng.We knew from reading the lonely planet that these boats easily get overcrowded and that the best seats are very limited so we stood ready to claim our seats at 7 am, the boat was to leave at 10 but better be a little early because sitting on a wooden bench for 7 hours a day is pure torture.
As we were the first to arrive at the pier, we were certain of good seats, luckily ;DOn the boat we met lots of other travelers like Laura, Mark and Annelies from Holland, Gerard from Spain and James, John and Faye from the UK.
After we found a guesthouse in Pak Beng we all had dinner together in a nice Indian restaurant.
The second day we were even earlier at the pier than the day before because now everybody knew that it payed off to be early and claim a good seat.
Like the day before we were the first to arrive ;D
We claimed our seats and went for a nice breakfast with looooooots of good coffee.
When we arrived in Luang Prabang our little group had become pretty close and we decided to take the same guesthouse, I had been so smart as to reserve 2 rooms before, but in the end we needed 5 rooms.
After a good shower we all went in to town for a nice meals with some pints of Duvel in the Belgian bistro.
(from left to right: Faye, Gerard, John, Femke, James, Mark and Dave)
So right now I'm enjoying my last full day in Laos because tomorrow I leave for Bangkok.
With a little of luck I'll be able to visit the Tiger temple in Thailand before I have to fly home again on the 21st.

Big hugs and kisses to you all