March 18th - Mt. Phousi, Bye Bye Laos, Return to the Oriental

Awaking early as usual, we walked to the top of Mt. Phousi (pronounced "pussy", which never failed to get a laugh from our guides, Bom and Wasa). It provided a nice view of Luang Prabang but was otherwise rather dull. After a relaxed breakfast at our favorite haunt, Joma Bakery, we packed our bags and said our goodbyes.



We boarded Bangkok Airways, "Thailand's Boutique Airline", and flew back to the big city. Cruising into Don Muang Airport, I was certain I saw a golf course situated in the center of the runway. Not believing one would want to play 18 holes amid the deafening roar of jumbo jets, I researched this online. It was not a mirage. You can see the links located between the two runways and read more about it at Kantarat Golf Course

We arrived at the Oriental hotel in the late afternoon. We checked our email, relaxed by the pool and had some great food. Our room even featured a truly exotic fruit, the sapodilla:

Sapodilla, (Manikara zapota), grows on tall trees throughout the world's tropical regions. Sapodilla looks like a cross between a Kiwi and a small potato. Its taste resembles honey, fig and toffee. It is harvested in Thailand particularly in Nontubari several times a year.

Thanks to Karen's foresight, this luxurious day to unwind provided the perfect end to our journey.