The footpath across the Old Bridge

This morning we emailed the respective parents and siblings to give them our news ... we'll have to find internet somewhere later to see the response, although of course we're not expecting anything but a good one!

We then wander around town and find the the Music For Everyone (MES) School we've read about.  To reach it you have to cross the Old Bridge which only takes bikes and motorbikes on the main part of the bridge and pedestrians have to walk on these narrow and rickety walkways on either side ... not Freddie's idea of fun.

On arrival at the School we meet Max who runs the place and shows us round.  Unfortunately we've missed this lunch time's session and the kids have gone back to school.  We'll pop back tomorrow.  The School is a non-profit organisation set up to provide free music lessons and use of instruments for local people. 

Its really hot in the sun here and we rest in a cafe where we have lunch before heading to the UXO (unexploded ordnance) visitors centre.  Its really interesting as well as quite disturbing.  Neither of us had realised the extent of the problem in Laos (http://www.luangprabang-laos.com/Visit-UXO-Laos-center).

We bumped into a German guy we met on the boat this morning and arranged to meet him for dinner later.  We head out with a little time to spare to stop and check the all important emails on the way.  We manage to get completely lost and end up at the other end of town.  After taking the longest possible route we could have, we arrive 20 mins late and he's gone!  We feel really bad but we tried.  As we'd been walking there had been flashes of lightening in the sky.  Suddenly the wind picks up, the night market vendors pack up really quickly and it begins to rain.  Just before it really pours we manage to duck inside a restaurant.  Then all hell breaks loose outside, things flying everywhere and all the power cuts out.  Its quite funny actually and a little like a Faulty Towers episode ... the waiters are still bringing out food and a Japanese group are using their i-phones to light their table.  Other diners continue eating with hordes of people sheltering around them. 

The storm is short lived and we venture out again to quite a chaotic scene as the wind has knocked things flying all over the place.  We try to find somewhere to eat but everywhere is full as everyone has run for shelter.  We eventually find a not very good local place but its food so we eat then head back to the hotel.

Daniel, if you ever happen to read this ... sorry!