At the head of the Kuang Si Falls in Luang Prabang. Wish you were here…
Though the photo above somewhat reveals the impact of the last of the numerous Kuang Si Falls outside of Luang Prabang in Laos, I am going to create a photo journey for you to share what is, for me, one of the most lovely places on Planet Earth I’ve seen.
If you’ve been searching, the Kuang Si Falls might be Shangri La. Make that Shangri Laos…
The trailhead to the Kuang Si Falls.
Your journey to Paradise Found will begin in Luang Prabang and take around 40 minutes through beautiful rice fields, distant mountainscapes, peaceful villages, and cooling highlands. Once you arrive in Kuang Si the easy trail will transport you into another world. Think a Laotian Muir Woods with waterfalls.
Pictures are worth a thousand words and I’m happy to provide them for you. But forgive me a few words before we start. The Kuang Si Falls are for me a symbol of all Asia: you never quite know when the journey ends. As soon as you think you know, you see more.
Let’s have a walking meditation together…
The first pool of water.
The turquoise water is the first surprise. As are the autumnal breezes. The cool air. The ginger and lemongrass scented air. As you walk up the path, this pool is fed by the next set of falls…
The next pool.
and that pool is fed by these falls…
The next set of falls.
resolving into this pool…
The next layer of falls and turquoise pool.
which is fed by this series of falls…
More cooling falls at Kuang Si.
as those falls resolve into this turquoise pool…
And the next layer.
which are fed by these falls…
Another layer revealed.
while those waters are resolved by this next pool resulting in a new rush of water…
A rapid cascade.
that comes from this series of falls…
A terrace of waterfalls.
originating from this stronger set of falls…
The next layer.
resolving into this pool…
The next calm pool.
finally bringing you to a magnificent resolution.
The climax of the Kuang Si Falls.
Fold upon fold. Layer upon layer. External yin yielding to internal yang. External yang yielding to internal yin. Wisdom and compassion. Sun and moon.
In Luang Prabang, patience finds reward as you find balance through chance.
Best, best, best,
Jeff
Sound Travels with Jeff von der Schmidt 