Definition of Paradise.

In the months leading up to our travel we shared our itinerary with countless family, friends and strangers. We often observed their nods and smiles when we dropped the buzzwords - Vietnam, Bali, New Zealand and Australia. Nine times out of ten, when the word Laos made its way into the conversation, we would instantly catch a glimpse of confusion and hesitancy. In truth, we weren’t entirely sure what to expect of Laos either but inserted it into our world tour based upon the recommendation of my second cousin, Jeff Fuchs, an explorer, mountaineer and writer based mainly out of Asia. 

Six days into our Laotian interlude, we can say with absolute certainty that this small land-locked country has met our definition of paradise. It is NOT paradise in a 5-star, Western-world way, yet it checks every box in all the ways that truly matter to us as a family. 

Obviously, we have not scaled the country from top-to-bottom in 6 days, and Laos is in the midst of its dry season so not incredibly lush or abundant, but our spidey senses tell us this space is special for reasons that can be felt with the heart.  

Our first impressions of Vientiane, the sleepy capital of Laos, were impeccably defined by the Lao Poet Hotel where we spent two blissful days soaking up the luxuries of this mysteriously curious hotel that rocked a 1930’s Indochina style vibe (bonus: not absorbently priced). Though our rambles through town were limited, and our discoveries mild in comparison to others, we appreciated the mild-mannered, slower pace that Vientiane exuded. And dare I say, we even became slightly bored as we approached day 4. 

Where we sit at this moment is in Luang Prabang, a small northern city, located in the heart of a mountainous region. Zoom in and you will find us in the folds of the Laos countryside in a modestly refined eco-lodge (Hillside Nature Lodge) roughly 12 km from town.

It is here where our India roams freely, frolicking with the two mixed Mongolian ponies who reside at the Lodge. It is here where Oscar has met his first International pal, Oskar, the son of the German-Loation couple who own and operate this hidden mountain gem. It is also here where our children (and Dan) bravely zip-lined across 800 meters of forest and waterfall scenery at Nahm Dong Park. 

When we venture beyond the Lodge’s confines we find ourselves on dirt and cobble roads that send billows of soft red dust into the air each time they are disturbed. Our jaunts are often accompanied by small herds of water buffalo, or bleating goats who wander from farm to farm searching out green in the scores of dry, caked mud. The climate here is sun-kissed, dry and windy, often sending rippling rustles through the dry leaves which sound like a spring downpour. We view the mountains through a haze indicative of the slash and burn season but the mountain air is fresh and pure. When dusk descends upon this place, the smells and crackles of the fire stoked for the steam bath move through the air. On a random Monday evening in late February our family revels in the good fortune of finding ourselves in the mountain midsts under a black blanket of stars. We alternate from pore purifying in the herbal steam bath to bursting forth into the cold pool, all the while reflecting at how easily our bodies adapt, and even embrace change when we are open to it. 

I leave you with India’s perspective of paradise written from the hammock she has taken a liking to….

"The way you look at life is like the way you read chapters of a book, you never really know what's going to happen. When I first showed up here I didn't really know what to expect. When you take a break from your everyday life and you see something beautiful and you can find comfort in that. For me when I am out here in the countryside I can almost always find comfort in listening to the birds and just nature. It's like time just simply stops. Especially when I'm with the horses I feel free and alive and it's something I don't feel very often."

Views of the Putuxai Victory Monument 

First ride on a Tuk Tuk for these kiddos...not the most comfortable but we held on! 

La Poet Vibes 

Street Views 

Yes, we found horses and rode them! 

There is a long strip of outdoor restaurants located along the Mekong which open up every evening and serve the freshest of seafood and the coldest of drinks. They offer perfect views of Thailand which is located just across the river. 

Buddha Sculpture Park

Memories from the Hillside Lodge & Elwood and Jake

That's our family bungalow right behind Indie

School lessons commence bright and early  over breakfast  

They are super eager students - 

Fooled ya....

Nahmdong Park - Cloud walks and ziplines