Laos: Tropical Mornings and Jungle Pools

In Laos, summer temperatures can soar to 40°C. I sip a cup of "Lao" coffee and relax. The French left their legacy here in the form of café au lait—milk coffee—and, to my delight, baguettes (French white bread, for those unfamiliar with the term).

Sitting on the veranda, I order a vegan baguette. It arrives filled with a variety of garden-fresh vegetables. Amazingly good. It's served by the proprietress of the guesthouse I’m staying at—her hearty smile adds to the beauty of the morning.

Elephant Cave and My Jungle Pool

The sun rises, and with it comes the heat. The jungle around us begins to steam. I rent a bike for the day and set off to my favorite discovery: my private jungle pool, a few miles from where I’m staying. Nearby lies a cave that was discovered long ago—once a Buddhist temple outpost. The hermit monk who once lived there passed away years ago, and his skull now rests in the cave, for visitors to admire.

This daily plunge has become a ritual—an experience that leaves me refreshed and invigorated.

Contrast and Reflection

My thoughts drift to Budapest, Hungary, where I frequent a five-star spa. In contrast to the underwater massages, mud wraps, and bio saunas there—here, I have it all, and for nothing.

Right now, I wouldn’t trade this for Acapulco or even Biarritz.

• Tiny fish swim curiously around me.
• The cave spring rushes out with powerful force.
• I explore the unknown but return before it's too dark.
• Many years in Africa taught me to avoid unnecessary risks.
• I enjoy God's creation in solitude and serenity.

I step out and warm myself on a wooden bench. On the ride back through the rice paddies, farmers wave cheerfully. Water buffaloes plough the fields—an unforgettable sight. Laos, with all its surprises...

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