April 10th, before the sunrise, the training whistles echo in the streets of all the villages in Mueng Ngoy district
Mueng Ngoy village's beautifully decorated race boat sits quietly waiting for the glory
people are rushing to Nong Khiaw bridge, where the race starts
here we are, back in Nong Khiaw.
the bridge is packed with people cheering for their own village team
more than a dozen of boats- one from every village, gather under the bridge
team of rowers relax and wait for their turn
two boats at a time, paddling to the center to get ready
nueng, song....
sam!! let's go
on the beat from the whistle, everyone's paddle is in perfect synch
in the foreground with red T-shirts is Mueng Ngoy boat
some kids are there just to get wet
finishing line is a party, young and old, monks and cops, everyone's there to watch the race...
...or to get wet
Pee Mai (Lao/Thai/Khmer new year) is still a couple of days away, but they just can't wait
I heard that Mueng Ngoy took the 5th place in the race out of 16, 17 teams. Is it good or bad? I don't know. They are all going to drink that strong Lau Lao whiskey tonight, that's all that is important
Here at the foot of Nong Khiaw bridge, Lek and I decided to go separate ways. Maybe we'll see each other again in a couple of days back in Luang Prabang... I don't know.the 5th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th and 17th photos in this chapter are by Lek
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