Quick note on some things we've learned about Laos. 1. It's smoky everywhere because they cook on fire, they burn their trash, poor exhaust regulation from cars and factories, many people smoke. 2. Cows, goats, chickens, stray dogs roam freely in streets, sometimes restaurants (not cows, lol) and make Roger feel like a dumbass because the dogs actually understand Laotian!!!! 3. There's no concept of time. VERY laid back!!! 4. Although very poor, the economy is not affected here like everywhere else because people actually pay for everything in CASH. 5. There are no rules regarding driving that we can tell 6. Don't let your relatives plan the day (see #3). 7. Just because a bus claims to be "king of bus" "VIP", it may be not so.
Today we went to a city to the north of Vientienne called Vang Vieng. It is very scenic, mountainous area with rafting, caves (actually unexplored) but very touristy. We enjoyed our time there, however the "2 hour" bus ride there took 5 because the bus stopped every 20 minutes for 20 minutes to pick up passengers and strap luggage, bikes, rice, etc on top. Seriously, there was 5 feet of stuff strapped to the top of the full length of the bus and when they ran out of room they began loading rice, soy milk, sour bamboo, etc in and under the seats, aisles, our feet ,etc. We thought it was going to tip over!! Also, no AC. It was quite an experience. Once there, we explored the town and Seng's father actually met a son of a past military comrade who own's an excellent restaurant there and helped us out quite a bit. We promised his picture on the internet!!!! The caves, etc were over rated but it was still a good day overall. Wouldn't want to repeat it, though! We felt lucky to catch the VIP "KING OF BUS" back to town with no stops, no rice, etc and only 3 hours, but the damn thing ran out of gas 2o minutes from town!!!!! We're going on another long bus ride tomorrow to Pakse. We are VERY nervous because if Vientienne is the biggest, most sophisticated town in Laos then we're in trouble when we get there! A 10 hour bus ride, by the way!!!!!!! It may be a while before we post again!!! Also, the future may be more pictures than posts d/t lack of time and internet access.
