Finally...

... civilisation. But could you call it that? Vientiane is the 'capital' of Laos, but let's face it, it hasn't really worked that hard to earn its title. Many of the roads are still dirt, last night the power was down for 3 hours in the guesthouse, and these guys are more mental than Thais on the road. Still, coming through Laos has been a treat.

On The Beaten Track

I have to admit I've followed the same route as probably thousands of travellers. Not something I like to do, but lets be honest, I always end up doing it anyway. Before I start, it might be useful to have a look at a map of Laos first off. So I started off in the North West coming in from the border with Thailand. From there it was two days up the river on a slow boat. Slow boat conjours up images of dangling ones toes in the water as you chug along and take in the atmosphere. Not when you're sat in the engine room. It should have been called the ear drum disintegrating boat. Haha, it was only the second day that we were in the engine room though and it wasn't that bad. incidentally, the picture I posted lasted time was from the film Apocaplypse now. The actual slow boats looked like this.

Luang Prabang was the next stop (after a night in Pek Bang... What noise does a chicken in a minefield make? Suspicious lack of chickens there!) and that place was great. Very little to do, apart from wander around aimlessly without a CBD in sight, or visit waterfalls. The waterfalls (two different ones) were unbelievable and the water was actually turquiose even with the sun behind cloud. There was also a random tiger, very strange. So what better thing to do in a place of such natural beauty than try a back flip off a waterfall and smash your face up? Nice one me. It wasn't that bad though, all healed now.

Vang Vieng was next on the well trodden trail. This is basically just a place to break up the long journey to Vientiane, and it shows. Hoards of backpackers, an over supply of guesthouses and a DVD player in every bar/restaurant. Not all bad but it gets tiresome after a while. They also had tubing there. That was truly inspired. If you go to Laos, go to Vang Vieng and tube. I did, two days on the trot.

Up to the Now

So now I'm in Vientiane, the capital city that never was (not even a city). I was thinking about getting a job here if possible but I've been under the weather for a few days now, swollen glans, sore throat etc so I'm not really bursting with the get up and go required. Still, three mails ain't that much to send is it? Might as do it now whilst I'm on line.

Revoposty and Other Matters

I'm afraid I trust the Laos postal system as much as I trust a Laos truck driver who's indicating left. Therefore, revoposty might be on a break for a while, but then again, nothing ventured and that.

As for the competition; well, we've a call for 2007 but that was my brother. We can't have that can we. 2008 was the next one called by a certain Scroz. I'm sceptical that she was 2008th but no call no prize. Well done Scroz, a genuine piece of Laos art work will be winging its way to you shortly. I bet 2000 was taken by some miserable random... come on randoms, give us your addresses... ooh, or anyone currently on the mailing list is welcome to send me some distant rellie's or a mates address. Whatever.