Wrapping up the Journey
Trip Start
Jul 27, 2006
1
77
93
Trip End
Ongoing
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Vientiane,
Lao Peoples Dem Rep
Saturday, January 5, 2008
God was looking over us that night because even though we waited 15 minutes after departure time, 2 passengers never showed up. Seeing our distraught faces, the bus station attendants let us take those seats. The 10 other people waiting took seats on plastic toy stools in the isle. I thought we were really lucky ending up in the front two seats, but I soon realized my mistake. That was by far the scariest ride I've ever taken. Far scarier than that mini-bike journey of mine, or the truck rolling experience years back. The majority of Laos is mountainous terrain and uninhabitable. We spent the night twisting around hairpin turns. Not only was the isle full of extra passengers, but there were also 3 men standing in the front on the steps. They found the journey quite entertaining and kept urging the driver to take the corners sharper and sharper, cheering as the bus lifted off its tires.
Melanie and I had been sick before we even got on the bus... but somehow we both managed to make it through the ride without losing our cookies.
Fruit Stands
I think we were the only two people on the bus who weren't throwing up. Sick bags were being passed out left and right, the guy next to me filled 3 whole bags AND was clutching my armrest with white knuckles the entire trip. Why the driver didn't just slow down and take the curves a bit slower... I'm not sure. It was quite disturbing. How Melanie managed to sleep through the entire ride... I'm not sure. It was even more disturbing! We did end up making it to Vientiane, and when we did we were able to relax and enjoy ourselves. We stayed in a nice guesthouse, participated in a cooking class, had hour long body massages, and drank loads of Lao coffee.
I really enjoyed Vientiane. It was small, yet still had a lot of things to offer: numerous temples, fountains (that never seemed to be on), Stupas, markets, and then some. Our bus arrived early (not that I'm surprised with the rate they were driving) and we were stranded for 3 hours until our hostel opened, but it ended up working out for the best as we were able to see the monks walking through the street for morning alms before the sun came up. We also saw a group of energetic folk doing tai-chi along the river in the early morning- pumping music and all. The city had some definite culture. And just an hour (and a crazy bus ride away) there was a Buddha park: Wat Xieng Khuan. We went there to see endless statues of Buddhas and talk to some more monks.
All in all, it was a great wrap up to our trip. I don't think I'll be rushing back to Cambodia or Vietnam any time soon, but I'd definitely like to return to Laos someday. The relaxed atmosphere, beautiful weather, and easy going attitudes were refreshing. Perhaps I'll be lucky enough to be placed in Laos for my Peace Corp. experience!!!
