Vientiane, Laos Capital & French Influence
Trip Start
Apr 14, 2008
1
5
85
Trip End
Nov 11, 2008
Vientiane,
Lao Peoples Dem Rep
Thursday, May 1, 2008
29/4/08
The night train from BKK ran late so we settled into the guest house by mid-afternoon. My first taste of Laos was the 'thao jii patch' and a dark beer Laos. Credit it were its due, I thank the French here. The former was a French baguette (most recognizable part) filled with Laos pate, cucumber, pork fluff etc. While the beer, the better of the two, was a cool 6.5%, perfectly hoppy & wheaty. A fantastic break from the British influence of larger beer in Australia and Thailand.
Day 16. Motivation was high
30/4/08
We were on a sightseeing mission. The tuk-tuk price for half a day seemed a joke so we hired bicycles. In comparison to other Asian capitals Vientiane would be considered refreshingly relaxing. That said, you still need your wits about you on the bike. Have a look at the pictures and there related stories....
The evening took us to a lovely French restaurant. It was a very romantic setting. Maybe 10 tables, a piano playing & a French Chef. Some might say romance and French go hand in hand. But to answer your thoughts there was no romance in the air between Roanna & I. We enjoyed the local Laap dishes and of course a dark beer Laos. A bar followed and we were soon in to mood for clubbing. Well thats leaves only one place happening in this sleepy place, Lunar 36. Although we did not hit of hard we did enjoy a dance and met some funny people (I won't include the local pimp daddy in that group).
Day 17. Bring it on
1/5/08
We woke up fine and jumped on the local bus to Vang Vieng. The drive on the way took us past the Laos Cement Company. Not usually a noteworthy point, however I had to laugh at the banner on the roof. Safety First. Perception is everything everywhere. I wonder how many of their workers understood that sign...
