Lao is Cool

The "Vertical Runway"
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We made it to Vientiane, Laos safely, which is more of an accomplishment than it may sound like due to the broken bus we were in for 20 hours (not broken down, but literally cracked in two pieces).  Okay we weren't really in it for 20 hours - between 4:30 - 8:30 in the morning we were waiting outside at the border crossing, somewhere between Vietnam and Laos, not knowing where our bus (with our bags) was because it drove off into Lao while we were stuck bribing corrupt officials to stamp our passports in Vietnam.  Did we mention that the bus was FULL of onions, and that the little girl sitting in front of us peed on Ben?

Lucy and Bill, on Children's Day
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But anyway, we made it.

Vientiane is nice, nothing like Vietnam.  It is much calmer and there are far fewer motorbikes- you could practically cross the street with your eyes closed, which is rare for any capital city.  We were fortunate enough to have the company of a real local, TC, who is a family friend of Ben's Aunt and Uncle in NZ.  He was nice enough to take us around for a few days, showing us amazing temples (and actually explaining some stuff- he was a monk for a bunch of years, so he should know), a giant Buddha park, where we played with his beautiful daughter Lucy, and the Friendship bridge where we touched the border of Thailand.  With his family we explored many Children's Day celebrations, a big I-Tech mall, and had delicious home cooked food.  Plus, while out on the town, we were treated to more local dishes than we ever would have tried on our own (however Lucy opted for the pizza).

Wat?
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This opportunity to explore a city with someone who lives there, and speaks the language, was an amazing chance to see part of a country that we haven't been exposed to in Asia.  It was a refreshing and invigorating view on tourism that we desperately needed.   Thank you TC, and your lovely family, for being such wonderful hosts!  We hope that some day we can repay you for all your kindness, and that when we return to Lao we can see you again.