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TRAVEL BLOG ENTRY
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“Thai chick in front of us got sick towards the end and threw up all over the aisle, spraying Adam’s feet with spew in ... ” |
Another random lao transport experience – we were told to be at the travel agent at 9 for a 9:30 bus, but it turned out to be 9:30 for a 10am bus – then the tuk tuk driver taking us to the bus stop was another20 minutes late. But this gave us the opportunity to have breakfast at a delicious bakery café across the road – we got a slice of quiche, ham and cheese croissant, banana bread, coffee and coke for about $6. Finally the tuk tuk guy shows up, we all pile in only to realize that the bus stop is only about 200 metres down the road, so we could easily have walked there ourselves.
The bus turns out to be a 20 seater minivan, with no aircon but luckily big wide windows to hang out of. We take our seats on the back row, which turns out to be a complete mistake because of course the back is the bumpiest part of the bus, and although sealed, the roads aren’t exactly smooth going. The first part of the three hour ride was breezy, until it started getting hilly and windy. I was feeling pretty average, but for some reason I only ever get motion sickness on gravel roads, so I was safe. Not so for the Thai chick in front of us, who got sick towards the end and threw up all over the aisle, spraying Adam’s feet with spew in the process – her friend didn’t even bother to offer her the window seat, so she just kept yakking up inside the bus – nice.
Vang Vieng is a beautiful little hideaway, set on a river flowing down from the mountains, against a breathtaking backdrop of sheer limestone karst cliffs. Its an adventure town, but we decided the only thing we felt like achieving that day was a swim by the river and a sunbake at one of the thatch cabanas built alongside. A group of Lao boys were jumping off one of the makeshift bamboo bridges into the water, which was cathartic to watch. We had a few beers but no lunch, so we got hammered kind of early. We went to the main street to find some food, and ended up with a happy pizza – a local specialty. Tired from the afternoon in the sun, we crashed early so we’d have energy for the following day.
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SueBee says:
Hi Kate It's Mum here. I saw a story in the Australian the other day about the problems Fairfax is having with its email, presumably something to do with the move to the new building. So you are not the only one with the email problem. You seem to be having a great experience, if a little more adventurous than needed at times - take it easy. Much love.