Laos is an amazing country. I have to say I agree with the travellers who say they prefer it to Thailand. It had so many rivers, which I discovered is one of my hidden joys, as I floated down the river in a homemade bamboo raft, with the help of my boyfriend; It has great food, less spicy and more sweet and salty flavoured curries; and it is communist! No, that’s not really a reason, but somehow there is more of a renegade atmosphere there, a little less conformist and more traditional. And certainly less westernized. I came to the East to escape the West so I don’t want the burger kings and the 7-elevens and minivans stalking me!
Anyway, I went to Vang Vieng (the inner-tubing capital) and Vientiane (the capital). I also can’t forget to mention that the food and drinks were superb. We found this little local spot that served free Lao Lao shots (hand made rice whisky) along with escargot, banana chips and sausages and sticky rice. It was the best welcome ever after an all-night bus trip. Beer Laos is also up there just beneath Belgian brew.
Into the Song River
Vang Vieng took my breath away with its limestone cliffs and its clean accessible river. I decided I want to buy a little peice of property right there on the banks. But, alas I realized I’d never be fully accepted as a southeast asian so I’m going to have to find a place identical to it in Spain. Here’s a pic of some bloke jumping off one of the bazillion bamboo ledges outside the makeshift bars of Laos. Pure Paradise. Note: I turned a blind eye to the expanding flocks of package tourists and endulged in the wonders of nature.
