Leaving Laos

Well leaving Laos and its wonderfully slow mentality to everything had to happen sometime. The final destination was a beautiful and quiet retreat 6 hours by bus from the tubing town. Four days with Sebastian, Emily, Patric and others were spent relaxing where possible. And finally as we all Split it was back to Bangkok for some and onto the a few days boat cruise for others. Emily flew to Bangkok and i chose to go overland.

There isn't really much to mention about Laos. It was beautiful, it was quiet and it was less hassle than previous places which was welcome. Seeing the monks in the early morning collecting from the people was pretty weird and a bit like Grand Theft Auto, the big long line of Orange monks walking the streets. Anyway.

Oh of course there was this waterfall, probably the best waterfall i have ever seen. It really does have clear turquoise pools and three levels of amazing falls. I was told about following the path to the right up to the top pool.

Half way up i used my hands to help on the steep slope, i put them straight on a long but thin snake. Yes i was surprised but more than this it was followed by a large brown snake a little further up! I think the whole experience and being alone surprised me and soon i was lost somwhere between the path and the waterfall. Standing in leaves upto my shins with bats flying out at me and holding onto vines my mind started to drift towards scorpions! Gladly i made it to the wrong side of the waterfall and the danger no entry signs were nowhere to be seen.

As i figured which way to cross the top pool (on the edge) i saw a fli-flop! It was the blue flip-flop of Emily that she had lost the day before just above. As you can see i reclaimed it for a picture! The previous night we had all been told about the loss of the flip-flop and hence now the chance to buy new ones at the night market!!!

So just a laid back place really which takes hours to get around by bus in. Oh and the guys on the bus all carry AK47's and one bloke near me had 3 guns while two little guerilla boys shared my VIP seat with me for 6 hours. This included pocket knifes, much travel sickness and a very strange way of sleeping. I gave them some bread and they finished it faster than my fish at home! Along the route there are also many men sat by the road with guns and a few years ago a few buses were shot and people killed! But its all a bit weird.

I am not going to explain how i made it to Bangkok in 24 hours or seat 76 (half a seat in third class). Simply 10 hours bus, 12 hours train and a border crossing- but i made it!!!

Anyway a smiley pick to end the smiley times.

Ciao Laos.

Luang Prabang, Laos