Pakxe - Direct from the Source.

Arrived in Pakxe and found myself in a large room with a double bed, AC and tv. The bed looked quite comfy and I was looking forward to getting a good night's sleep after the brothel incident in Savannakhet. Alas, it wasn't meant to be. I was in the shower, in the middle of shaving my legs (don't worry this is G-rated) when I felt a bump at my ankle....I felt something that didn't feel right. Well I look down and there is this creepy crawly worm/centipede/slug thing...lots of hairy legs. It scuttled away to the drain area and I used the shower head to make sure it kept going. But after a couple of minutes, I spied it trying to come back into the shower. A word hear about the bathrooms....the showers tend to be a hand-held shower head and there is a drain in the floor for the water...basically you get the bathroom soaked (toilet seat, sink, etc.) and then it dries throughout the day. I was impressed I didn't scream when I saw the bug but the girl in me did come out. I sprayed the drainage opening with DEET (good ole DEET) and kept the bathroom door shut and the light on all night. I also kept the TV on with no sound as a nightlight. I was so paranoid the bug would be crawling all over me during the night that needless to say I didn't sleep well.

I knew I couldn't stay another night there (in addition to the bug at about 4 in the morning a strange juggle animal sound started to come from the bathroom, which had a window). Not sure if it was a gecko (do they make loud noises?) or what but it didn't help the situation.

So, the next morning I checked out and found myself a lovely room on the main street. It normally went for 100,000 kip (or so they told me) but they said I could have it for 90,000 but I asked if they would do it for 80,000 and they did! It's on the top floor with a TV, a fridge and AC and no bug sightings to date. I slept very well last night (although I'll admit I watched crap television, too).

Today I did some wandering around town. It poured all morning so it was a lazy day. A good day to catch up on writing, etc. I was going to go to the gym but was feeling pretty tired in the afternoon and happened upon a spa that looked lovely. So, I went in for a facial. For one hour I was pampered starting with a foot scrub, the facial, an arm, hand and shoulder massage and even a neck massage all for under $10. Ladies, Laos is heavenly!!!

Of course, it begs the question WHY have I waited this long to treat myself to a facial! I'm hoping the budget will allow more of these...it could become addictive. The facial consisted of putting a sesame oil on my face and massaging it in and ended with cucumbers on my eyes and a paste of red fruit that hardened on my face. I was concerned because I've broken out a bit and wasn't sure if the oils would hurt rather than help but my skin looks and feels fantastic. Thank you, Laos!

Nuttter

written by

Groovespook on July 31, 2009 from Pakxe, Laos

from the travel blog: Nuttter's S.E. Asian Escapade

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Yes Geckos make a loud noise, especially the ones in SE Asia. They go "GE-KO GE-KO GE-KO" after building up to it with some weird buzzy-clicky noises.

written by

The Happy Couple on August 1, 2009

I have often heard of the gecko commonly referred to as "the night stalker" because of it's ability to lock onto to a specific persons scent and follow them into the bathroom. I believe they make a 200 Deet spray for those things. 9 hours on a winding bus ride and you still managed to function. I am so proud of you. JD

written by

dasilva26 on August 1, 2009

:-0

You can't DEET geckos! They're so cute!

written by

The Happy Couple on August 1, 2009

Good idea to move out of that first room. I would have been out right away with the creepy crawly thing....Ewwww! Sounds like the facial is just what you needed after a stressful night. Love you!

written by Liz on August 1, 2009

As one who lives in constant fear of spotting a cockroach while taking a wee in an NYC bathroom, I must say that showering with a large, hairy bug sounds like a very dreadful, heart-attack-inducing experience. I'm proud of you for not running out of there like a banshee! Good on ya, girl! And you most certainly earned that ($10!!!!) trip to the day spa. Cheers, Jenna

written by Jenna M. McKnight on August 2, 2009

Geckos make lots of noise... but even worse is when they try to sell you car insurance in a horrid Aussie accent.

written by St. Joe on August 6, 2009

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