Laos

(Wrote by Nic)

Our eventful trip to Laos started in Hanoi, Our taxi driver turned up, however we did not see a car, only a small scooter, and with 6 bags and two people on the back it was going to be a tight squeeze. So he phoned his mate and another scooter turned up to take us to the bus stop. This was one of the most scariest experiences of my life. So there we were travelling on the back of a scooter with our back packs on in Hanoi rush hour, and to top it off the driver did not stop smoking or talking on his phone the whole time, and i think at one time he managed both at the same time.

We finally arrived at the border (which was like a zoo with wild goats running around) where they make people pay a dollar to stamp there passports. However because it was a sunday and "unsocialable hours" we had to pay 2 dollars for them to stamp our passports.

We arrived in the capital Vientene 4 hours early than scheduled, so after a 18 hour overnight bus journey we were finally in the last of our Asian countires. After a quick rest, we decided do partake in some more sightseeing, however after reviewing the guidebook we decided to go for a beer instead as we did want to see any more temples!!!

Our next adventure would take us to the tourist capital of Laos, Vang Vieng! So we got on another bus which was meant to be a VIP air con bus which turned out to be a local bus with windows for the air con. In vang Vieng we embarked on one of funest days of our trip, Tubing. Tubing is floating down a river on a rubber ring, stopping off at make shift bars enroute. Each bar had a zip line or a giant swing with some about 10 -15 metres high. However if you let go to early on these swings it would really hurt as the river was not that deep!!

My favourite bar had a giant slide which throws you into the river. After copious visits to the bars we had a nice relaxed float to the end of the tubing track. Vang Vieng was very touristy with every bar showing friends or movies and far to many drunk tourists just like the thai islands. So we decided to get a bike and visit some caves just outside town.

The caves were really pretty and Jenny went swimming in a blue lagoon. However it took alot longer to cycle here as the roads were so bumpy. After a good morning sightseeing we decided to grab another beer and chill out for the afternoon.

Our last trip in Laos took us to a the north of Laos called Luang Probang, a small town in the mountains. The town itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Luang Prabang has both natural and historical sites. One day we set off on our own little adventure to the Kuang Si Waterfalls 32km away. As Jenny did not want to ride a bike there, I had to overcome a fear and get on the back of a motorbike with Jenny Driving. It was defantley Like mother like daughter! The waterfalls consist of a 180 foot main waterfall, and several 10-15 foot cascades from one turquoise blue pool to another. Our final day saw us get a massage as we were still sore from tubing.

We were then going to embark on a 24 hour bus journey to the north of Thailand!!

Lots of Love

Nic and Jen

xxxxx