scootering in Lao PDR

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We had an amazing bus ride from Vientiane to Thakhek. Crowded but ok. People come on the bus at stops selling goodies. We had baguettes and roasted corn, but passed on the grilled baby rats on a stick. Maybe next time. People are sooooo friendly and helpful to us. Children greet us with big smiles and Sabai dee's. It is very humbling. We went thru limestone karst mountains on a rented honda yesterday to visit caves. Leaving on a 3 day trek to a National Protected area tomorrow. Everything is good.

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Photos

view from a cave
This was a holy cave, also used as a bomb shelter during the American Bombing. You can see the bomb craters in the rice pattys below.

heading for the mountains
the landscape in this area was amazing

the mountains
the landscape in this area was amazing, but the road was rugged

small cave by the side of the road
we met some of the most friendly people along this road...

on the scooter
Patty had to get off to take this, we got some comming up with her & the scooter

Mountains
getting on towards evening

Army Day Poster
We were in Thakhek for Army Day...

"sitting & flirting cave"
This cave is named after of a legend of a former novice monk who met with the beautiful daughter of a mountain hermit here to...sit and flirt. There is a cool breeze blowing out of this cave constantly, which creates an "air conditioned" park outside the cave.