Bowling in Laos???

Hello Again,

A few things before I start.

1. To all those who wrote me private messages - Thank you. BUT - I will not respond to these, not because I don't want to, but because I just don't have the time. I'm a busy man. Please post 'comments' instead, so that everyone can read them and we can all get to know each other more intimately.

2. You might notice that my beautiful but sometimes messy roommate commented on my numerous spelling errors. This will improve immediately.

Now for the good stuff (and this is a long one, so all of you fellow A.D.D. ers out there better get in the zone...

We left off in Chiang Rai, or 'new city.' There was an option to go up into the Hill Tribes, which is essentially a reservation of different tribes. I didn't go, mainly because I felt a bit uncomfortable gawking at people like they were in a zoo. Three or four others stayed with me at the hotel. When the bulk of the group returned, it sounded like there were mixed reviews, but there was a sense of staring at people in a zoo, so basically, I'm happy with my decision. I spent the day by the pool in the hotel, listening to the i-pod, throwing a football (which I brought - this was a big hit), and playing a game called jump or dive. For those of you who are interested in playing, find a pool and a diving board. Jump off the diving board. While you are in the air, somebody will say either 'jump' or 'dive,' and you need to make a quick decision. There are usually belly flops galore.

That night, we walked the night market (every place seems to have a night market). I bought a t-shirt. We ate dinner in a street fair type atmosphere. Then, we went to a Thai nightclub, which was certainly a sight to see. For those drinkers in the audience, I bought a bottle of Johnny Walker Red for 750 bhat (see previous entry for exchange rate).

The next morning (after another breakfast of noodles), we got on the bus and headed for the Thai - Laos border. I was very hungover... Entering Laos was one of the most unique experiences so far on the trip. We pulled up to a small village on the Mekong River (12th longest river in the world) where there was a shack with a man inside. We gave him our departure cards (officially leaving Thailand) and got on a small boat (picture a long canoe that the Indians - sorry, Native Americans - used) with all of our bags and crossed the river into Laos. I'd like to pause to say that it was FUCKING HOT. Anyways, after crossing the Mekong, we needed to go through customs in Laos. I bought a visa (they took USD - it cost $36 - normally it's $35 but there was a 1 dollar weekend fee...Ha. We then got our passports stamped and sweated our asses off while everyone else did the same. Finally, we got our stuff and got on a Tuk Tuk (picture a pick up truck with a roof and a row of seats on each side, each fitting 3-4 people, depending on size...there are some heavier people on the trip). The Tuk Tuks took (ha) us to the bank of the Mekong, where we boarded a boat that would become a home to us over the next two days.

Picture this. Rolling, rolling, rolling down the river (CCR reference). We were on this boat for about five hours cruising down the mighty Mekong, with CCR playing in the background courtesy of my I-pod (another point scorer for me). We passed villages constantly, saw water buffalo, and watched as people (kids/adults/other) washed, fished and swam in the river. It was like the scene from Forrest Gump when he goes to Vietnam. Just unbelievable. Oh, I played scrabble with this girl Sarah who gave me a run for my money. We ended up tying. I'll keep you posted on the rematch.

We finally reached the village of Packbeng, which is situated right along the river. A few things to note. This is a simple town. They have NO electricity. Their power runs on generators that get turned off at 10:30 PM. Yes, you heard right. After we arrived, we walked through the 'town.' It was astounding. People were extremely nice, and the kids (there were a lot!) loved having their pictures taken because they liked seeing what they looked like on a digital camera. I then passed a (the) school where kids (teenagers mostly) were actually playing volleyball. I joined the in the game (and didn't disappoint, obviously) with one or two other group members, including Kenny (yes I made a friend). Kenny is now getting the blog, so I cannot tell you everything I want to. He is here with Dahianna, his fiancee, who would be angry if she weren't mentioned (she talks a big game, but I see right through it).

Also, a quick hello to the other tour members that are lucky enough to be a part of this. And hi Dave (Dave is our group leader...I'd like to say we are in good hands, but the jury is still out)


Anyways...after walking around this town (I have lots of pictures because it's hard to describe it effectively), we had dinner at the restaurant, had a quick beer, and at about 10:45, all the lights went out. That was that.

The next day (yesterday) we jumped back on the boat and hit the Mekong again on our way to Luang Prabang. It's a small city in the west of Laos, and so far it's my favorite city/town of the trip. Did I mention that it's hot here? If not...it's hot. VERY hot. We checked in to our hotel and toured the city on bikes (i bought a crepe in the market and got lost). It was hot. After dinner, we went to a bar which closed at 10:30. There was only one place open after that...a bowling alley! Yes, a bowling alley. I went bowling. I won. End of story.

The next day (today) was also fantastic. I rode an elephant through the jungle, and then kayaked down a muddy/dirty river and got back to the hotel at 3:30. We've been getting off to early starts (6:30 or so), so tonight might be an early one. Then again, you know how terribly I handle peer pressure.

Things to note:

1. Elephants make enormous poops.
2. Elephants are not scared of mice.
3. Elephants have bristley hair
4. Did i mention I won bowling?

That's all for now...Good morning everyone, and in case I don't see you, good afternoon, good evening and goodnight.

Keep the comments coming...they make me smile (except the ones about spelling...you can take that one and shove it).

Hi mom!

Matt

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