lazy laos

---

After a great reunion in Bangkok, Graham and I have gone off on our own adventures as we finish our time in Asia.
We spent 3 days in Bangkok, while the Prin Nepal abroad was breezing through town...we stayed in their palatial hotel with them and joined them for the delectable and extensive buffets along with their tours of Bangkok.
I am spending my last 2 weeks of Asia in Laos. My first 2 days were spent in the Laos capital, Vientiane, where there is not a great deal to do. There is some history and interesting architecture along with plenty of friendly Lao people--I spoke at great length with 2 local Buddhist monks my first day there.
For the last 3 days, I've been in the relaxed and quaint village of Vang Vieng--very similar to Pai, Thailand. The village is surrounded by incredible limestone formations and a winding river. It has been drizzling here most days (not quite as bad as the torrential thunderstorm that struck as I was half-way to Vang Vieng on the government bus...the roof had many holes)...so it's been a great place for relaxing with reading and writing or lounging at one of the many restaurants that constantly play movies, Seinfeld, or Friends. I was planning on going tubing with 3 Israeli girls today, but alas, its still raining...so off to lounging we go.
Up next is the northern city of Luang Prabang, and then I make my way back to Bangkok for a reunion with some of the Europeans in time to celebrate the Thai New Year Water Festival.

---