Nong Khai to Laos

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Not a good start, Liam and Isabella look like death. We leave them in bed and go and get breakfast and US$ for Lao Visa's. US$30 each for a visa. Six banks later we finally get some US$. Breakfast isn't that easy here. Corry and Harry want something plain, got some Rambutan and bread rolls. We got back and there wasn't much improvement. Harry was really sick for 12 hours, and then another 36 very average, unable to eat or drink much. We decided to check out and go to Mutmee, and wait to see if they got better. They are so hospitable there. The healthy ones had some lunch, and at about 2.00 we decided to leave for Vientiane.

Once we crossed the border Isabella said she couldn't travel any further. This is not good, as we can't go back, and there is no accommodation in Vientiane. We got a minibus to the bus station, I didn't think the kids would cope with anything else. There is no VIP bus running to Luang Prabang tonight, only an ordinary bus without toilet. Isabella is still vomiting, so we have bought bags in case. Food options are not great at the station, little birds grilled with feet and heads intact put everyone off. As we still need Lao Kip we walk up there. Laos is left hand drive, so I explained to the boys that they need to be really careful as the habit is to step out and look, but they are looking the wrong way. As we are crossing to the ATM two motor cycles have a crash, two people on one bike and three on the other, no helmets. Good lesson for the kids on wearing helmets, four of them are knocked around and bleeding, one woman is unconscious on the road, she gets loaded into the back of a pickup to be taken to hospital. I don't think she was going to make it, no sign of life. This was one bike crashing into another that had just started, so low speed accident that just shows what happens when you hit your head.

Back at the bus station, and Harry is now throwing up again. I think he is just overwhelmed, but this is not going to plan. The bus trip is 11 hours of windy road, so everyone gets a Kwell and fingers crossed.

We were all on the bus, and a lot of Lao got on with plastic stools, you could here the murmur amongst the westerners, and then they all sat down, so now the corridor was full too.

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Photos

Leaving Nong Khai
2 Tuk Tuk, 3 in each

Thailand Border
Thailand Border

Bus across the friendship bridge
Bus across the friendship bridge

Vientiane Bus Station
Vientiane Bus Station

On the bus to Luang Prabang
Who cares if you sell too many tickets

Comments

[Cindy Taylor]

Tough few days guys
Love and support from home, sounds like you are doing things a bit tough at the moment. Hope all better now and that you and Christine haven't started being sick at the same time. Makes for interesting journal entries though. Take care!! Cindyxxx

[Bigguy]

doing great
You guys are doing great, I'm proud of you. Keep up the good work, think of the stories you will have to tell when you get home. John

[Auntie Lisa]

Poor Babies
So sorry to hear you have had sickies and really hope everyone is on the mend and the happy blogs will return. How is the latest accom? We have really enjoyed hearing what you are up to.

[Val and Mark]

Hi Guys
Great to hear you are all feeling much better.We were a bit worried there for awhile. Love your photos and your stories sounds like you are all having a Ball. Everything is ok here 42degree tomorrow in Adelaide.Take Care Look forwards to seeing you all soon. Love Mark and Val xxxxxx