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Published: October 1st 2012
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cluster bombsWe left Vientiane on Friday evening by bus. The journey took an amazing 24 hours and this does not include the transfers we needed to endure before we got to the bus.
In Vientiane we visited the Cope centre which is an organisation that provides support and help to victims of UXO cluster bombs. Many victims lose at least one limb or eyesight or use of limb. The centre rehabilitates victims and provides them with prothstetic limbs to make their life easier and so they can continue working or school. We learned that many victims are children as alot of poorer villages use these unexploded ordenance items to make things for the house so when a child comes accross an unexploded cluster bombs they regard it as harmless. It was really really interesting and i'm sure if either of us were able to we would have signed up to help. Unfortunatlely being really good at customer service doesn't count.
We stayed for two days and left for Vietnam. We had heard rumours about how bad the joumey was but nothing really prepares you for 24 hours on a bus.
As non locals we got the worst seats of
course. Right up at the back where the seats don't go all the way down and then a little man was put in the middle too. Needless to say there were times when we were slightly less uncomfortable but for anout 22 hours it was all numb bums and trapped legs. Poor Craig and those huge legs. It seems that everything in Asia is built just for Asian people to fit in.
Anyway after a bag of crisps for breakfast and lunch and a stop over at someones house for the loo and some shredded chicken we arrived in Vietnam.
Note to any other Vietnam travellers...In order to get into the country you need to physically walk over the border and meet you bus at the other end. However noone told us this and we saw our bus shoot off with all our wordly belongings and ran after it to the amusement of all the local passengers.
We arrived, ate and slept in a hard bed which Craig said would be good for our backs!!
Yesterday we visited the military museum whch was amazing as they had lots of USA, French and Vietnamese fighter planes, helecopters
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My not so perfect one.. and bombs on show. There was even an actual helmet with bullet holes all over it.
Later on we went for lunch at this reeeallly cool restaurant where you prepare your own spring rolls. Tonight we are heading to a water puppet show and go and see the Ho Chi Ming museum. Should be a good day...!
Thanks for the comments! Good to know some people are reading!!
Katie and Craig xx
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Wright2Travel - Kim Wright
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Amazing Asia - Enjoy Guys!!
Hey guys just came across your blog. I was searching blogs for couples traveling Asia as we were there for 5 months (now moved on to Europe) and miss it so much! Its fantastic to read of others adventures and to realise everyone loves it as much as we did! If you need any hints or tips check out our blog www.wright2travel.com Stay safe, dont get run over by a scooter and enjoy the Pho in Vietnam!! :)