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Published: March 18th 2008
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THIS is why I stopped blogging in Laos
click on the image to see the full size Well, those were the most relaxing 3 weeks of my journey. Nepal was still the top, figuratively and literally, but Laos gets shiny silver. I cannot think of any other country that would be as laid back as Laos, so the Australians were right. Sadly for you guys, it is hard to put the experience into words. There are no spectacular stories to tell, no frustrations to express.
Vangvieng was the most pleasant place because the environment was just gorgeous once we got away from the tourist street. We have regretted not having stayed there for a few days longer.
Luang Prabang is a bigger village again, with a French colonial feel. And not just the buildings; it's full of francophone people there. An actual expat community even. Francis could have almost felt like he was back in Montreal, because he heard Quebec accents in almost every single restaurant. While Quebec counts 6 million people and Belgium double that, I didn't meet one single Belgian. Hardly any Dutch even. There was apparently a Belgian guy running a bar with Belgian beers, but it was closed by the time we got there.
Nong Kiau was the most quiet town
Vangvieng - Smile Guest House
some guests had that *special* smile indeed ;-) and definitely the slowest. We planned to look for a bus to the next place on the day we arrived there, but ended up staying for 4 days or so. Because it's such a small place, there are only a few travelers around and that makes it easier to get to know one another. It's not like there is a lot to do, but the atmosphere is almost unreal. One evening, we had dinner and beer with nearly all the "farangs" who were staying in our guest house. Great fun. As night falls very early in Laos, we had our "night out" to the "cinema": a house with 4 rooms, each equipped with a flatscreen TV and DVD player. A selection of 700 DVD's. With a glass of wine, I almost felt at home. And aside from that: lots of sleep and nice walks in the area.
We only had a few days left to go trekking in Luang Nam Tha, but I think that was enough for this time. The level was a little harder than expected, which was ok because it was only 2 days. Also, eating rice, especially sticky rice (the only available option) bloats up
Vangvieng - Rice fields
...and this walk made me smile my intestines. However, I have to say that the food was excellent. Loved the fried sea weed, and the bamboo soup. We spent one night in a remote village in the jungle, and talked with the locals while sharing a bottle of locally brewed "happy water". Most of all, I enjoyed the jungle itself. Real unspoilt nature. Bamboo forests, tropical woods and postcard views.
Took the bus to Bangkok last Sunday. Should have been on the night bus but after crossing the border, it turned out the bus I was booked on was full. I am *sooo* not used to these typical travelers experiences anymore after 3 weeks of no stress and no keeping track of time. I really wish this could have gone on for a while longer. But.. more important treatments are awaiting me. Went to a dental clinic yesterday (Monday). It took me almost 2 hours to get there and less than 2 minutes to hear that they would not install braces if they cannot complete the treatment completely (=2 years). The clinic where I was today (Yanhee General Hospital) was less obstructive. I will get 2 crowns in a few days. Sometime later, 2 upper
corner teeth will be pulled out and the braces will be installed. Also they will put a temporary higher filling on my back teeth, to prevent me from closing my mouth completely. The way my teeth are shaped right now, there is no room for the lower braces when I put my teeth together. This temporary higher filling will remain there for about 3 months, the dentist said. It means I should eat only soft food. And for that reason, I will wait to have them install the braces until a few days before my departure. I want to enjoy Thai food, and all the other goodies they have here.
Normally, if the dentists can schedule things the way I have it in my head, I will go lie on a beach on one of the islands for a week or so before returning to Bangkok, having the braces installed, and get on a plane to Europe. Looks like I will book a ticket around 10/4. I want to enjoy every moment of the remaining time, and I wish the remaining time would be a little longer now....
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