I survived, that's good right?

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When I made my decision to go into Northern Laos, I had an intuition that it would be both adventurous and dangerous. Well, I had my share of adventure, but the areas I visited North of Luang Prabang were actually suited much more for relaxing. My first stop was Nong Khiaow, about 4 hours north by bus. The bus ride was rather uneventful, but I sat beside a friendly german girl, Verena, who I travelled with for a few days after. We arrived in Nong Khiaow and soon after met two travellers from America. We jointly decided that we would spend the evening in Nong Khiaow rather than rush up to what we thought we be the very touristy destination of Mung Ngoi. That afternoon we went for a swim at a nearby beach, where I saw a group Israili girls that I've seen on countless occasions, and where we watched the sunset. Afterwards we went out for a nice shared dinner (I love those Thai style outings) and then retired early in an effort to be refreshed for the boat ride up to Mong Ngoi in the morning.

The boat was packed an wasn't exactly comfortable, but the scenery was nice and the ride was around an hour long. When we arrived in Mong Ngoi our group, consisting of Me, Verena, and my two american friends (Brenda and Mark), we seemed to have some different desires of how to spend our time there. Mark was on a tight schedule and was keen on seeing a nearby village where it was possible to stay overnight. I on the otherhand thought Mong Ngoi itself was very quiant, and really there wasn't as many tourists as I had envisioned. After lunch we scoped out some places to stay and I found a bungalow right next to the steps leading to the village (from where I would see all the comings and goings of the village). Well, we decided that a day trip to the nearby village would be an okay alternative, but this decision was made at close to 4 o'clock, and hearing it took and hour to get to the village, I thought it was unwise to go trekking at that time. In addition my stomach just wasn't feeling right, so I figured I'd just lay down and have a rest. They left, and I did just that.

And here in Mong Ngoi lay the danger I had intuitively known. I woke up about an hour and a half later, feeling a little queezy and in an effort to relieve myself of this feeling, I upchucked lunch. This was followed by several trips to the bathroom (I lucked out, and it was a western style) and then more vommiting. Just when I was starting to question how sick I was getting, the other 3 arrived from their trip. I told them I wasn't feeling well (but at this point I'd only thrown up once or twice), and at that same time the owner of the bungalows came and asked me to go see the local doctor. Well, I did, and I was getting worse by the minute. I tried to give me some pills, but I couldn't keep them down, and I wasn't absorbing any water either. So, my energy was depleting rather quickly, and since I couldn't keep any pills down he suggested he give me an IV. I accepted, and I spent the rest of the night sleeping in his home, having my IV's changed, getting shots, taking pills, and with hassle, using the toilet. The Dr. stayed up the whole night looking over me. If I ever woke up and needed anything he was always so kind and helpful. The next morning he gave me some extra medicine and I was on my way back to recouperation.

Luckily, Mong Ngoi is a good place to recouperate. I spent the next day lazing in my hammock reading and in the evening I chatting with some restraunt goers (my bungalow was also two steps away from the restraunt). The next day was similar, with the addition of a trip to a nearby sandbar-beach. The day after that I went to a cave and a nearby village. The cave was massive, but extremely dark and the village was very well kept and the people were nice. That evening was followed up chatting with some Laos people and relaxing at the restraunt. I may have even stayed another day after that. Yeah, same stuff, but hey, after having to pay the Dr's bill, I had to save some money. The guy at the restraunt was so nice as well. I remember he gave me free rice porridge in the morning after I came back from the doctors, then again that evening. The next day when I tried to order curried vegtables and coffee, haha, he wouldn't serve it to me. He was definately looking out for me and I appreciated it. Right, but between his generosity and my recouperation living style, I was managing to spend less than 6 dollars a day. Nice, ya?

Well, considering I said in my last blog I might be in Chiang Rai by the 12th, I decided that I should probably leave Mong Ngoi (I think it was the 11th when I made this decision). The boat ride back down was slightly more eventful, as we were crammed wall-to-wall again, and during one section of the rapids we were told to abandon ship and walk for about 20 minutes to an area where the boat could resume at full capacity. From there I took 2 buses, both were fairly uneventful, and on both I was given a seat that was above par considering the alternative arrangements. Actually the second busride to my destination of Luang Namtha (where I would stay the night) was actually interesting at times. For example, when we first got on I was put into a plastic chair in the isle. This I did not find funny. However, I was then moved to the back seat in the middle, where I could stretch my legs and ride in comfort. What was funny though was when where I was once sitting, and now sat a Laos man, a water bottle dropped from the luggage holding area onto his head! It wasn't so funny when less than 2 minutes later an entire backpack filled with climbing gear fell onto his hear. Well, it was a little funny, but he looked hurt so I didn't laugh. The bus ride went on and on, and certain stretches of the road were rather rough, jostling you up and down and side to side. Well, on one of the bumps I hear a "thwap", and I look to my right and see this old man, his head limp and his eyes closed. Well, we hit some even harder bumps and with a "thwap", "thwap", "thwap", nothing...he wasn't even stirring. The guy beside me started to look a little worried, and I'll admit I didn't want the dead guy's head bouncing off the glass either. FINALLY, we hit the most massive pot hole where I practically hit the roof, and he sort of mumbled something, opened his eyes for a moment, and went back to sleep. I was relieved, and within the next half hour we were in Luang Namtha. Luang Namtha was pretty quiet and I stayed in some decrepid room, but that evening I met a couple guys from America, one of whom, like myself, was travelling to the border the next day.

Well, I got to the bus station the next morning, about a half hour before the bus was scheduled to depart. Upon arrival I noticed that both the minivans to the borders were packed with people and their belongings. Apparently I wasn't getting on. A few moments later the American guy showed up, apparently he wasn't getting on either. So we waited, in what turned out to be the most useless bus station I've ever visited. No one spoke to us, and when they did it didn't make much sense. There was also a french guy there, and after waiting for about 45 minutes, someone approached us and said we could buy a ticket. Now, this situation reaffirms my travelling belief to never get anxious or upset because things usually work out for the best in the end. Within minutes a practically brand new, spacious minivan pulls up, and get this, it's only taking the three of us and one Laos lady. So I rode for 6 hours (passing both the other buses) with my feet up, with a stop for a delicious noodle soup lunch, and then as we picked up a couple more passangers, switching to the back seats which proved to be equally comfortable. Several hours later we were at the border and making out way across the mekong to Thailand.

I breathed in the Thai air and it felt so good. I love this country, I really do. They call it the Land of Smiles and I was fitting right in with a grin plastered on my face. We found a guesthouse and settled down for some dinner. I ordered Massaman curry and it might have been the best I'd ever had. Thank you Thailand for being so awesome. Thank you.

I really wanted to see the town of Pai in Northern Thailand, but to get there would be a 2 day affair. First we went to Chiang Rai, where I had a stoppover, hanging out at an internet cafe and consuming another delicious meal. Then I made my way to Chiang Mai. When I got here it was late, but a Japanese girl I met on the bus had a recommendation for a guesthouse. The place is actually pretty cool, called the Banana Guesthouse. I nestled into a dorm room (the first time I have since I've been travelling) and then hit the streets for some food. I went out to "The Wall", a place in the old City Quarter that serves a good burger, and met a couple of English blokes. After some food we made our way to a rooftop bar. The bar, painted in rasta colors and sporting the acronym T.H.C (Troubled History Culture, of course), had a great atmosphere and provided a nice view of the street below. We ended up staying till it closed and our group grew and grew. Afterwards some were still keen on going to another nearby late night pub. I'm not one to be a party pooper so I joined them. It was a good time had by all.

Next day, I think that's today, nope that was yesterday, I had intentions of having a dentist appointment and taking a speak Thai lesson. I did neither and instead spent my afternoon at a video game shop and doing some reading in my room. That evening I went with two girls I met, one from Victoria and one from Ireland, to the night market. I remember not liking the market last time I was here, but with shopping in mind this time it became a little more appealing. I returned earlier than later and got a good nights sleep.

Today's been pretty low key. I've been walking the streets trying random street foods (I hope all goes well tommorow morning) and I booked my ticket for Pai tommorow. I've heard a lot of good things about it and I'll try to take some pictures (I think i'm on my 4th of 5th disposible camera now). I'll drop another blog when the feelin is right. Till then my friends.


Take Care

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Comments

[Dad & Donna]

So glad you had a good Dr.close by....
Sounds like the most uneventful and most relaxing spot for you is Thailand......You sounded pretty happy to be back there. To bad you had to get so sick in Lao but thank God you were so well taken care of and fed in the proper way to bring you back to good health. Glad you are back in the land of smiles. Not to much happening here...driving Noni around...doing yard work....visiting Nono......working....and just enjoying my life....Have been going on lots of walks..We were invited to a birthday bowling party but I had to work...Donna went and had a blast....about 12 people were there...we are going to get together again when I am off.I haven`t bowled in a long time, should be fun.We still enjoy reading every one of your Blogs....keep up the good work...Enjoy every day...love you and miss you.....stay safe....... Dad & Donna xox