Sabaydee from Laos

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So today* I woke up in Laos.

(* today is actually today for real, as I am writing for real on the day, as opposed to when I wrote about yesterday a few mins ago in my previous post).

I am staying in a little guest house that seems quite empty and is thus really quiet, which is fab. It has a little garden which is very pleasant for breakfast. Even though tomorrow I think I will try a more "French" breakfast in a bakery place, it's been so long since I had French food you see (that would be like 3 days ago, but so what??).

Last night I made 2 news friends, Pete and Dave. Pete was hiding in my shower and Dave behind the bathroom door. Don't get paranoid people, they are actually cockroaches. But very friendly you know, so I thought I would give them a mention.

So today was dedicated to visiting Laos' capital. I was warned there was nothing special about it, but I do find it quite pleasant (so now am looking forward to seeing the other "much better" places like Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang).
I did an amusing accounting error this morning. I went to the ATM to withdraw some cash and thought I took out enough money to last two weeks here in Laos. Turns out it was 20 US dollars' worth. I guess it won't last me two weeks then. And I guess I have to go back to the ATM tomorrow then (apparently it's the only one in the country).
The day was spent in:
- rides on tuktuk (it's like a taxi on a motorbike, I think I probaby negociated very badly)
- visiting the main temples. I must say Pha That Luang, the most important national monument in Laos was quite impressive, with it's golden roof and stupas (sort of spikes).
- a coffee and pastry in a Scandinavian bakery (can you believe it people, this place is sort of Swedish and has SALTY LIQUORICE, I mean what is the probability of me walking into a place with salty liquorice on my first day of exotic travelling??).
- a Beerlao t-shirt (it's the national beer and apparently you have to buy a t-shirt at some point while in Laos otherwise you don't count as a serious backpacker).
- sitting in this internet cafe right now, it's suddenly pouring with rain outside, tropical monsoon style, which is good as the day has been incredibly hot so freshness with be welcome tonight.

Once the rain stops I will head out to dinner, and maybe a foot massage..

By the way, I realise I don't have your postal adresses, could you please send me your full adress to my email? (Even NV and MF, I think I know your street but not the full post code, could you please send me?).

Elisabeth

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Photos

Guesthouse
First guesthouse bed

Guesthouse 2
And this is my friend Pete

That Luang
Vientiane's most impressive monument, the That Luang, national symbol.

Monks
Monks at a temple. It is very funny to see them about town for example sitting in internet cafes.

Restaurant
A restaurant I spotted on my first day in Laos.

Soap
I may be roughing it, but I do it in style..

Comments

[mu]

ah pete and dave !!
I meet some friends in my corridor last night as well...... but we didn't really develop our friendship ;) Bonen chance pour la suite du periple bix la tope