Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
Kieran & Emma:
Let's begin with our journey to Vang Vieng-
We selected the 'Special VIP' bus, mainly because of the extra space we'd need for Emma's nose. However, the bus was not VIP, in fact Sheffield Wednesday's team coach is probably more luxurious, and they're in League One (Dazzy!). We were promised leg room, air con, free snacks- lies. It definitely was Special though; at various points we picked up chickens, laundry, rice and a man carrying a rifle, which he seemed to wave in Emma's direction more than once!
Whilst in Vang Vieng we have been on many trips- to the bloody bathroom! The meal we had when we arrived was bad, we just didn't realise the extent until later. To compound matters we'd selected very basic hut accommodation, miles out of the way, with virtually open air 'facilities'- not ideal. We don't know how, but the next morning we managed to trek all the way back into town, with luggage, in baking heat, with no sleep, and found a better hotel. We then didn't leave the room for the rest of the day!
Luckily we weren't missing much, Vang Vieng is a hole. Laos' Blackpool. All neon signs and 18 year olds making more noise than they need to- yes we can hear you're from Australia/America/the home counties, well done you, now jog on (Emma thinks Kieran is old and snobby- but agrees). The locals are really unfriendly too, which you can understand given the sort of people they get talked at by every day. And we've already touched upon the standard of the restaurants.
Everything was in such a contrast to Luang Prabang- which is still popular with backpackers, just a more relaxed bunch, and still retains a strong Laos culture- that we were on a bit of a downer.
However we are now in Vientiane, huzzah! It is Laos' capital, and therefore a lot more built up, but it is still probably no bigger than a small English town. Having once been a French colony, the architecture and especially the food retains some of that influence, and indeed we have eaten like kings these past two nights- we thought we deserved it. It is a very relaxed town, hard not to like, and today we've just spent wandering, seeing the sights, ahead of a very early flight to Pakse tomorrow. Apparently the airport might be open... maybe. The website states "we open from June 1st we hope, possibly".
Still not found any real ale!
- comments
Little Sister I'm surprised you didn't need the whole bus to accomodate Emma's nose...
Lucy Ha, it seems that travelling has turned K into a grumpy old man! Have his eyebrown hairs increased in length and stick in different directions?!
Emma Oh yes, coming from you, little Nez herself!!
Mum Glad to hear you had an authentic bus journey!!! Hope your tummy troubles are over now - remember to yoghurt. xxx
suzy I'm so sorry Vang Vieng was so disappointing - hope the rest of your travels are excellent. That must have been rather scary a man with a rifle with his eye on Emma - hope you were behaving yourself Emma? Think the hair is doing okay Kieran - are you looking out a barber shop yet????
Sally Didn't you actually go tubing?? that's the only reason to go - durh!! Much love xx
Emmy No we didn't go unfortunately! we booked to do some kayaking (very adventurous) and missed it because we were poorly, then we had to leave the next day because we had a flight booked! Never mind!