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Weekend in Vientiane.
Just had a hot shower (I know that I sound like one student of BBK but I don't care!). It was the best thing ever. The thought of this shower kept me alive (well, sane) for last 5 days.
So yes, we managed to escape the village for the weekend. Don't get me wrong, the villagers are really nice people, kind and generous but I just couldn't cope with the dark squatting toilets. Having heard other people's stories about constipation, giving 'birth' to a massive log-of-a-poo etc didn't help either. However, the moment I arrived in Vientiane and saw a western toilet I was ready to go:).
We stayed at the same hotel as Marc, Khamvongsa. Small, neat, clean and lovely. $40 per room per night definitely worth the money. First evening we went out for dinner and had some Indian food which was a nice change even though it wasn't as nice as a good curry from Brick Lane. Then we went on a search for a bar with a Happy Hour on. It seemed that you could enjoy a a happy hour here from 5 to 10.30pm if you plan your route well. We didn't so we first had some Beer Lao in a beer garden and then headed for a Martini Bar (Happy Hour 9-10.30pm). They were having a massive party that night, or so DJ Pierre told us and recommended a special rum punch (not on the menu). It was yummy and only 10.000 kip each. We had three each and headed back to our hotel.
The next day we had breakfast at the hotel as it was included. They had decent selection and I happily scoffed a fried egg with bacon and baked beans, washed down with tea and pineapple juice. The boys also shared their fruit selection with me which was very nice of them.
My stomach has gone a tortal IBS on me, from one extreme to another. What a nuisance.
After breakfast we took a tuk tuk to Talat Sao market as David and I wanted to send some postcards and the only post office listed in Lonely Planet was there. Unfortunately Lonely planet got their opening hours wrong as it was closed. Bor pen nyang (never ming in Lao).
We checked out the market but it wasn't that great. I'm not sure what I expected to see. It was like a Tesco Extra - you could buy anything from a votive candle to a fridge. Little crafts and local produce. We did manage to get a scarf for our host though.
We then walked our way back to the old city and headed for another helping of Indian food at Nazeem's as it was a nice culinary change despite not being in London league. Besides it was very reasonable priced. It was a very hot day so we decided on a little siesta before heading for a night out.
Only having walked for half a day I realised how small the old city was. No need for a tuk-tuk at all unless you have a heavy luggage or need to get to the South Bus Station or the Friendship Bridge.This was good news as tuk-tuk drivers in Vientiane are worse than in Bangkok. They operate like a cartel and as a rule overcharge every customer. Even our Lao friend couldn't bargain with them.
We went out again around 5pm, to catch a happy our in Makphet - a restaurant that trains and employs street children. I believe it is a part of an NGO called "Close Friend". They had gorgeous hibiscus cocktails so we had two each. We also had some sticky rice with aubergine dip - spicy but very tasty. Sep lai lai.
We then walked on the river front. I bought myself a bracelet and we checked out a shop called "Walkman village". Surprise surprise it did not sell walkmens but a wide range of fake goods and some trekking clothes and shoes. maybe hence the walk-man village.
We spent the rest of the evening at the roof-top bar, overlooking Mekong, called Bor Pen Nyang. It means 'never mind, no problem' in Lao (Mai pen rai - in Thai). This phrase very much describes local's attitude to everything. Sounds great in general but can create some problems in working environment - one never knows what's happening and when.
This bar has great views, good music, Beer lao on tap and reasonable prices. As well as reasonable numbers of ladyboys:)
Tomorrow we are going back to the village. Holiday is over.
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