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Met with the entire G Adventures group, there are two guides from Thailand and then there are 6 of us in total on the tour. There were two other individuals that just finished up their last G Adventures tour through Cambodia and Vietnam; so it was a mix between hellos and goodbyes. Three people from the Cambodia and Vietnam tour are joining us, and then there are us newbies. It seems like it will be a good group; however, I am still sad that the Contiki group had to say goodbye.
We ended up going out for dinner last night and then going to a club. But around 11, we decided to go elsewhere so we wandered the street with our guide to local clubs. Some of the places we stopped off at were a bit shady and we had to go elsewhere. Finally we stopped off at a club, although it was so busy that there was no where to move. Then at around 12, we saw a miltary or police officer come into the bar and the lights came on, music stopped, and the bar was shut down. Apparently, everything has to close at 12 am. So we started walking up the block until we saw another bar. Except it's metal protective door was half way closed, but they hurried us in. As soon as we got in, the metal door closed shut. The bar was again crowded and the music was very low. On certain occasions the staff would stand on the staircase and tell everyone to be quiet since there was an officer standing right outside. When it was time for us to leave, we tried to exit through the front but were told we had to go upstairs. So we went up the staircase into a little side room off of where the washrooms were and followed that down into the back alley. It was strange.
Today, we don't leave to the airport until 1pm so there is some time to kill. We finally get to leave Vietnam and are heading into Laos. The tour guide did inform us that things will be more expensive in Laos compared to anywhere else because they have to import a lot of their goods. He also informed us that the people of Laos are often afraid of westerners, so if we bargin with them over an item they will normally just agree on the first price we offer. But guess I will find out shortly.
- comments
Painter Ok. The bar adventure was not comfortable for any of us either. I don't know why your tour guide would take the group of you into a situation in a foreign country where all of you could end up in jail or be deported. Who are your tour guides? Are they locals who think they can out wit the local police? Or outsiders who don't know any better? Either way you don't sound like it was an enjoyable experience and I'm concerned that you've been stuck with a dud for a leader! I hope things get better. Much concern and head shaking... Love you!