Horrible bus rides, we've all experienced one...the ride here takes the cake. Kate, Charlie, Frank (our recruit to the tri-pod from Toronto) and myself boarded our overnight minibus bound for Vang Vieng on the evening of the 24th...absolutely clueless to the chaos that was in store for us. Our 15 passenger bus was full to the brim, the four of us, and eight travelers from Israel. It all started when the other travelers would not get in the minibus to leave because they weren't done with their cigarettes, moving on to blasting techno music full blast from their portable ipod player, (which we politely asked them to turn down), peeing in cups, smoking the the minibus, watching a movie on their laptop full blast with the light of the computer shining into our eyes, (which we politely asked them to cover up), eating tuna fish as their snack from the gas station, and the kicker, the one female traveler decided she wanted my seat moved forward so she did that herself, pushing me, pinching my, and hitting me in the arm. Nothing like a good physical assault to start an international incident...you all would be very proud, I switched seats (you know what I wanted to do, ha).
Arrived in Vang Vieng with a few more bruises then intended but once we got here we knew it was all worth it. This breathtaking village set amongst a gorgeous jungle/mountain backdrop, is bustling with tourists and all kinds of partying/natural beauty to partake in. We spent the first day roaming around, getting the lay of the land. It's very interesting how small the world can be while traveling. We have continued to run into wonderful and familiar faces all along the way and spending time here in Vang Vieng has really been lovely.
Second day, woke up, rented tubes, and the mayhem began. You can guess, but you really never know what to expect. Quick summary, SPRING BREAK! Haha. The whole town clears out, rents tubes, and floats to about 8 different bar locations zig zagged along the river. Everyone is pumped, there are rope swings, slides, beer pong, dancing, mud wrestling, volleyball, and soccer. It was a long day!
Yesterday was a treat though. I got to explore Laos with three young tour guides. I rented a bicycle. Rode up the bumpy, rocky, muddy road to one of Vang Vieng's most famous caves, the Blue Lagoon. It wasn't an easy trek but it was well worth in. The water was gorgeous, got to celebrate another rope swing (who doesn't love them...) and jump off a platform made of bamboo. Here I met, Ang, Moi, and Ng, which I think they were lying to me about because they keot switching names. I rented a flashlight from the three young men and they became my tour guides. It was amazing to watch them scurry up the mountain as I panted to keep up, they would stop and wait giggling at my struggling of course. Made it to the cave, very cool. Carefully maneuvered my way back down the mountain enduring the same giggles as the way up. The boys then asked if I was swimming again and we all decided to enjoy a dip. After splashing around I got out to head back and the smallest boy jumped on the back of my bicycle for a free ride back to his house...the other two got pretty jealous, we all laughed and said our goodbyes. What a lovely day!
