I arrived in Bangkok on Thursday, 13th December, after 36 hours in transit, including a ten hours stop over in Ho Chi Min airport. I took the train into the city and checked in to my hostel (thank you Mike), but was itching to see something so headed straight out again. Bangkok is impressive, if not a little crazy. Sometimes it feels like a non-stop food festival, the traffic is maniacal, but it all seems to be working pretty well, and the development is evident. I saw Wat Arun temple. I took a boat ride. I walked a lot. I passed the palace, but was not let in in my shorts. Still I will be flying back from there so felt in no rush to see it all as I expect I will have another chance. I still want to see the night markets and floating market, but buying is best left for the end of the trip anyway.
On Saturday night I took the overnight train to Vientiane where I stayed with Ivana, Julia and Phillip. There is not a whole lot to do in Vientiane, but it was relaxing to be around English speakers; I did my laundry, made bachsh (rice with dill and chicken), played with their new kittens, feasted on pork and fish, burnt my leg on a motorbike exhaust but then covered it in aloe. It was nice to have the time to adjust to the region. I will be heading back there to celebrate the new year with them.
On Wednesday I took a bus to Vian Vieng, about three hours north. I arrived in the evening. It was too dark to take in the view. The next morning I could see the spectacular limestone cliffs which surround the town. I rented a scooter and crossed the river into a rural town. Then up to 'the blue lagoon' where there is a cave with an amazing gold reclining buddha inside. I was inside the mountain. The road on to Luang Prabang was blocked by a truck to big for the road, so I had to stay a couple days longer. I went tubing down the nam song river, which was fun.
I arrived in Luang Prabang, my present location, last night (Sunday). It's a really beautiful place full of Wat's (buddhist monasteries) and French restaurants. The French influence is incredibly strong here, but I like it. I have rented a bicycle, found a cheap and clean hostel, and think I will stay here for a week, or maybe head a little further north for a night or two.
Travelling alone has been interesting. At times it can be lonely, but all too often I see falang (tourists) arguing and am glad again to be by myself. It has been quite easy so far to make friends, although it is harder to meet local people. I have developed a knack for spotting Isreali's and surprising them by speaking in hebrew, which is also fun.
ok, now for some photos.
