Ana_Laos

Feb. 13 - Feb. 28
Laos was OK! Not as exotic as I thought it was going to be. Other backpackers we've met along the way rave about this place. But I didn't find it that spectacular. The people seemed a bit dry and introverted. The village we visited I felt not welcomed. I felt like I was evading their space. Some of them didn't even look twice at us when we walked around the village. Even the kids were a bit timid to see us. It was surprising to see. Kids are usually very expressive and innocent no matter what. Not here. I'm talking specifically the village we visited in Luang Namtha.

Luang Prabang - another big city on the tourist route was OK. It was a French town once. You could for sure still see some of the French architecture and the influence in the food. Saw plenty of pastries and baguettes everywhere. Had an awesome room with TV with a HBO channel. The first day we did absolutely nothing but watched TV. We did manage to get up to have lunch. It was Chinese New Year (Feb. 18) the streets were dead. I guess the Chinese influence here is prominent. Did rent bicycles for a day and rode around the city. Nice views. Saw a bit of the local life. Still no emotion from the people. Very bla. Unless they wanted your business.

Van Vieng - a fun town. Famous for tubing down the river. Beautiful rolling mountains around the river. Too bad I felt sick must of the time. I caught a flu or something. I had a fever for like 4 days and my throat was hurting pretty bad. Manage to tube one day. We had a blast. We all got pretty drunk. I paid for it later. By the time we were done I was feeling cold and achy. I felt worse. Tim was upset at me since I told him I was feeling better that morning, which I was then. Oh, well. I got over it. Oh, I was forgetting my sister had the guts to jump of a platform at one of the locals bars you stopped along the way tubing. She is crazy! You could tell she was scared but she overcame her fear and did it. I'm so proud of her. It was fun. For sure a highlight of Laos. Wish I wasn't feeling so sick.

Vientane - the capital, more like a big town. Didn't do much, errands and got our visa for Vietnam. We dropped Vane off at the airport on Mon. Feb. 26. It was sad to say bye but I the same time I felt lucky to have spend so much time with her. I want to do it again in the future. =)

I guess that is all have to say for Laos. Oh, yeah I loved the Iced Coffee. Very good and rich. Better than Starbucks. Towards the end I couldn't finish a whole glass too much. Good though!

I'm glad we came here. Can say I'll be back anytime soon. I'm glad I went and experienced it for two weeks.