Laos Gong Show

Crossing Into Laos
There is such intensity when crossing into Laos but there is no reason for it. The problem is the wait because of so many tourists traveling the same way at the only border crossing in the North of Thailand. There were a hundred plus tourists that arrived into the small border town of Chiang Khong. The next morning, all of these tourists from all over the world were heading onto a slow boat for 2 days down the Mekong River (separating Laos from Thailand). We were thrown onto the back of a small pickup truck - ten of us plus luggage - then stamped at the river front, ferried across to the other side, stamped again and then trucked over the the boat landing. We then realized that our next two days were going to be a test.

Slow Boat Mind F#@*
There is no way to describe the gong show of a slow boat experience as a part of a package tour. On a boat for 45 people, 110 of us tourists were crammed into this boat. Of course, there weren't enough seats - some had the edge, some on plastic stackable chairs, and your truly was seated on the cooler with Jacquie. There was only one toilet (a squatie) and the journey for that day was 6 hours. Ahh, yes, and the puking Thai drunk who accompanied the sound of the diesel engine. It was also my moon time...but no fear, we made it into Pak Beng (a small fishing village) just as the sun set. I lost my bag for a few minutes since the locals try and take guard of the bags for money. I grabbed my bag and another travelers and we met up somewhere on the dark, sandy, and steep hillside. This package tour screamed sub-standard and the guesthouse was no different - one toilet for a floor of 20 guests.

Day of Grace
No worries to my family! The next day, Jeda and I tried to barter for a chartered boat. We had about 15 people in on the deal but it was hopeless. So, we were about to bit into our fate for a second day on this godless boat when the American teachers from Bangkok saved the day. Six adults and one baby were accepted into their boat for the whole day. We paid $5US each for insurance and spent the day relaxing in the sun, playing my guitar (bought in Cambodia), reading, and taking in the sites. The sites reminded me of the Bowron Lakes with volcanic rocks and Northern Alberta sand.

HAPPY NEW YEAR
Try not to forget to add one second to the countdown this year. It will be the 23rd second added since 1972!