Sep 16 2008
I Can Tell That We Are Gonna See Friends
I'm now up in Vang Vieng, Laos. It's a small(ish) little village on the banks of the Mekong River, which for some reason has devolved into a haven for wayward backpackers.
The main street is littered with guest houses, bars, restaurants, internet cafes and tour agencies. Almost all the restaurants have large televisions playing American sitcoms (most of them 'Friends' — no, I'm NOT kidding) on a rotational basis.
And despite the hell (and gag reflex) this vision invokes, it's actually not all that bad of a scene. This is saying something, considering the praise is coming from yours truly. I think it's because the whole Laos lackadaisical attitude doesn't push the whole issue on you as much as it does down in similar spots in Thailand and elsewhere in S.E. Asia.
Regardless, I'm still only staying a few days to do some climbing, some rafting, and some drinking (did I mention Laotion beer, coffee, and food just fucking ROCK!?!). before heading up to Luang Prabang for another few days before rafting back down to Vientiane.
P.S. Dee, sorry I forgot to respond to your continued suggestion that I hit Vietnam. I'm not doing it this round — for 2 reasons: 1. I head back to the Philippines to go surfing in only a couple weeks; and 2. they changed the visa requirements for Vietnam (it now takes 5-7 days and about US$65.00 for 30 day tourist visa — so fuck all that right now). Thanks anyway, mate.
Um, can I come???
This place suuu-HUCKS right now.