We did a lot of looking around in caves and trekking on some mountains both on and off paths. Then there was kayaking, tubing through a cave, and some rock climbing next to a river. The only downer is that there is a lot of haze due in part to the large amount of logging done in the area (slash and burn), and also a bit from locals burning their trash. The haze does allow a direct view of the sun as it sets, so that is a nice by product.
After realizing we had spent a week there and having only about two weeks left on our visa's we decided to leave and head to southern Laos, where we hear it is beautiful and the people aren't so apathetic toward tourists. I'll try to get some photo's online soon, but the city I'm in has only one internet cafe that I have found and it is not very fast; so it might be a week or so before I can upload some stuff.
Take Care
Inside 7km long cave
Stopping after realizing the cities in the guidebook
might not exist anymore because of a
dam built that flooded outlying areas (central Laos)
dam built that flooded outlying areas (central Laos)
Sunset in Vang Viang (stayed on the other side of this bridge)
Did some tubing through this cave
Using One Speed Bicycles to travel in Vang Viang
Nolan sleeping while being flanked by buffalo
The sandbars on the Mekong at sunset
Some cave swimming
Inside a Cave
Top of a Mountain hut (took a nice nap here)
Great adventure, great people.
ReplyDeleteAre you & Nolan traveling together? Or for just this country? Tell us a little about your traveling companions as you meet them :))
I have been researching flavors and spices of Thailand, Vietnam and India...made a spicy nut mix for snacking...mmmm good! (and I think of you as I eat it)
LOVE you and be safe, Mom
Oh man those caves look awesome. That's the kind of environment I would love to explore. I hadn't been to your journal in a while so I was wondering how you were doing. Seems like you are having a blast :) By the way I love that picture with the one speed bike and the mountain in the back. Everything about it is perfect. Oh and have you spent (money wise) more or less than what you had estimated?
ReplyDeleteNolan and I met up and started traveling together in Vientiane, Laos. So it will be about 3 weeks now. After Laos he is heading to Thailand and I am heading to Vietnam (or Cambodia depending on the visa situation).
ReplyDeleteI just tallied up all the money I spent and averaged it for the amount of time that I have been gone. I've been pretty close to my mark of about 15-20 dollars a day. Sometimes it's more and sometimes less, plus doing certain activities just cost more but are worth it (like rock climbing).
CLIMB NOW WORK LATER!!! That's what I'm talking about. That's how you travel. That's real adventure. That's how to live. I love you man. Keep the good times rolling and don't forget about us. But don't be too preoccupied with us either - ahhh, what am I telling you this for. You already know that. Every time I read this blog I get so pumped to travel. This spring break Stefano and I are going to Rocktown, Ga. and maybe I'll be able to share some of my own war stories with you - though they may be considerably less exciting.
ReplyDeleteKeep chasing that horizon,
Ivan
WHERE ARE YOU . We need an update. Or are you back already?
ReplyDeleteare you still alive?
ReplyDelete