Friday, April 25, 2008

Chapter 31: Sabai Sabai Vientiane

April 25th we're on the road again. Pack our bags (for the 13th time since I left New York in January) and we say good by to Organic Farm.


Miguel, Lek and I plan to leap frog to Vientiane, the capital of People's Democratic Republic of Lao.


Rule 7, you have to get out of town to thumb a ride. During this past week of staying in the Farm, each time we go into the town of Vang Vieng, we are so used to hitch-hiking. So the idea of paying for the public transportation doesn't even occur to us.


Miguel hopes he can stop a truck with his magical flute


Guys... do you wanna get to Vientiane or not?



Thumbing down two rides, 150km is a piece of cake





stop for lunch at Phon Hong. Lek and I look at each other and agree. "This is the best Pho since Pakbeng morning market."


and when two photographers get excited about their noodle soup, you don't get to see what it looks like.


we arrive in the capital. it doesn't feel as touristy as Luang Prabang or Vang Vieng, you see Lao people and Farangs mixed on the streets, and although the city traffic and commerce seem heavier, you feel less hustled than any touristy place.


our luggages are piled in a tuk tuk while looking for accommodation


for US 20 dollars Lek and I treat ourselves with nice, clean and quiet Sala Inpeng guesthouse. Best accommodation on this trip.


Next morning we enjoy our typical Viet-Lao style breakfast


Tofu sisters from the Panic Farm join us catching up from Vang Vieng. Vientiane is a great town for cycling


let's go on a photo trip on bicycles


pass the colorful display of the fruit market


Phra That Luang, another tourist trap is full of vendors and cameras


we wonder, does a foreigner receive better enlightenment since we pay more?


"We fight against Farang discrimination!" we don't go inside, instead we demonstrate our protest jumps


"Why should we pay more!?" jump


"It's the same temple inside!" jump


"It should be the same price!" jump


okay, can we go now?


"I could go in cheaper pretending I were a Lao!" another jump


"It must be the heat getting in their head." an elder Japanese couple sympathize us


Patuxai gate is the city's relaxing hang out joint of the evening


This photographer carries a portable printer to give customers prints on the spot





we find a Vespa with a side car


how cute!


the owner collects antiques, from Vespas to classic cars to old record players etc.


we wanted to get his contact for a possible visit, but he's such an antique collector he doesn't have an e-mail address. awesome!


right near Phra That Luang is this French colonial style amusement park that's all abandoned.





somehow reminds me of Asbury Park in New Jersey


Sabai Sabai, let's go home.

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