The first time in a new country, there is no way of knowing what it is like without experiencing it first hand. Reading and looking at photo’s doesn’t create a feeling. Travel books must find something interesting to say about everyplace in a country, that’s their purpose.
Before I travel, I do a fair amount of reading on forum’s and at a few select websites. That gives me a sense of what a place “MIGHT” be like. Only when I get my feet on the ground can I sense what my experience of place is.
Last night, upon arriving in Vang Vieng, I had a sense it wasn’t a place I wanted to spend any significant time. This morning, once I considered purchasing a ticket to move on, a feeling of lightness and ease settled in for me. That’s my sign to listen. I bought a ticket and spent the morning waiting.
One lesson learned: the ticket offices all operate with different buses, companies or information. The only sure way to find out is to check with multiple companies. In my case, it was so early, many weren’t open. In hindsight, I could have hopped on a tuk-tuk, gone directly to the VIP bus station, and probably gotten a ticket on a morning but to Vientiane. Arriving early, I wouldn’t have had to wander so much looking for a room. Lesson learned!
Once here, it was hot, late and the guest houses were either full or very expensive. So far, information on expenses for lodging in Laos has been very inaccurate. Thus, the best strategy is to get in early, pick a general area and wander to see options. After looking around at about 15 properties, they were either full or way over my budget. At one place, they invited me to leave my backpack while I went searching. That was a huge relief!
Another gave me a card for a lower priced property. I was skeptical about finding it when he pointed out the door, turned his hand to indicate a left turn, and told me to just “turn right” and look! No one anywhere down that direction had any clue what I was looking for!
Finally, I found a lovely room with AC, big bed, refrigerator, tv and ample hot water for half of what any other properties were. Very nice!
“Flat energy” is when I feel like I’m simply passing time before I get to the next place I really want to be. Here in the capital city is NOT a place I want to hang out. Now, I have to wait until 8:30 tomorrow evening to get an overnight bus to the South. Briefly, I considered purchasing that ticket this afternoon and continuing on. I’m happy I didn’t so now will be passing my time tomorrow after checking out of my guest house until evening arrives. Part of travel!
Such a rough night for me anyway. First, I found a bakery and had a pre-dinner treat. Then I stumbled upon a really nice Indian Restaurant…yum! After that, I found “Moo”, an ice cream parlor where I tried caramel banana ice cream.
Now, back at my guest house, enjoying the AC, I’m wrapping up my day. Here are a few photo’s I just downloaded from my phone.
Denver Bronco’s…there is no getting away from them. I opened the Bangkok Post in a bakery while have breakfast before leaving Luang Prabang and there what the story about Peyton Manning. Making new here even!
Making the most of it as usual. Happy journey to the next part of your adventure!