By 6.45 in the morning I was packed, checked out and down in reception for my moto to the bus station. I was not that confident it would actually turn up. My lack of confidence was not unfounded, it didn't.....
I checked with reception at 7.15 ,' five minutes'. I've come to the conclusion that Lao people just say 'yes' if the don't understand what you are saying. You can see in their eyes however that they real mean ' yeah, whatever!'
I'd decided if it didn't arrive by 7.30 I would walk onto the road and flag one down. At 7.29 it arrived. It was the same guy who'd tipped up late at the airport. Fell asleep again??
It was only a five minute ride to the bus station, it was packed, locals mainly. I went to the ticket office, told them where I was going and my name and was pointed in the direction of a bus that looked as though it was held together with string an gaffer tape. Not sure it would make the 10 hour journey!
As a mechanic was bashing the engine with a hammer I looked in envy at the VIP bus that was just leaving for China.
At 8.30 we all boarded and set off. After around 10 mins we stopped for fuel. I put the seat back and closed my eyes, 10 minutes later we stopped again, this time to change transport. As this one was less than full we were to share. It was a much nicer VIP bus. Result!
It was the big one....
The countryside was absolutely stunning. As were travelling along mountain passes, one minute in the clouds, the next getting a panoramic view of the huge pinnacles jagged in the distance. This was slightly tainted by the bloke a little further down the bus who was continually clearing his throughout then spitting on the floor. If he carries on doing that all the way to Vientiane, we will all be wading in mucus. Dirty bastard!
We stopped off at a little village for a toilet break after about two hours. It was 2000 Kip to use the loo so most if the blokes just pissed by the roadside. I was the only westerner on the bus, along the way it kept stopping to pick people up. Most were heavily laden down with sacks of rice, huge bags of fruit and veg. The only thing we were missing at the moment were a pig and a couple of chickens.
My purchase of a chicken salad baguette at the station was a good idea as the food at the various stops looked a bit dicey.
The bus had a ticket collector who seemed to think he was in his car rather than running a public transport bus. For the first few hours he played his eclectic selection of music ranging from Asian to Take That, at full blast. My ears would be bleeding before we reached our destination. When he was finished he decided to watch the latest 'resident evil' film, again at top volume. I tried to sleep but was disturbed every few minutes by the sound of a zombie being decapitated, shot to death or blown up. 10 hours of this will be a little testing.
Note to self:- bring ear plugs for the next bus journey. Apart from the fact this was not turning out to be the most comfortable journey and was going to take 10 hours, it is a fantastic way to see the country. Small villages and towns, awesome vistas and getting to experience being close to the locals was a good experience. Well done Sarah 9/10.
There was a bit of an eyeopener when we stopped in the middle of nowhere and everyone piled off the bus. Most of the blokes were having a piss at the side of the road. One of the women started to clear her sinuses and throat in a most unlady like way then launched a huge phlegm into the road. If a vehicle hits that, there is going to be a serious accident. Another lady looked at me, smiled and raised he eyebrows in disgust of the aforesaid action. She then proceeded to hitch her skirt up, squat down about 10 yards from me and urinate!
I've always followed the premise, if you see something you don't recognise, shoot it! Ha ha......
There is a piece in my guidebook about Laos people expecting modesty. Hmmmm.
As the sun set behind the mountains it presented a picture postcard view of the countryside, paddy fields and small hamlets.
Driving off the mountains into the lowlands of Laos the roads got straighter and faster. Up till now it had been a mixture of poor quality tarmac and dirt. I would hate to do the trip in the rainy season.
Apparently China is providing shed loads of labour to help the country with the roads and infrastructure. The contra deal is taking some the countries huge timber resource of which China has a shortage.
By 7.30 we were pulling into the bus station in Vientaine. Once again I need to make my own way to the hotel. I asked a price, got one then told the driver that a driver over there had already given me a better price. The TukTuk was not in the best shape and the driver stopped a few times to give it kick. The hotel seemed fine. Once again clean rooms, it's all you can ask for. After checking in, dumping my bags and washing my face I went downstairs and had a bite to eat. Wireless is available in the lobby at £2 for three days. A bargain. Apparently it only works I. The lobby. I checked my mails over dinner then went to bed. The WIFI worker fine in my room too.
I've decided after a days trekking, mountain biking and a 11 hour bus ride I'm going to have an easy day tomorrow. A bit of sight seeing maybe but coffee and the famous pastries that this city is famous for are on the top of the to-do list.
I'm a bit 'templed' out!!
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Location:Avenue Lane Xang,Vientiane,Laos
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