Vang Vieng - Day 89-90
Trip Start
Jan 31, 2008
1
66
254
Trip End
Ongoing
Where I stayed
Vang vieng, Lao Peoples Dem Rep
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Day 89 - 21/05/08
A travel day, caught a minibus to Vang Vieng which is around 200km south of Luang Prabang. Beautiful scenery as we meandered along the twisty roads through the heavily forested mountains. Staying at the Thavisouk guest house in a nice bungalow on the Nam Xong river which flows straight through the small town. Beautiful location but around a ten minute walk from the shops and restaurants, so I've hired a push bike. It's one of those granny bikes with a basket on the front and an extra cushioned sit on the back. I love it! Thinking of riding it to China. Seen a guy with a pink granny bike earlier, mines black. Thinking of doing a swap.
Miraculously, found a Bar which is showing the Champions league final tonight. The biggest game for nine years for United fans and it's an all England final against Chelsea which makes it even more important. Can't believe I found somewhere to watch it. The kick off isn't until 1.45am, so it's going to be a late late night.
Day 90 - 22/05/08
What a game! Never been so nervous watching a football match in my entire life. Probably around twenty excited westerners in the bar watching the game. Mostly British and Dutch. The majority of people were routing for United but there were a small group of Chelsea supporters hiding in the corner. When John Terry missed the penalty for Chelsea the bar erupted. I personally thought it was all over when Terry stepped up to the spot, but he slipped before kicking the ball, lost his balance and the ball rebounded off the post. Amazing!
Got back to my bungalow after the match at around 5am. Cycled back from the bar on my Granny bike.
Visited a small cave today after a bit of a lay in. The cave has a water system which flows into the river. Near the entrance to the cave there's a small turquoise pool full of minerals due to the water filtration through the rock. Suppose to be really healthy to bath in the pool, but I didn't have swimming gear with me so I just dipped my feet in. The water was really cold and was a nice way to cool down in the hot afternoon sun.
Wanted to do some tubing while in Vang Vieng but I have to stay out of the water due to my eye infection. Tubing involves going down the river on a tractor inner tube. The riverside is scattered with bars and restaurants so when you want a drink or a snack you give the guys on the bank a shout and they throw you a rope or bamboo pole and pull you in. Sounds like fun I know, shame I couldn't participate.
More rain again today, the rainy season is defiantly upon us now in Laos. Dropped off my beloved granny bike this evening after the rain stopped as I'm leaving tomorrow. Will defiantly make use of more bikes on my travels. A great way to get around a small town or city and so cheap to hire too.
Booked a bus ticket to the capital of Laos for tomorrow, Vientiane. Should take around 4 hours.
Spent the evening watching episodes of friends and drinking fruit shakes in a restaurant/bar. Pretty surreal experience to be watching an American sitcom in a small town in a communist country.
