We took a 3 hour bus ride north from Vientiane on Friday afternoon and
are now in a town with more tourists than locals. But it's quiet here
for the most part and we've gotten a room at the edge of town for
20000 kip (a little under $4 CAN).
We're up at a reasonable elevation so it's pretty cool except for
midday. There's not much to do in town except rent a bike and
check-out the local caves or rent an inner-tube and float down the
river for a few hours.
Laotians have been using the slash-and-burn
method of clearing land for farming for hundreds of years from what
I've heard, and it certainly seems like they don't intend to change
that method anytime soon. So unfortunately it can be pretty smoky
around here sometimes. Particularly in the mornings when I get up.
On the other hand, it's a smell that kind of reminds one of
campgrounds anyway.
Felipe is getting really disturbed about having to
go home in a few days.
Scott
