We arrived by VIP minibus (Vapid, Immobile, Pricey) after getting some help (in the form of Oil(?!) and water) during a short pause due to overheating (left 1hr late, stopped 45min). But Vientiane is worth the wait. Laos, being as poor as it is, has a very sleepy capital, especially when compared to Hanoi. Stuff starts early and stuff finishes early.1st order of business was a visa for Cambodia. Fully loaded with bags, we got a tuktuk down to the embassy. A happy little guy, who took 20 minutes to find, told us the visa (20USD) could only be applied for tomorrow morning with an afternoon pickup. BUT, for an extra 5 bucks he could do it in 5 minutes. 5 minutes later we had our visas.
Accommodation in Vientiane is pricey. After viewing a few musty dumps, we decided to splurge on a 25USD option, instead of the 35 or 50 option. Food however is another matter, and our meal that night overlooking the Mekong was spectacular. Whole BBQ fish, pork ribs, some veges and sticky rice puts a big grin on our faces.
Vientiane hosts a couple of beautiful Buddhist Wats and monuments. There is also a great Buddha park out of town. The only real way to get out there is by Scooter, and with thoughts of road tripping further south, we got an auto scooter. Things could not have turned out better. We found a massive expanse of flat, empty tarmac to start Tash off. Then we hit the not so busy highway. And after seeing the great park and having lunch, she had a go all by herself. Her cheshire grin stayed for hours.
(Note to mum - I was a very very sensible rider, I went nice and slow and there was hardly any traffic, mainly chickens. Note from Greg - She's telling the absolute truth)
(Note to mum - I was a very very sensible rider, I went nice and slow and there was hardly any traffic, mainly chickens. Note from Greg - She's telling the absolute truth)
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