You Say Lao, I Say Laos

Rice fields in Laos

Another border crossing

These motorized longboats are used to traverse the river separating Thialand from Laos. It costs a few cents to cross and upon arrival in Laos you enter a waterfrnt customs and immigration hut where visas are processed.

In my last update I was in Chiang Rai planning to take a bus to Chiang Kong, Thialand, cross the Laos (They call it Lao here.) border to Bokeo, Lao and then continue to Luang Prabang. Traveling demands flexibility and sometimes changes can be serendipitous. I followed the plan as far as Bokeo arriving around noon. I arranged an overnight bus on to Luang Prabang and was almost to the bus terminal for my 5 PM departure when somehow the tuk tuk driver found out the bus was cancelled. Now I know how those poor stranded passengers on cancelled flights felt, and I hope I was more helpful with their plight than anyone here. I reminded myself to relax and not get upset.
Here is where the flexibilty factor came in. I found a hotel and met some other travelers and decided that I would change my route and detour to Luang Nam Tha. That is where I am now and I am staying in a the mosty beautiful guest house so far. It costs $3.50 a night. There is no A/C but it's cool and no TV but no problem and fine free internet.
I conquered a long held fear yesterday and I am so happy about that. When I was still in college my friend Mike Strom got a motorcycle and let me ride it. I had a near accident that scared me so badly I never tried riding again. Well, yeserday my travel companion from Marbella, Spain, suggested we rent motorbikes to explore to explore the surrounding mountains and villages. I took inspiration from my sister and brother in law Rena and Jimmy Hicks who ride their motorbikes all over south Georgia, mustered my courage and mounted my bike. I am happy to have successfully stepped outside my comfort zone and the day on the bikes was so much fun that we will rent again today.