Category: Vientiane

John and I woke up early to meet Zarko and Joanna for an early breakfast next to our guesthouse. After breakfast we hit the bank, but the ATM was down. We took a tuk-tuk to the Cambodian Embassy and applied for our visas. Pretty painless, but they wouldn’t be available for pickup until 4pm in the afternoon, so we had a lot of time to kill.

The other were heading to the Tourism Office, and I was heading to the Tourism Police, but they were conveniently located next door to each other. We were trying to flag down a tuk-tuk when a Belgian guy working in Laos offered us a lift in his SUV. He was heading to Cambodia for the upcoming long weekend.

At the Tourism Police I filled out a form and was told to return at 2pm in the afternoon. The others were still in the tourism office, so together we made our way to an internet cafe, then headed across the street to Joma cafe for some breakfast.

Spent much of the day either on the internet struggling to get my pictures uploaded (still way way behind) or eating/drinking. A little before two, I gathered my things and made my way to the tourism police.

Met Lucio at the office again, as well as a few others who had been victims of theft in Laos. The bag of one Toronto girl had been recovered by some locals who were still in the office. She gave them a hung of thanks, but she was overall pretty upset. She lost a lot of money, apparently, and most of what she got bag was soaked – since they’d thrown the bag in the river. Thankfully she still had her passport – as she’s inclined to head home early instead of spending another month travelling. We tried to dissuade her from leaving, but she was pretty keen to get out.

After half an hour of waiting, I paid 10000 kip ($1.25) for my Loss Report, then headed back to meet Zarko, Joanna, and John. We caught a tuk-tuk to the Cambodian Embassy, grabbed our visas, then made our way back to the guesthouse for an early dinner (me) and drink (them). I bid them adieu a little before 7, grabbed a shower then caught a songthaew to the bus station.

Got on the bus to Pakse, happy that there was a tad more leg room to deal with. A German girl, Lena, took the seat beside me so I chatted with her for a while before going to sleep.

Not very many touristy things to do in Vientiane.  Spent the majority of the day between the Internet and eating with Zarko, Joanna, and John. 

Found a store with a large selection of music and dvds and I’m inclined to pick something up, but more inclined to wait until I get to Bangkok or China to buy anything, especially since I’m still bagless.  Ran into Thierry again, and met up with his friend Lucio who’d just had his bag stolen while biking around town.

Woke up not feeling well at all. Summoned up the energy to head to the Morning Market, to do some shopping. A shopping day – if only Victoria and Gabriella could be here. My main concern was a charger for my camera. Had very little luck, with most people suggesting I go to Thailand to get one. They would point in the direction of Thailand as they suggested it. So simple.

Eventually I managed to find a universal charger that I pray won’t fry my camera. I looked for some clothes and a bag, but selection was limited, and my stomach really wasn’t feeling well, so I gave up and headed back to the guesthouse.

Spent most of the afternoon lying in bed, hoping to feel better. At about 6:30 I headed out to upload some photos, and managed to find a place with not too horrible a connection (or maybe I am just getting used to the slowness).

Everyone was going to meet up later, but everyone was also feeling a little under the weather, so things were pretty low key. In the end, I was going to meet John, Jazz, and Emma at a pub, but decided I wasn’t up to the task, and headed to bed quite early.

Had breakfast (yet another restaurant with “Friends”), then a shower (maybe the best shower I’ve had in four months) . After the shower I inquired about buses to Vientiane, and was told I’d have to wait till 1:30pm. Figuring I might have better luck at the bus station, I grabbed my stuff (much easier now that I am travelling light) and walked five minutes to the bus station.

Found a minibus that was headed to Vientiane in 5 minutes, so I opted for that one, and before I could get the change for my ticket, the bus arrived. Met three people on the bus, John,  Zarko, and Joanne.

In Vientiane, John said he had some friend’s staying at Joe’s Guesthouse, which was conveniently located across from where we were dropped off. John and I decided to share a room, and cut down on costs. I had a bunch of stuff I hoped to get done before the weekend, so my first stop was the Cambodian Embassy. When I got there, it was closed, so I had to wait about an hour for them to return after lunch. When they reopened they told me they weren’t issuing Visas in the afternoon, so I’d have to wait till Monday. Joy.

Next stop was the Australian Embassy, which caters to Canadian traveller’s too. I wanted them to make sure my Police Report was on the up and up, but there wasn’t much they could do. He told me I’d have to visit the Laos Tourism Police for a Loss Claim, and pointed me on my way.

By the time I got to the Laos Tourism Police, they were closing for the day, and shut down over the weekend. Quite convenient. At least I know I’ll be staying here until Monday.

Met up with John, Zarko, and Joanne, plus John’s friends: Jazz, Emma, Mary and Kate. I was the only non-Brit in attendance, but I think I managed okay. We headed out for dinner, but the place we’d chosen was pretty pricey, so we opted for a drink only. We were joined by Jed, an American from Duluth, who knew Kate and Mary. Eventually we headed to a nice Italian restaurant, as everyone was in the mood for western food. I had some pasta, which was pretty good, plus some garlic bread and a slice of pizza.

We headed to a Mexican bar that had some live band karaoke. Kate had some pretty good chops, and sung a few tunes. Everything closes early in Laos, so we were all back to the guesthouse by 11:30.