Hello Loas!

Its been quite a few days since my last post and a lot of fun adventures have unfolded.

After spending a few day in Bangkok with Richy playing tennis and eating non-stop, I excitedly made my way to Loas. I chose to take the night train to the boarder which took about 12 hours in hopes of meeting some other travelers and setting up a crew. It didnt work that way. An hour into the trip, everyone was already heading to bed and the train was very quiet. But this was still a fun and very relaxing. Once I crossed into Laos I immediately went to Vientiane to eat some Nam Neung which is essentially grilled meatballs that you wrap up into bite size balls. First you place some lettuce in a rice paper wrapping. Then you put a combination of meat, garlic, rice noodle, mint, basil, star fruit, chili, and peanut sauce on top and wrap it up. This was one of the most unique meals I have had since coming to Asia.

After eating I hopped on a bus heading to Vang Vieng. I got very lucky in meeting a fellow traveler named Rob who has been traveling for the last 7 months between Australia and Asia. Rob is very connected here and this trip serves as somewhat of a reunion for him and his friends. When I got into Vang Vieng, I didn't have to worry about a thing and everything was taken care of. After meeting Rob's crew for dinner, we got our rooms and quickly got after the night.

The night scene in Vang Vieng is nice and simple because there really aren't that many options. You party in Q Bar (which is where all Rob's connections are) and then make your way to "the island." On the island which is very small and is connected by a small rickety bridge, there are pretty much only bars. Its the source of the late night scene. On the island we spent the rest of the night at a bar called Sunset Bar. The place was great and I got to meet many people from all over the world. Since the crew I was with had bought bottles all night, I was able to drink all night for free which took its toll. I went home around 2am with Rob and his buddy Renz and we indulged in some late night Lao grub which was a baguette with chicken, cheese, bacon and some local veggies. SOOOOO GOOOODDDD!!

After devouring the sandwich I crashed hard on my bed that feels very similar to a sheet of ply wood and a pillow stuffed with dirt. Oh and my view is a brick wall. But then again, who cares because I am never going to be in my room anyhow.