A love affair with Laos

After leaving the hectic traffic that is the Capital of Vietnam, we boarded a 10 hour bus ride to the border. Before we left though, we got to see some amazing sights. We headed to a monks pagoda where they were praying/chanting. It was one of those surreal moments - I could have sat there and listened to them for hours.

The border between Laos and Vietnam is situated in the mountains. It would have been a really awesome border crossing too, as they were so laid back and it was very picturesque. It was ruined however by these Vietnamese bastards. They had trucks and trucks of dogs stacked in cages barely bigger than themselves - there would have been several hundred in each truck alone. Our guide (who is also buddhist) said to look away and that it would be alright for them as they will come back as something better in the next life. I, being as clueless as I am continued to watch. I regret every moment of it.

The dogs were being taken to be killed and used as meat. One dog was being used as a bribe to the officials there so they could pass into Laos. They climbed on top of the cages and took a dog out and then broke its hind legs. The dog starting pissing everywhere it was so scared. The yelping was horrible - all the dogs were panicked. Then they took out a giant log, and you can imagine what happened next. Maybe I am just being a precious westerner unable to accept that is just the way it is over here, but I've never missed home more since I left.

Laos itself is trying quite hard to make up for the atrocities that occured at the border. The towns are very small and the people are so friendly here. There's none of this pushing to buy, and its simply beautiful. In Lak Sao, which was the first town we stopped in, there was only one restaurant aptly named 'the only one'. English is barely spoken here, so it was good fun trying to tell the waitress I wanted fried rice with eggs. Bit like Charades really.

Since then, I went to a buddha statue ground in Vientiane (the Capital) and got to explore these tombs which were only accessible from the roof. Visited the victory gates and a few other sites before heading to Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng has been my favourite city on the tour thus far. Its small, situated between massive mountains and has an awesome feel to it. Went to a restaurant last night situated by the riverside. It was simply stunning - photos don't do it justice.

Went swimming in the blue lagoon this morning and mashed my feet on these rocks when i was swinging in - needless to say I'm in a fair bit of pain. Nonetheless, I'm off to go tubing this afternoon so I can't wait! Will write again soon.