Back in Rhody!

I got back to Newport late Sunday night. The flights were long, yeah. Its tough getting back to life here. Im adjusting slowly.
Thanks for following.

On the river in Vang Vieng

I did manage some time for the mountains and river in Laos! In the morning, local guide Hat took me up PahDeng. Its a steep Karst mountain overlooking the Nam Song River flowing by rice paddies with the town of Vang Vieng behind. Out on the road and upriver is where Hat took me next to one of the famous bars on the river. These bars have high rope swings, pump out loud music, and serve gallons of beer and cocktail to the white tourist 20-somethings who tube down. Its a sad scene really, but the novelty of it all is fun for a half day at most. I hit the rope swing, downed some beer Lao, and got a kayak driven further upstream. Up there, away from the house music, just the sound of the river and the birds. I tried hard to go slowly down the fast moving river and enjoy the tranquility before getting back to the beer party.

Bangkok Rocks!

I'm seriously liking this city! I've done a lot of shopping, sightseeing, eating, and so many different things all in only a couple days. I have two days left, not long but I'm packing all the fun in as best able.

Quick rundown goes; shopping at MBK(one of Bangkoks modern mega-malls), searching for the one kiteboarding store in Bangkok (found only by email), eating at a dank sushi bar, thai massage(ahhh), Sukhumvit Road=many bars, nightlife, Soi Cowboy "Welkumm...", Dusit Palace and Garden(home of the king and parliment), Zoo, Chinatown neon lights & street food.

Today I will see the aquarium, IMAX movie, then head to Night Bazaar Market, then back to Sukhumvit for Pub Crawl.

Tommorrow, JJ weekend Market and maybe Grande Palace.

Of course I have also seen a lot of temples, taken river boat rides, rode the sky train, ran in Lumpini Park, and taken a tuk-tuk. Also took a motorbike taxi in rush hour= scary.

Enjoy the pictures! I'll post many more on Picasa next week. Sok Dee! (good luck! "cheers")

Bangkok .

hey all. Got into Bangkok last night. Took a quick flight from Vientienne, Laos. Pretty cheap, def. the fastest way.
Will do some shopping here, siteseeing. Staying in Siam Square, pretty central to the city. Surrounded by malls, but next to the skytrain which is a fast cheap ride to many destinations.
I had planned to stay a night or two in Vientienne, but decided not to hurry through two cities, just enjoy 1. I have until early Sunday morning here in Bangkok, and there is lots to do.
Some things are visit Grand Palace in the old city and see temples and museums. Also, Sukumvit road has many restraunts bars (go-go) and neon lights. Lumphini Park is close to me, I will get up early (if I can) and sneak in a run there on the shady foot paths. Ride the Chyao Phraya River Express to get to the Palace and Koa Sian Road backpacker avenue.
Hit some venues for music, Hard Rock Cafe is close to my hotel.
Saturday is for markets, JJ weekend market can compare with the worrlds biggest, and the Vespa market is hangout for indie kids and such.
Internet time is up, sorry no pics today.
Sa wat Dee Krup

Fever

I woke up yesterday with a high fever. After sleeping all day, I checked out of the guesthouse and into the hospital. I had my temperature taken, and got an injection of paramol to lower my fever. I have an infection in my throat, and I got some drugs from the pharmacy and was released. I've slept most of the last day and a half. The fever finally quit today (I think). I still have a sore throat and don't feel 100% yet. I'm going to stay here in Vang Vieng again tonight, hopefully I will feel good enough to travel tomorrow. Damn

Vang Vieng, Laos = Laotian Playground

It's overcast today, which is why I'm on the internet. Otherwise, I would be River Rafting, Tubing, Biking, Climbing, Caving, or a million other activities here. I was at a good bar party last night having some buckets of booze (literally a bucket with alcohol inside). The DJ was actually playing good music, and my body went into shock ; meaning I was dancing. I was hanging out with my new Chilean friends, Zeb has gone on his own now. Three weeks was all we could take of each other.
My bungalow is right on the river, and I've hung my new parachute hammock on the porch there. I am going back there now to lay, and watch the river pass by. Listen to the sounds of the buffalo behind the bungalow grunting. I've rented a bicycle here and its easy to get around this small town by bike. I understand why the few people whom have been here to Laos say it is their favorite part of Asia.
I will be here in Vang Vieng for 2 more nights, then I will go South to Vientienne. A couple nights there before flying to Bangkok. I fly back to Providence from Bangkok on October 4.

All the way to Laos!

Since Chiang Mai, its been a lot of traveling, but very comfortably. The bus ride was a little long and crowded to Chaing Kong on the border of Laos. Amazing mountainuos country. Lots of agriculture and livestock in the counrtyside here. The highways would be great on motorcycle, hmm... another trip? Checked out of Thailand, across the Mekong river to Houxai, Laos.
Visa for Laos was easy, only $36. Extra passport photos camein hand here.
Slow boat for 2 days down the Mekong to Luang Prabang, Laos!
Overnight is at small town called Pak Beng, ha very neat. Tasted Lao Whiskey, rocket fuel!
Today is my first of two days here in Luang Prabang. Ran around the town this morning, what a way to see the town. This afternoon, visiting some temples and get a massage.
Tomorrow out to Pak Ou; Buddha Caves and a huge waterfall. Then stopping at a textile village on the way back to Luang Prabang.
Next day by bus ( i think) to Vang Vieng for rafting, climbing, and treking. Then on to Vientiene, capital of Laos. Korp Chai!

sorry, images taking too long to upload. Next time.