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")