Another day in Vientiane and then heading north

After being a bit surprised at how well I felt after the night, I was happy that this stable health condition lasted throughout the day and so far everything is fine. 🥳 However, I have so far played it safe by sticking to cafés and 'restaurants' before diving back into the street food game today.

But first, a bit about yesterday. Plagued by jet lag, I started the day a bit later, had a fruity, healthy breakfast, and then headed towards the Mekong promenade. I somehow couldn't get very close to the river, but from a distance, I could sense that Thailand was already on the other side. In oppressive heat, but now equipped with a cap ☝🏻️, I took a look at the Presidential Palace (ah, there's the money!), visited 2 temples and then retreated to a quiet, air-conditioned café. And that's when I noticed what is so different about Vientiane compared to other Asian big cities and capitals: nobody honks here! There is no honking among each other, nor did anyone honk at me and force me to go somewhere. This makes everything much more relaxed and stress-free.

Even while driving (not me - heavens no - but in a taxi), everything feels much more restrained. The driving is anticipatory, often electric, without pushing through. Perhaps a French, elegant way?! 🇫🇷 Who knows. I only 'dared' to take a taxi because I had installed an app similar to Uber, and the risk of being taken somewhere random or being ripped off was quite low. A necessary eSIM is definitely a game changer and makes everything so much easier (and safer).

And in the evening, we departed punctually in the minivan heading north to Vang Vieng. As a precaution, I had my Sea Bands for travel sickness on and travel tablets at the ready, but I underestimated Laos again. The highway had German standards, and here the young driver was extremely considerate and drove steadily. Chapeau - to continue with the French theme. 

However, this small town proves that the roads can look quite different and is the starting point for various activities in the surrounding landscape. Rent a scooter and drive off yourself? I don’t want to tempt fate. Perhaps I’ll get a bicycle and ride to 1-2 caves and one of the Blue Lagoons, which are apparently overcrowded with Chinese tourists (there they are again) and now also Koreans. By the way, Vang Vieng gained a dubious reputation in the past, as 'Tipsy Tubing' was the absolute highlight here just over 10 years ago. Floating down the river in a big tire while enjoying drinks & drugs. After some fatalities, it was restricted, but I believe it's still a party hot spot. Let's see what the night market brings tonight.

Since the weather tomorrow is not expected to be very nice during the day, I have booked myself into the spa of a luxury resort. 💆🏻‍♀️ After the first night in the hotel, this could be necessary, as I rarely slept on such a hard mattress. But I at least have a shower curtain!!! 🚿 It's the little things that make one happy. 90% of all accommodations have bathrooms without separated showers, and the shower head just hangs next to the toilet, for example. Showering is... a bit of a challenge. 

Things that are taken for granted at home are seen from a completely different perspective here. Not to mention the reliable power supply or the TÜV-certified bridge over the Nam Song River. Or even the small conveniences, like toilet paper that doesn’t crumble and can simply be thrown into the toilet. And that you’re not being watched by dozens of ants while using the toilet. 🐜🐜🐜 But it is these experiences that are so grounding and make some problems at home seem smaller.

Today, I am in relaxing mode (yes, I’m learning too 😉) and doing a bit of planning. Due to the aforementioned mattress, I didn't get much sleep, which I then caught up on in the shade by the pool. I'm currently sitting in an air-conditioned café (sitting outside is not good because it's way too hot), watching the dusty hustle and bustle at the street intersection, and I might have booked something very early for tomorrow morning that I’m not quite sure how I will feel about. But hey, in the worst case, it will be another new experience. 😉 Let's see!