Nick - I think I have Laos

The day before we leave for Laos was full of exploring Hanoi and again I love this city apart from getting ripped off at every street corner. So we're off! On a much anticipated 25 hour long bus ride to Vientiane, Laos. Its not the most comfertable ride but yet again Mateo and I have more intament moments spooning (remember I'm still the big spoon!). I have to write about this bus experience and please realize it probably wasn't that bad but just felt like it. First we were dropped off on a random section of highway and left there with several other backpackers, then when someone came along ~1 hour later to take us to our bus we were put in the back so the Vietnamese could have the spacious front seats. Then we commenced our 25 hour trip at 8pm with loud Vietnamese soap oprah and lights stopping at every place imaginable. Did I mention there was no bathroom onthis bus? Oh.. That's right..25 hour no potty. Ocasioally all of the Vietnamese would randomly stand up and the bus would stop for a pissing break but by the time all the foreigners figured out what was going on everyone was back on board and we were moving. And we stopped once to eat... at 1:30am just when everyone fell asleep. Border crossings were chaotic to say the least, filled with bribes and self-entertaining customs agents. But finally we entered Laos (which I believe translates to "we have no idea how to build a straight road"). The road was one amazing view after another of lush green jungles peppered with sharply jetting out stone structures. And I Not kidding about the road. I don't think there was more than 50 yds of staight pavment from the border to the capital. The wealth of Laos is apparent in it's capital; it feels like Ketchikan Alaska in the winter. Barely anyone on the streets, eerily quiet, and drug dealers on every corner (but not in the "south DC projects" kinda way, more so "drug peddling taxi driver meets suburbia" way.

At this point I have to say something about backpackers. They are one of the most amazing groups. Everywhere we turn there are other travelers giving us the inside scoop: places to stay, eat, avoid, MUST-SEES, and more. A few backpackers we have seen before and we greet one another as old friends, swapping stories of our adventures, making one another feel jealious at the cheaper prices we found, and just sharing in the brotherhood of the aimless traveler. We all are living to the fullest and find great comfert in those that do the same. I will never forget this amazing trip!
To Momma Beyrouty: I have been on Mateo to write his blog too!