Today we had an early six o clock start to get breakfast in before getting our slow-boat down the Mekong River. Slow-boats down the river take two days including an overnight stop in Pakbeng. Most travellers agree that the two-day journey to the old capital is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Before we left we played with a kid from the hotel who loved football. He was great craic, amazed by our skills and even tried to take the piss out of us himself! I was the goalkeeper and he was taking shots on me, he put the ball down and took the longest run-up you’re ever likely to see for a penalty. As he ran up he started giggling, then just before the striking the ball he jumped over it laughing and pointing at me! I’d been had! Great to see kids who have little enjoy the game so much. I reckon he’s going to be a Lao football superstar!
We met up with our local guide who brought us in tuk-tuks to the pier where we would board our long slow-boat. The boat was run by a family of five and they made us feel at home on the boat. It was necessary to remove our flip-flops when we were on the boat.Our first stop along the way was at a Lao Lao whiskey maker. We sampled every type of whiskey and most of us bought a bottle or two of it.The taste isn’t too far off Putcheen!
Next stop was at a remote village where locals tried to sell us bracelets and wristbands. We were recommended to support them and we did most people buying two. It was funny when one person was buying one, every kid would run as fast as they could towards them to try and sell there wristband. We also went inside a local shack and realised how lucky we have it. The kids were amazed by our cameras and thought it was miraculous to see themselves on screen. We were waved off by a wise woman who couldn’t believe how tall I was. It was a fantastic experience going to a village like this.
The views back on the boat were incredible but everyone was too knackered to tell most of the time. On the boat were these comfortable reclining chairs and everyone made great use of them!Upon arrival in Pakbeng we were greeted by a dog named Beer Laos. He is famous in this town and he led us up to the top of the hill. Pakbeng is a very small town with no internet and an electricity generator that switches off at ten o clock!
We went to a traditional Laos restaurant for dinner and the host knew Caroline so he gave us a free bottle of Lao Lao to enjoy! Not too shabby!Back at the hotel Dips, Phil and I enjoyed a fantastic shooting star show over a few beers in complete darkness and talked about how unique it was to be in a village with no electricity only a few flashlights dotted around the town, a remarkable experience!“This is why I came travelling, this is what it’s all about” - Dips
Take it easy,
Mike
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