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Hi guys - lack of updates: have been travelling through rural southern villages where electricity, water and telephones are a luxury, let alone internet. For now, feast on this:

"Sawadee". "Sawadee". We responded to the huge friendly smile characteristic of this region. It turns out that he is Laotian, and an epitomy of everything that is rumoured about Laotian people. Warm, friendly, highly-loveable and so laid back he'd almost fall over. Traversing and experiencing such beautiful people, one is a far cry from the familiarity of fear and unrest of the West, that it is difficult to believe the world is in certain parts, in turmoil. Ironically, the Democratic Republic of Laos is considered to be one of those countries. And for sure, it has its share of political instability, under-development and economic struggles, but, a certain flame of happiness dances in the eyes of the locals with whom I have interacted - a flame whose light is often missed in the West.

In Laos. In Love.

Asha Patel
2006-08-23 10:48:48

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I basked in the morning run as I stood in the river, the cold clear water rushing over my feet and legs. Seemed almost dreamlike as I stood admiring the lush organic greens, the mountainside, the farmland, and listened to only the sound of the running water. Joined the Americans for dinner in town again - papaya salad.

Day Eight: A week already. I watched the others return from their sunrise trek up the mountainside whilst I sat and enjoyed a warm baguette with eggs for breakfast. There was a growing sense of community amongst us volunteers and we did most things together. Except hiking. And I felt no guilt whatsoever in declining the invitation. Finola and Rich announced that they'd be leaving the farm today. I decided to stay at least another day. Or so I thought. After a morning of pruning trees, in coversation with Julian I suddenly realised that my visa was due to expire and I had to leave the country in a few days. Crap. I quickly packed up my belongings and checked out. My Thi thanked me for all my help and bid me goodbye. As I walked away, he arranged for a motorbike to have me dropped off into town. All well n good except I had a huge travellers backpack on my back. "no problem" he said. Well, okayyy.... I sat, teeth clenched and knuckes white as we sped down the road towards town, my backpack swinging off the back of the bike, inching towards the road. Booked a morning bus to Luang Prabang and went for lunch at the Organic Cafe in town - where else?! Tofu laap and an iced mulberry tea.

Cannot believe I have been in Laos an entire month already. The longer I stay, the greater my disinclination to leave.

-- Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang --

...The asended to join me on this seven hour journey. As the roads wound scenically around the northen mountains of Laos, so did the clouds. The photo opportunities were astounding but with the rain pelting down upon us my camera wasn't happy getting wet...

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