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Don Det, Lao Peoples Dem Rep
Saturday, May 27, 2006

Paradise Lost

David Murray
2007-03-04 09:54:38

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Back in Stung Treng, we took the executive decision between the four of us and bought an onward journey from the border of Laos to Don Det. We had spoken to a group who were coming the other way and they said that there was no transport. So this was the only way.

We walked a K to the Laos border, and once we had our stamps, the guards again asked for a $1. 00 each. We refused and attempted to walk through the gate, but was stopped. They then pulled out a document that stated that all foreigners must pay $0.50, so we did this instead. Once done, there were a group of guys who told us that if we wait ten minutes our transport would be here. At the half hour mark, we were told ten more minutes. At the hour mark, we were told ten more minutes. At the ninety minute mark, I went to say something, but then the van rolled up, and the four of us jumped in. Half an hour later, we were at the dock, a boat was procured and we were on our way to Don Det. Last time I had been here, there were three guesthouses and two restaurants for the six of us that were there. Now they were everywhere. We found a room, and the four of us went to dinner. I couldn't believe how much change had taken place in six years. To stop the tears from falling, I had a Beer Laos instead. Afterwards, we went for a walk and ran into the German guy, Welf. He was drinking with another Irish couple, Derrin and Edele, so we joined them. After another couple of bottles, I mentioned Lao Lao, the local rice wine. I did tell them that last time I was here, I drank some on my first night and ended up throwing up everywhere. Welf, thought this was a good thing, so we all had one, and that killed the rest of the night.

Beer Lao's Drunk - 3
Beer Lao's Total - 3

Once breakfast was finished, Lucy had arranged to meet Welf at ten as we were going to go bicycling around Don Det and Don Khone. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that previously, there were no pushies, motorbikes ...