Thailand -> Laos

We spent an amazing month in Thailand! In fact we enjoyed it so much we almost forgot to leave. We were issued a 30 day visa upon landing in Thailand which allowed us to stay until Jan 18th and we left 30min before the border closed on that exact day. Severe financial penalties (17$) would have ensued had we left late.

We've now been in Laos for nearly a week and it has also surpased our expectations. It is so amazing to be immersed within a country where the average person has so little compared to western standards and yet is so giving and welcoming.

Since arriving we've spent most of our time in the north, somewhat off the heavy tourist route, and visited some small villages that are really only accesible by walking or being pulled by animal. It has been somewhat reminescent of Africa in terms of the ruralness and lousy roads.

After that short time in the north we headed to Luang Prabang which is the start of the major tourist corridor and looks like we will be with the masses until Vientianne were we hope to head into the less touristy south. We miss the slow pace and no hassle of the small town, but we are loving all the comforts and luxuries available in Laung Prabang. We've had great coffee, baguettes, and cheese already and we just found a shop with cheap French wine. We deserve this...since we've been eating noodle soup at least twice a day for the last month.

One of the great parts of any country is the national beer and Beerlao has been the best brew yet, since arriving in Asia. No more Chang-overs!!!
Cheers to beers. (Colin's sign-off)
Check out some actual pictures of Thailand and Laos, not just beer pics, using the links on the right. Miss you all, we'll be home in less than 3 months, (Patti's sign-off) Boring!! (Colin's response)

P & C