On November 4th Fred the bike is embarking on a six month journey across Southeast Asia. Starting in Singapore, Fred plans to make his way up the west coast of Malaysia, across Thailand, Cambodia, up through Vietnam and into Laos. After that... who knows? Fred invites you to follow him through his adventure. Any advice from fellow travelers is always welcome.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Vieng Xai-Sam Neua

Total Distance:31.57km
Total Time:2h27m50s
Average Speed:12.7km
Maximum Speed:51.5km
Total Distance So Far:6580.02km

Let me begin by saying, the keyboards in Laos are different. I don't know where some of the buttons, namely the slash button, are so bare with me. I spent a couple of days in Vieng Xai. What a fascinating town. Amidst the limestone mountains that towe over this little village are a seies of caves that were once used as a hiding place for the leaders of the Pathet Lao durring the war. If you are in this area, I suggest taking a tour of the caves. It was pretty interesting. Aside from that, Vieng Xai is a peaceful place full of smiling faces. Just what I needed. It was a great place to adjust to Laos life.
The ride to Sam Neua was a short one. The hills in this area can be demanding. Fred is not at his best. It's time to change his chain. When going up steep hills it often slips, which can be a little dangerous. As a result I end up walking up the really steep slopes. It's no that bad, although it does take a while. I don't think I'll be in Sam Neua long. Just tonight. Travelling through the mountains is slow going and I want to make a little more progress before I rest up again.
I'm still in love with Laos. Evey day I enjoy it more and more.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hee Gab,

nice to read your stories, you are doing a real good job.

take care
your dutch heroes, maarten, jeroen en harold

Anonymous said...

So looks like we won't be hearing from you until around Ban Long judging by the mountains and the distance, the only larger inhabited place you can see from google earth anyway...and I'm guessing not to much insofar as computers or cell phone towers being in the north, still pretty underdeveloped. The fam has been freakin' again, ready for the consulate, they are difficult to console as they love you.
Have fun, enjoy, soak up the sun, have some of the locals spiced shine and play their version of the two-handed pan flute if you find one. Lastly, happy birthday!
Jack Reno