Indulgence

Day 93: Pakse (LAO) – Vientiane (LAO). There was no denying it the last week had been some of the most difficult travelling we had encountered on our entire trip. Incredibly exciting, remarkably rewarding – but difficult none the less. And so, as we made our way from the Bolaven Plateau towards the nations capital, we thought we would introduce just a touch of luxury in to our journey.

Lets not get too carried away here, we weren't talking of five star hotels and chauffeured limousines– just a few little things to ensure we didn't arrive back in the UK as physical wrecks. For instance, on the 450 mile journey northwards we spent an extra $10 and opted for the 10 hour air conditioned sleeper bus rather than the 24 hour local bus described as being for people 'with loads of time, no money and a totally masochistic streak'!

Arriving in Vientiane we spent a few extra dollars and found a hotel with running hot water and working air conditioning! Something we had not encountered since Siem Reap, 10 days previously.

And then of course there was the food! After a week of living off bowls full of sticky rice, the cosmopolitan feel of this intriguing capital city gave us access to delicious western food. Like burgers. With cheese slices. And bacon. And mayonnaise. And chips. So good it almost felt sinful!