The Lao Capital.

We left the Plain Of Jars in the early morning. A 6.30am mini-bus to the bus station, with Brad, Brett and Sarah. Oh and the Belgium couple too. We grabbed a Lao coffee, to give us the kick-start we needed. The spoons they use at the restaurants around here, are all aluminum. Apparently they are made from melted down crashed U.S. planes.

All of us grabbed the 7.00am public bus to the Vientiane (or some such spelling). All except the Belgiums who opted for the 7.30am VIP bus. We crammed on, I got the seat over the wheel arch, so spent the journey with my knees under my chin. Another hair-raising, high-speed ride through the twistiest and tiniest mountain roads imaginable. The scenery was stunning, but Sam only got to see it when she dare open her eyes.

9 hours or so later we arrived. The Belgiums arrived at the same time we did, and had had just as a manic journey as we had. Except they got water, a Twinky and a fresh towel. Not much compensation really. We piled onto a tuk-tuk with a woman who was moving house, with all her possessions.

Getting off in the traveler part of town, near the Mekong where all the guesthouses are. A little wandering about negotiating a good room deal, and we dropped our bags, glad to finally be here.

This is our second day here now, and we have not done much. Everyone else has moved on. We, well more particularly I, have a stomach bug of some kind. Both of us have the runs, but I've got the cramps to go with it. Today I spent until about 1.00pm in bed, I didn't sleep much last night. Sam went out and got herself a foot massage, leaving me to die! Just about dealing with it, just aware that we can never be too far away from a toilet. Oh well, it's all part of the experience I suppose.