Leaving for Laos

Today has been a long drawn out travel day. It started in Hong Kong and ended in Vientaine, Laos with a stopover in Bangkok. Thankfully, other than a 40 min delay in Bangkok the day was rather uneventful. Just the way you want it when planes, trains and automobiles are involved.

I have kept with a long held tradition of giving myself a an hour or so to sit quietly in a memorable spot in my departure city. This has always allowed me to reflect on my overall visit. I find it helps smooth out some of the rough spots of the journey and focus on the real jewels of the place. This morning I sat down at the Avenue of the Stars overlooking the Fragrant Harbour of Hong Kong. I have seen this harbour a lot in the past few days, I enjoy it more every time I experience it. This morning I was treated to a view of a Junk in full sail. It had a San Pan in tow so it was likely a working boat and not a tourist boat. That is one of the many things I love about this city. It has all the accommodations any tourist could ever need, but at its heart it is still a traditional city with commerce flowing with every direction and at every pace.

I opted for the fast commuter train to the airport but what I didn't bank on was the ability to check in right from the train station which left me without having to haul my enormous pack around with me. Whoo hoo - I am beginning to think a set of traveling wheels might be a good investment.

My last success was to use up all my HK coins in a purchase of Tic Tacs. Who doesn't love a Tic Tac!! Two packs for $8.40 - I even got to try Mango flavour. I can highly recommend it.

Once in Bangkok there wasn't much to do but wander aimlessly through the hundreds of Duty Free and souvenir shops. I am still not buying anything of substance. I don't have the space or budget. But I did pick up some bug spray and antibiotic cream. Better to be safe than sorry!

Upon arriving at the Vientaine airport, I was a little worried. In HK the Thai Airways check in lady had suggested that my tour ticket which includes a flight from Laos to Vietnam might not be sufficient to prove my ability to leave Laos. So when I approached the immigration counter it was with more anxiety than normal. I had my passport photo and $42 US dollars ready to purchase my visa, but would I be OK with just a tour voucher...

Not only was it OK, but the military looking guy who was issuing my visa never asked about how I would leave Laos. He just looked please to welcome me into the country. He wished me a blessed and joyous stay in his home. I think I am going to like Laos!!