Wonder.Food.Travel

A friend i made in Vang Vieng told me this: you have everything planned. He was referring to me signing up for the outdoor tours and purchasing my bus ticket to Vientiane a day before, and having booked a bed in Vientiane in advance. I reasoned that i wanted a spot for zipline or kayak, that the tickets were selling out pretty fast, and so i could ensure the place i'd be staying be decent or safe. But i still considered myself as being almost impromptu in this travel, otherwise you'd see me booked the outdoor tour, bus ticket and accommodation months ahead. Strictly following a rigid itinerary, cross out. Unlike me, he was traveling across the country and borders. He had a motorcycle and the flexibility to travel as and when desired. Some nights, he pitched the tent he carried around. When i listened to his recollection of adventures, i could not help but to compare mine with his, and felt inferior. Then i realized: we all have our own journey to travel. We all have our own...

The ride to Vang Vieng was, to put politely, memorable. There are several options to go to Vang Vieng and i narrowed down to two: VIP bus which i learned isn't for Very-Important-Person with mixed review of its comfort, or minivan which i realized could sometimes overcrowd but quicker. I opted for the latter (130k kip per person) by my hostel in Luang Prabang. I read that both promises The-Lord-of-the-Rings-like view. However, i felt more like being in the set of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. The hilly landscape reminded me of the scene where animals rush down. The Witch is after one of the brothers, tips over and a rhinoceros charge. Now back to the ride, yes, memorable. I, with a heavy heart to leave Luang Prabang, entered the minivan with a few empty seats remaining and thought, "may be it won't be full". Soon, the driver rounded the corner and picked up more passengers. Already filled in between bags, the minivan stopped in front of another ho...

My recent travel destination continued to raise eyebrow. When i mentioned Laos to my family and friends, popped came the question: why Laos? To simply and quickly reply, i said i wanted to see the Kuang Si Waterfall. This, i was sure, raised more eyebrows. But truth be told, how much do i know about Laos? Not much, and probably you too. That was my reason i picked Laos; i wanted to experience Laos first-hand. I wanted to learn about the people, the culture, the places, the food. I didn't even know how to say 'hello' in their language then. I know now. Sabaidee! Laos, a country surrounded by land borders Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, with the endearing Mekong River veining through, was a fulfilling pick. The journey, another solo travel, was humbling as it was rewarding. I didn't have much time to plan but i listed, at least, the things i wanted to see or do. I wanted this travel to be flexible, to adapt as i go, and detach myself from a rigid it...