{"id":3117,"date":"2010-05-08T23:42:13","date_gmt":"2010-05-09T04:42:13","guid":{"rendered":"\/?p=3117"},"modified":"2010-05-13T07:15:08","modified_gmt":"2010-05-13T12:15:08","slug":"grin-and-bearing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/asiawheeling.com\/?p=3117","title":{"rendered":"Grin and Bearing"},"content":{"rendered":"

The journey from Luang Prabang to Vientiane would be no small feat. \u00a0The buses would no doubt be crammed due to the Pi Mai Lao holiday, and with no bus schedule to speak of, it was simply the luck of the draw for when we would leave and what bus we would find ourselves on. \u00a0After an incredible downpour, which took place while we were nesting in a cafe, we took to the soaked streets and wheeled up to the bus station. \u00a0There, we bought a ticket for the next bus and folded up the cycles; the bus would be leaving in 20 minutes.<\/p>\n

The bus was packed, but it seemed we had received the two best seats in the house, right in front, despite having purchased the last two tickets available. \u00a0Together, we marveled at the freight loading process in which giant wire frames, motorcycles, and other cargo were hoisted to the bus roof rack.<\/p>\n

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Of course the journey would not be complete without mechanical and natural mishaps on what we referred to as “the best road in all of Lao,” a winding collection of switchbacks and washed-out embankments, 430 km through the jungle. \u00a0The bus stopped occasionally for the crew to inspect the fuse box. \u00a0When the bus was moving, the driver peered through the windshield, seeing no farther than a few feet in front of him because of the thick misty fog that saturated the mountain air. \u00a0The temperature difference between the interior and exterior of the bus caused the windshield to fog up from within as well, warranting a full-time crew member to wipe down the windshield so the driver could see.<\/p>\n

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But alas, by the grace of Lao, we arrived the next morning safe and sound before sunrise. \u00a0Coffee and a small feast seemed to be in order, so we ordered two fried whole baby chickens, rice, and the black gold we were so very much in need of.<\/p>\n

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Upon finishing, we wheeled south to the Mekong to scan the riverside for guesthouses. \u00a0We passed the great French style archway, as morning joggers stayed honest around the park.<\/p>\n

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Wheeling a bit farther, we came across some fellows transporting pork in what seemed like the Chinese part of town.<\/p>\n