Buffalo

The trip to Nong Khiaw was an adventure in itself. We thought, that we would go with a regular bus, But this turned out to be as Songthaew (Rear open truck with two opposing rows of seats). The reception was pretty good Songthaew. On board were mostly locals, also two Russians, an Englishman and we. Normally, it has space for about 12 people, and with this line-up we also started. After a few minutes we had been our first stop and it got even a couple of people with their luggage. Since the roof was fully loaded, were chicken feed, Bags and bags stowed between the two rows of seats and our legs. After further stops more than 20 people were in the vehicle and narrowly squeezed we drove about 4 hours to get to Nong Khiaw. Our driver was a bit of speeders, Animals on the road he always drive around twisty. On a small street stall, he stopped again, and one of the passengers bought a pet, that looked like a muskrat. It was (more) alive and around the neck and belly had a rope, so that it could be worn as a bag. For transport there but was then put into an old cement bag and stuffed into a corner of the Songtheaws. Das Tier arme…

When we finally arrived we went for a few minutes until our Guesthouse “Nam Ou River Lodge” run. It is a bit out in the countryside right on the Nam Ou River and is surrounded by high forested limestone mountains. The setting is beautiful.

Since Seppel was unfortunately not quite fit, he rested in the afternoon something in the room and I have read on the terrace. Carry, the Guest House owner, also offers tours of the area. When I heard him two other guests then asked, I hooked myself, because we wanted to participate in a tour. Together with Amika and Rutger, a German-Dutch couple from Amsterdam and Louis from Bern, we then signed up for a tour the next day.

Boat trip, Village life & Waterfall

The next day Seppel was fit again and luckily we were looking forward to the tour. First we went by boat up the Nam Ou. The landscape of the surrounding hills and cliffs is very impressive. On the river bank we did stop twice to small villages to visit. A woman just burned "Lao Lao", the Lao rice whiskey, for the ca. 1 Euro is sold by the big bottle. We could also cost time.

The locals live by farming and fishing on. They live in traditional houses made of bamboo. Amika and Rutger had pens for children with, which are very delighted about it. After visiting the village we hiked to a beautiful waterfall, where a dip waiting for us. After meals, very traditional Lao fingers, it went back to the boat. We walked by the river, Forest and withered rice fields, where just a bunch of buffalo grazed.

Back at our hotel we checked it out then Allemann on the porch with a cold beer “Lao” can go well. Together with Amika, Rutger, Louis and his girlfriend Stephanie, we have been eating dinner. This time it was for a change "Western Food" - with fries (I am beginning to get an appetite for German cuisine…).

Lao Barbecue

The next day began with a hearty breakfast (Käseomelette, toasted bread with honey, Fruit salad and Café Lao). Amika with Rutger and we spent the afternoon together on the terrace and relax. In the evening we have four to a Laotian barbecue (like fondue) im Restaurant "Sabai Sabai" probiert. The edge of the pot on the grill is filled with broth, in one mushroom, raw eggs, Vegetables, Glass noodles etc. gart. On top of the increase in meat are grilled. Can anyone even with garlic seasoning, a sauce of tamarind or chopped chilli. Once you have touched the Chilli, you should never take yourself in the eye. Unfortunately, I have not thought of it… Luckily we had a big bottle of water and gave me Amika missed an "eye-shower".