Vientianne, Laos: Boats and Booze

We're in Vientianne, at last. Its an awesome place, it feels so welcoming and yet so exotic at the same time. There are tones of Tourists, much more than in Vietnam, people pass on Motorbikes or push bikes, it rains a little, its pleasantly warm and men point and stare at me. A few monks have smiled shyly too. I feel like a celebrity!! This is a million miles from everything, it has the poise and calm to it that most cities don't. Its littered with little French bakeries and cyclists pass with heaps of large bagettes.
The currency here is the Kip, 24000 kip = 1 euro. Food is cheap, restaurants charge about 2 euros for a main course (3 aussie dollors or so), the desserts are great too. We went shooting yesterday and goto to try out .33 calabar shot guns, there is a bit of a kick to them, shells flying this way and that, its all a lot of fun. Paddy scored slightly higher than me, he hasn't stopped boasting.
We went to the Victory monument, which is noted for its tackiness, I love it, its so outrageously overdone. Its pretty cool in its own way. To hell with subtle, I say. We climbed up to the top and looked out over the city, photos will be added soon.
Today is our second day in Vientianne, we are going to have some much needed rest after all of our travels. Tomorrow Vang Vieng and river tubing/jungle adventures/organic mulberry farms await;)

Over and Out,
Cavs

We went to the night market and drank beer there, drank on a boat and went to a late bar.