Easy Rider!

I have enjoyed a sunshine filled day exploring the capital city of Vientiane.

The day began with breakfast come lunch which consisted of Lao's traditional dish; Laap (chicken, beef or pork salad) it was delicious & slightly spicy.

After taking care of the stomach, my new Irish friend Vickie and I decided to hire bicycles for the day. This was a great way to see a lot of the city in a short space of time.

We cycled from place to place, stopping off at various temples along the way.

As the sun was beating down a rest bite and a pineapple smoothie was a necessity.

As much of Laos has a French influence, in 1962 they built an 'arc de triumph' replica. However due to the laid back atmosphere here in Laos, the building is still unfinished. They even describe it themselves as looking like a 'concrete monster' from afar.

We then rode back towards the centre along the beautiful Mekong River where many locals were exercising or simply just relaxing & taking in the views.

One major difference I have noticed between Laos and their neighbouring countries in South East Asia, is the fact that no one seems to want to hassle you to buy unwanted tit tat that you don't need.

Even the tuc tuc drivers are polite when asking if you need one and kindly accept the word no without applying any more pressure.

All the locals seem very happy with life and don't seem to have a chip on their shoulder. The roads are much quieter than in Vietnam and they seem more patient and don't blow their horns as frequent.

I know I've only been here a day, but on first impressions I do have a good feeling about Laos and their relaxing lifestyle.

Tomorrow I'm taking a bus up to Viang Vieng in an attempt to catch up with the drunken crazy Irish lads I met on the Halong Bay trip. I can't think of anyone else I'd like to go tubing with!