In Laos, they accept Thai Baht as legal currency. We
struggled to calculate and pay for petrol as we did
not know the exchange rate. We just went ahead
based on trust and paid them, till we got access to
WiFi to know the 'actual' currency conversion rates.
The roads curved through the lush green countryside.
I enjoyed the beautiful scenery and fresh air. I was
smiling as I began to realize that I was getting closer
to being the Maral that I was earlier - before my life
became hectic with work, travel, etc.
We decided to make a quick stop to click our
'signature sunset photo'. Pankaj is very particular
about his frame and he kept moving the bike around
to get the placement absolutely 'perfect'. He told me
to move my bike too, but I excused myself as my foot
was still in pain. He then decided to take his bike
down a little farther. The gras was uneven; he lost
balance and fell off ! We both burst into laughter. I
finally had to get off my bike and help him to put it
on its stand.
We rode for another 120 kms on curved and
unknown roads. We decided to find a room and
Finish our ride for the day. We came across several
small villages, where they did not even have
electricity. And of course, making conversation with
the locals is not an option here. Again partner started
his awesome pantomime act. At one point, he just
performed in silence with his helmet still in place and
did not even bother to get off his bike. He kept his
hands to one side of his helmet and acted out the
'universal sleeping pose'. I was amused that he had
totally given up using words - but he was right, as
they did not understand those words anyway.
After about 20 kms we found a guesthouse and a
restaurant. Pankaj mentioned that he had stopped
and had eaten there during his ride to Laos and
Cambodia last year. We just needed a covered place
to sleep and a safe parking space for our bikes ! My
choices for food in this restaurant were great ! Frog
legs, Pig stomach and Chicken. I made up my mind
that to eat the poor chicken !
We woke up to a wonderful morning in the silent
green mountains. Laos, you are beautiful ! We
reached Luang Prabang - a cute city full of small
bikes and foreigners on bicycles.