Thursday, August 19, 2010

Day 52 Wed 18/08 - Nad Pang Hut Camp to Luang Prabang

Today Distance : 67.9 km     Total : 3052.3 km
Today Weather : 24 - 30C  Rain morning & afternoon
Time on Bike : 4 hr  11 min
Ave Speed : 16.1 kmh     Max : 56.5 kmh
Ave Climb : 2%               Max : 11%
Trip Altitude : 530m         Max : 378m
Today Spend ; 116000k        Total : 1151000k

The weather in Laos is not really that bad, it did not jeopardise my ride so far so good, but it did cause some interruptions and uncomforts with lots of waitings and also dirty wet bags and bike, and usually need a big wash wherever in the guest house. Came to know about the big floods in Pakistan ( One-fifth of the nation is under water and 20 millions people are affected ). It had been raining here almost everyday too, but it comes fast and go fast repeatedly over the day. No flooding ,but the low lying curve area became muddy with excessive rain water. The road from Oudomxay to Luang Prabang is good. I met 2 Spaniards on opposite direction, We just shout talking at the opposite ends, they are heading to Boten and then to Tibet. Hopefully I can still see them there. I had my damaged cycling shoes repaired at the north -bound bus station 8 km from Luang Prabang. A lady with a big umbrella and a small table with a few pairs of shoes on top. I bought a bottle of cold Orange drink for her after she completed stitching my shoes for 20000k. By 3 pm I arrived in town, a little confuse as to where is the town center, there are just too many small roads kris-crossing each other and roundabouts, no landmarks,no high rise buildings, I g\had to stop several times to ask white men for directions. The few guest houses around the Mekong river were too pricey asking for 60000-100000k.
Finally I found the Soutikorn a good one at 40000k with cabled tv,hot shower. Went to the night market, many tourists here mingled around with the many stalls of Laos handicraft and bbq of fish,pork and chicken
School children cycling to school
They push up when climbing with a single speed bike
Before the school starts
Laos kids playing the guli
Spaniards cyclist waving hands at opposite ends
"Don;t get angry, I am just passing"
Luang Prabang University at the gate
Shoes  repair 20000k
Good job, deserve a cold drinks from me
Approaching Luang Prabang
Soutikone guest house 40000k
Night Market
French connections( one for 10000k)
Laos are good at BBQ
My dinner with sticky rice and a coke cost 30000k

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