Since this is my 100th post, let’s talk about some housekeeping  items.

Since day one, I have…

Taken 5 taxi rides

Taken motorcycle rides about 5 times

6 tuk-tuk rides

Many, many bus and train rides

Walked an average of 8 miles per day, every day

Bought 5 t-shirts

Bought 5 pair undies 

Bought 2 pair socks

Bought 2 pair sandals

Bought 2 tubes foot fungus cream

Lost one e-reader

Lost one umbrella

Set free one puffy jacket, two pair shoes, 3 shirts, 1 scarf and one poncho. 

As far as I can tell, I’ve only been ripped off once, and it was my fault.

I’ve overpaid for food and services many times, also my choice to do so.

I’ve always had a bed to sleep in, never missed a flight or bus, never been pickpocketed.

All in all, so far things have been spectacular. Once I almost had a bad day, but coffee and beer helps!

I’m less inclined every day to have big plans. You can’t discover anything for yourself by following someone else’s recommended itinerary. 

I’m so lucky to be able to travel like this. It hasn’t been a voyage of self-discovery or anything, but I have figured out that the things I’ve seen don’t compare at all to the connections I’ve made. So many folks I’ve met are looking for meaning, something to give them some sense of purpose. I’ll remember these people forever. 

Anyway, in another 100 days maybe I’ll have something interesting to share. For now this is all I’ve got!

Love to everyone. I miss you and can’t wait to see you all soon.

Mary

I had a low moment at 3 am in the KL airport, on the floor by the trash cans,  trying to get a little rest…thinking “why was this a good idea?”

Oh, right, I’m cheap.

Thank goodness it was all uphill from there.

The flights to Luang Prabang was hilarious. The Laotians either didn’t understand assigned seating or didn’t care. The flights attendant was so busy! And all the passengers were elderly so all their f…. we’re gone. Really it didn’t matter anyway where you sit on a short flight.

The LP international airport is the smallest international airport I’ve ever been in. From the moment we stepped off the jetway, we were all in the taxi line in 15 minutes. Amazing. 

The city of LP is small and a little dusty. Super nice people if a bit shy. Once in a while, I catch a look that says “why are you here? In my little town?”

Not a lot to see or do here, but this area is mountainous and cool. It’s a lot like the Mckenzie bridge area. So I’m enjoying the hell out of it

A few of us went into the town for dinner. The market is quiet with an absolute lack of anyone shrieking at you to buy. So pleasant. Food is way more expensive here than I imagined it would be but…you definitely get enough to eat. 

I had a lovely glass of wine with a Japanese gal, Naoko. She lives in Ho Chi Minh city so we laughed about all the craziness there. Just a little wine, and some beers, and just one more beer later, I have a hangover today.

Today I’ll do all my laundry and find bug spray. Maybe go for a long walk.

The cutest thing just happened. The desk gal apparently weighs the puppies on the laundry scale every day to see how quickly they grow. So adorable !

Talk to you later 

(Recording of Taps begins)

Ladies and Gentlemen, a tragic day in Mary-Land.

This may be hard for some of you to hear, but…

My e-reader has been lost. I just walked away from it, as if I didn’t even care. All the years between us, erased in an instant.

The hour was late,  my eyes were tired, and yes, I was being careless. I know, so many shallow excuses.

(Anguished whine)

I’m so sorry, sweet Kindle. Remember all the good times we had?  Hanging out with Couch on rainy days in Eugene, eating peanut butter with a spoon right out of the jar? Or that 14 hour United flight with no little tv? You saved my life that day! And the hard times, too. When I couldn’t bear to get out of Bed and you stayed with me, rereading all my favorites.

(Bittersweet sigh.)

I’ll miss you. I hope your new owner takes care of you, and keeps you charged up all the time, and actually buys you that cover I never did.

So, farewell, dear Kindle. I miss you already.  As I walked down the jetway tonight, I felt a gentle tug, and hoped it was you, missing me too.

Mary

Hello, Laos!

Well, in the morning,  anyway. 

I did a bunch today bc I had all day to kill. I was going to not spend any money if I could. That didn’t work out. It wasn’t too bad, though. Only about 15 dollars for 2 meals, coffee, and some sightseeing. And a bunch of bus rides.

The Kek Lok Si temple was dazzling, alright, but the dazzle stopped right at the back of my eyes. There are just too many vendors there. Right in the temple halls, Chinese crap for sale. 😦

The weather was perfect. Cloudy and 85. Never thought I’d say that. 85 and 75 percent humidity! When I come home, I am going to freeze to death!!!

Another bus ride took me to the Penang Hill lower funicular station. I just love any kind of boat or train ride. What’s that all about?

The area at the top has been settled since 1789. Most of the homes have rotted to death. A few remain, and are now hotels and private residences. Lots of quiet paths to wander if your legs are strong. You could spend a couple of hours here, tops. So I did. There’s also a cheap food court. It always amazes me when I don’t get ripped off. 

A long bus ride back to the hostel to get my bag and charge my devices. The hostels usually let you hang out, shower, use the electricity,  leave your bag, after you check out. It’s nice bc they dont have to. Two people told me to get a bus way earlier than I thought I might need to bc of traffic. They were right. Now I can just relax and eat snacks.

See you all tomorrow!