The Effects of Laos

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PS. I was really hoping to see the lower section of the falls but hell you cant allways get what you want.

I may be crazy but am no fool. I know there is more than one way to get down there. Around here you can't allways get what you want but If you try sometimes you get what you need.

We toured a local coffee plantation where we bought several types of beans to bring back to the states. They showed us the machines used to roast and grind the beans. 35000 kip for a bag of the better beans, 30000 for robusto coffee beans. A high price but at least we know where it came from. The road less traveled and that has made all the difference.

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King_crimson_21_century_shizoid_man - Video Dailymotion

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I have no final thoughts on Laos.

I will say it is a place of change as are all places and we will return to relive what is now and what is to come as the world turns.

I can say the Bolavan Plateau Coffee is amongst the best I have ever had and there was no trouble bringing some back home.

If you do by chance make it out that way I hope you get to see some of what the area has to offer and support the local economy.

The raod is under construction now east of Pakse and may be more hospitable to pedal bikes soon. I saw many back packers rooling on the route to Tad Fane. ( Tad Fun)as It is pronounced.

Now it is two lanes soon to be four. Still very busy as it is is a main artery.

Peace out, fish.

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For the ultimate Tad Fane experience just follow the path from the tourist area viewing platform all the way past all the for rent bungalows.

The hill drops steeply by the fence post monument that you will need to skirt around.

Then follow the trail along the field until it steadily drops at a 40 degree grade.

About an half hour and you will be where few have gone before.

Just remember you go out the same way you came. And don't get careless please, the fish.

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PS, this is a treck that there is no pass for. It's not for the faint of heart though miss fish made it to the river wearing thongs, but so do all the local kids. Well those that ain't bare foot.

I took my shoes off once at the rivers edge. No joke, no joke, even the fish has half a brain and uses a third of that. The river rocks are quite slick and each step well planned. I made certain of sure footing before taking the next step in and out of.the water.

If we were not with local kids knowone would have taken us there. The guides dont know of or take people there. You really are at the cliffs edge at some points and it may have been more than a half hour treck. Used exsposed tree roots and vines along the way as foot and hand holds. The way out is easier as your going up hill mostly.

I'll post some pics someday. Quite easily one of the wildest places I have been in many ways. Like they say you only live once. A fall would cut that time short like now if one were to go over.

[beerlaodrinker]

Sounds like you had an awesome holiday fish. Really blended in with the locals and dug there style, theprovince can be strange but once the locals get to know you it's party time. Sorry I didn't catch up with you in Vientiane but we had a good ole bullshit on the phone. See you the next time mate, chase them dollars

[david44]

So I was stuck there for a bit until the rain stopped.

Next time try our local erie lakes for Superior fisherfolk who midge again

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My nephew was taking me to the east set of falls but I lost my nerve going up the cliff towards it. At that point I figured why chance it.

There is a pool at a falls upstream of the west rivers main drop. It is a good spot for a swim. The nephew did I regret I did not. But will next time as I will bring a swim suit. The little niece was with us and I did not feel it appropriate to strip nor did I want to spend the rest of the day in wet shorts.

Sound like a piss poor excuse comming from......................the fish.

[broach clasp]

lovely pics. I miss laos.

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David, the fishlocker thrives on Lake Michigan though I'll admit at times on it I have been wide eyed with hairs on end trolling. But that would be another thread.

The fish.

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I would have placed this in the what are you drinking today thread but hey I'm honest. This was last week at the farm. I must say I miss the place.

They have a bench by the riverside. It would make a nice spot for a cabana or as you may say a sala.


Pizza, You ever do that Arizona thread? Arizona was good to me. I'd consider it as a place to live, I can take the heat. For the last month or so I was living on Tulsa time. I'd set my watch back to it cause you know I just lived through it.

Living on Tulsa time, living on Tulsa time. ............some day!

the fish

[katie23]

^^that was a nice pic, fish. Hope you can post your holiday pics when you've got the time. Oh, and send some Grants or Benjis too. Heh.. Cheers and have a great weekend!

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I cant say it properly but it is Vang Vieng.

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Not quite a bobcock but close.

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Getting warmer. Wait wait. Ta bun nung.

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bo pen young, ta bun nung. No problem, wait a minute.

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The rising sun Vang Vieng Laos. 95 usd and worth every penny. Mrs fish loved it and so did I. the air was still and crisp. Quiet when the torch was out. Six in the basket plus the pilot. Get this Japanese guy. He knows his stuff. Set us down right on target. Smaller than the Arizona. No joke.

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Some have been wondering just how the fish lives. A rare look into the fishes crib.

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I call it camping. Not a bad camping sight.

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Not too bad for country folk.we went to the market and bought some fresh bedding.

If you are wondering about the flooring it is some day going to be a parquet wood at some point. The electrics will be set into the walls as a wood finish will be applied. This is a work in progress with no time table. Hell I may even see it completed if and when I step out of the rat race. I'd go now but I'm winning or so I would think.

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I mentioned a bridge. This is it. The shortcut to the farm. You are welcome to cross as are all others. It's what grandma wants so it has come to pass as well as all the others. Bo pen young. P.S. Todd you can crucify me later on my piss poor use of the dialect.

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This is what it is all about. These people are at this sun up to well past sun down.

No wonder they laughed at me when I was asked what I would do in retirement. Yes I said why not be a farmer. Tired or retired. No easy answers to the question.

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Yes we have cake in Laos for birthdays. Thank the farangs for that. And the bread.

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Laugh all you want but heck at least its paid for.