Visas, passports and finally, beer.......
So, after an interesting run from Chiang Kong down to Savanakket to grab a Non multiple "O" we finally made it back to Chiang Kong.
The visa application was a breeze. We arrived at the embassy/Consulate at 10.30 and there was nobody there. Rocked up to the counter only to find I'd forgotten a bit of a photocopy so legged it back to the very helpful ladies who've set up office opposite. Copy done, leg it back, bit of a joke with the faceless official
and everything submitted.
"Come back at 14.00 tomorrow" said the disembodied creature. Righty oh.
The Tuktuk that had bought us from the bridge had waited patiently and off we set for the Aura Residence, a 2-3 Km run.
A bit of a slow down as it was only 11.30 and the room wasn't ready but a cold Lao beer passed the time and at 12.30 we were in.
Point to note. We booked the Aura on Booking.com and be advised they will not accept credit cards. Cash only is the unbreakable rule. I complained a bit and, as I wanted a late check out we finally came to a solution. Namely, he'd give us a 12.30 check our and I'd pay cash. All good.
The room was fine, the wifi weak but the water hot.
The have a restaurant attached where we ate that night. Yes, well OK I suppose but they haven't quite got the idea of pasta alla l'italiani.
Nevertheless a very expensive bottle of Argentinian red helped smooth out the wrinkles.
The next morning we got a bit of a breakfast around 09.30. She reckoned the soup was good. My eggs were eggs.
Checked out at 12.30 and sat in the bar doing social media stuff until 13.00 when our faithful TukTuk turned up and off we went to the Embassy.
I was second in line and, at 14.00 on the dot they opened up. Grabbed the passport, checked it out, all good and back onto the Tuk Tuk.
Got to the bridge 15 minutes later and started the whole Laos exit procedure.
FYI, you don't need US$ 1500 Thb will do.
Through immigration, onto the bus and Thailand here we come. Easy peasy.
Got to the car (Thb250 per night) loaded up and off we set.
Job done.
Now onto the second bit; my aussie passport is full. Well there's one page left and as the various Thai and Laos immigration officials were keen to point out, I need a new one.
Fair point.
So, on Thursday it's a bus down to Chiang Mai and on Friday morning, bright and breezy at 09.00 rock up at the Meridian to apply for a new passport.
Then the days my own until I grab the bus at 08.00 on Saturday morning to go home.
All good.
End of story.
Should any one want info on the various hotels we stayed in on the way down and back then please ask and I'll add.
I'll also add the very useful info I got from Ron Elliot, the Honorary Consul in Chiang Mai. Top bloke.
Finally, id anyone is up for a Friday afternoon beer or 6 let me know.
I'm spending the 2 nights at the Nap in Chiang Mai Hotel but can travel.
All the best.
