Mekong River. A powerful river giving life to so many people. From Tibet in west to Vietnam in the east, running through Myanmar, Thailand and Laos too. The river has always been on my wish list, after watching films from Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam in the 80's.
Laos Thai Friendship Bridge II connects the two countrys. I asked to walk the distance but Thai Goverment would not let me do it. After crossing it with the bus I am more than happy with Thai Goverment, it was huge!
Anyway the reason why I headed for Laos, was mainly because I needed to prolonge my visa in Thailand. When entering the Kingdom I get 30 days more.
Also it was time for some change and to break up the daily routine in Issan. . Laos it is, and the city with such a refreshing name, Savannakhet.
The border passing was easy and effective. Except the usual bandit trying to earn money on visa run with his taxi. Lying about rules and prices. The bus timetable is always scheduled for when the bus arrive, and not depart, two very different things.
My hotel was in fair distance from the bus station. My first impression walking to it, was, not a big difference from Thailand and Issan. But one thing was obvious, in Laos they drive on the right side. Another observation was the young ladys sitting on the sidewalk, with a distance of 100 meters between them. Of course the worked for The Lottery. It looks like the people from Laos is even bigger fortune dreamers than the Thais.
Macchiato Resorts Savannakhet popped up as an oasis in shitty surroundings.
After a shower with elephant pressure it was time for dinner. The darkness had already made it presens. Humidity is sky high at the moment, and walking after a shower is a waste. Anyway, when the hotel only served breakfast it was vital.
Two hours later I was dehydrated and starving. Dissapointment after disapointment. I wanted some I knew what was. Not easy. Only oriental food whereever I walked. 90 % soupkitchens. I love soup. But not when the language barrier is to big. If a menu, then in Lao or French.
If I had found a taxi I would have headed home. Non existence. And then, a shady neonlight spoke to me, PIZZA!
As I entered the building I got really confused. Is it shabby or rustic? Laos or Italian?
Of course I sat down hungry as I was. Then, when opening the menu, I was baffled once again! The pizzas looked nothing like the pizzas I have seen lately. Both the pizza and the venue suddenly looked like it was from Naple! And the finished article, just look for yourself.
Mamma Mia!!!
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