I don’t even know what the yellow water-like liquid was that was coming out of the wrong orifice yesterday but Cipro took care of it! Well, kind of. Things have improved some in that area but I still have some mild cramping. Good thing that I’m on the Cipro, too, because I accidentally got a shot of tap water in my stomach this morning. Lao bacteria, say hello to my little friend, Cipro! Cipro Cipro Cipro!
The water wars are heating up in the streets of Vientiane. Kids are hiding behind bushes and cars with air compression water guns, pails of water, and garden hoses. They’ll spring out on you and soak you to the bone before you can say “BlackBerry!!!” …or “ThinkPad!!!” Of course, those are the innocent ones. On the way to the internet cafe yesterday three little bastards surprised me and asked for money to avoid a soaking. Those little fucking terrorists! I do not negotiate with terrorists, I told them, and ran off. They gave chase for about a block before realizing that my superior White God running power could not be matched.
The weekend activities in Vientiane are dying down but the celebratory atmosphere is ramping up. This seems to mean less nighttime stuff and more daytime. Since there was very little nighttime stuff before I can only think that this place will be a ghost town tonight. So, I’m going to try and enjoy the sun today and see if I can get in some water fights with these little water-terrorists. I don’t know exactly what kind of water weaponry I can afford but I’m thinking about giving the fire department $500 to let me take a truck for a spin. Eat fire hose, you little SOBs!
As I spent all day yesterday traveling between my bathroom and bed, the only things I saw were really bad movies on TV and Casino Royale, which I love. Today things were feeling controllable enough to make a long walk to the Lao Victory Arch, a southeast Asian replica of the Arc D’Triomphe. But a shitty one, at that. Even the English language welcome sign says, “up close it is an ugly concrete monument.” I am not making this up. But they blame the constant warfare on their inability to complete it. OK…I guess I’ll let ’em off the hook.
I was hoping to leave the town tomorrow but I may be stuck here for longer. Everything is closed today and I hear that there are no seats on any transportation leaving tomorrow. Everyone heads back to whence they came then. If I can’t get out for days, I may skip Luang Prabang in Laos and jump right to Hanoi for the long train track down south. That would be a disappointment because there is a mysterious archaeological site near Luang Prabang called the Plain of Jars. Read up on it.
But, while the Cipro’s good, I’m going drink from a street puddles and eat rare dog. Just kidding, Mom!
Rare Cat will probably be more likely and more available. When you feel tempted to try this dish, think MEEP!
Glad you are feeling better. What does one do when the craving for eggs, hash browns, bacon, etc can not be satisfied? Seriously, what food is available. I was told the breads are great. True??
All of these countries have only recently thrown off the shackles of communism. While technically still communist, free market capitilism reigns. Nonetheless, McDonald’s and friends haven’t yet started here. So, there are no chains (that I’ve yet seen.)
Many of these places try and cater to foreigners so they’ll make eggs and bacon and pancakes and stuff. I’ve never been a breakfast person (as you know!) and prefer cereal to hot food in the morning. But, lacking cereal, I’ll tend to get a rice dish here.
I’ve not seen much bread. Actually, I haven’t seen ANY bread. Strange. Now I want some bread.