In the afternoon I crossed the Mekong in a tiny local ferry. There were several jokes that I was going to sink it. Once on the other side I was back in the real world again, chickens, ducks, dogs and litter and a village not solely geared to tourism. Beyond the village were several old and faded wats that were among my favourites. One on top of a hill gave the best view of Luangphrabang You can find.
Dozens of beautiful butterflies fluttered beside the trail but I was unable to get a single photo before they closed their wings.
The Sleeping Bus back to Vientienne was sheer luxury this time, with fully reclining seats and a complimentary box of sucky(it was actually sticky.There is an irritating predictive text thing on the iPod.) rice and vegetables. It was a smooth and comfortable ride and before I dozed off I listened to People Like Us. A random choice that in a strange way seemed suited to my situation. We arrived at 5am and I had to hang around outside my hotel until someone turned up and let me leave the big bag. Then a good French breakfast; the legacy of colonialism. Next an expensive coffee in a cyber cafe that allows me to charge the iPod.
What next on my last day in Laos?
Some oleh-oleh perhaps? Though it will be more oleh than oleh2 I think. So don't get your hopes up!