Our first day of riding took us past some coffee plantations where we had a try of some fine quality fair trade, it was really strong stuff, and I would have loved to have sent some home, but I dont reckon the drug squads would have been to pleased with that transaction, so I decided against the idea. A little later on the road we stopped at a random village just to make sure we were on the right track and we were dragged into a new years party (bare in mind new years was like a week ago, these guys really make the most of these celebrations) so we had water poured over us (they say its good luck????) given some colourfull wristbands to bring us luck again and were forced to have some beer lao (not much, since we were driving, and Maj had water the big poon). Then our faces were covered in talkum powder and we had a dance with the locals. It was great fun, and we recorded this one short dude (dance moves comparable to those of MJ) who was so funny and completely pissed. His face was masked in talkum powder, and were pretty sure he was semi blinded by the stuff. It was great to watch. After getting confirmation of the correct route we continued onwards to find our first waterfall.
It took a lot longer than we thought to reach the falls and after a few trial and error attempts at finding them we asked directions once more. This time and even more rural village was again partying the year away till 2011. We were once again pulled into the fun and games, this time to try the home brewed lao-lao whiskey, which is probably even more potent than the rice wine of China. We had to sit around a keg/basket on the floor and suck through these long straws to drink the stuff, and it was horrendous. Paint stripper would have been a treat. We quickly made an escape and within the next hour managed to find Katamthok. It was worth the hunt, this waterfall was gigantic. The biggest any of us had ever seen, standing about 120 meters tall, we had a perfect view of it from the other side of the valley.
The day was drawing to a close and we stayed at a little road side gusethouse (lucky to be found actually) and had a delicious dinner of sweet sausage, mixed chicken kebab (including liver, balls, and other parts that were unidentifiable) and sticky rice (which is rock hard stale rice basically). The next morning we skipped breakfast, and made our way to the next set of falls. This time they were really wide but only a max of 10m tall. We had our morning wash in the river and I joined some youngers for some jumps off the top of the falls. Great fun. They had some slingshots that they used to go around killing lizards with, and they had already sniped two that day. They were an amazing shot. Me and Vince tried hitting Maj while he was taking some pics.
After a photo shoot with about another 10 or so kids (one who was smoking too the little shit) we headed out for Tad Lo. After getting lunch we were shocked to see the thickest blackest clouds making there way towards us on the road. Just by chance, and again, sheer luck, there was an abandoned shack on the roadside. Just as we were climbing over the barb wire, the rain started to reach us. We made it inside the cabin and decided to wait out the storm. It was pretty intense at times, with the rain being so loud on the roof that we couldnt hear each other speak. Once the thunder and lightning kicked in, and made its way closer it got scary, I wont lie. Maj and Vince were hugging one another for moral support. Afterwards, I think Vince was a little too shook by the strom and nearly shat himself, haha. He made it to the back of the cabin in time, but a complete mess of the back steps. Im definately adding that photo so take a look over his right shoulder for the abuse he committed in Laos.
After the storm moved on, we found our way to Tad Lo and had a fool around in the falls here. It was a nice little spot to relax for the evening and the digs were pretty high standard for the price, so everyone was happy. We headed out early again the next morning on our way back to Pakse. About 30km away from Pakse, with me and Maj sharing a bike in the lead, we noticed through the wing mirror that Vince had unexpectedly tumbled off his bike. We did a quick U-wy and went to help him out. Turns out that his back tyre had suddenly just blown and sent him flying off the bike. He did well to avoid any serious injuries. A Canadian couple were driving past at the time and helped us to fix up his really sore looking foot (all the skin had been torn off) but like I said, he was extremely lucky to come away with these minor injuries. I pushed his bike back tot he previous village where a mechanic (theres always one about out here) fixed his tyre for us, and we were able to complete the journey back to Pakse without any further problems. Big thanks to the two Canadians, who were also kind enough to give us a spare inner tube. Raised their countries rank in my eyes. Them and Terrance and Philip of course buddy.
We travelled about a total of 320km on our motorbike adventure through the Bolaven Plateau and saw some beautiful scenery. Too bad the food sucks here and Vince wiped out.
Pakse and Bolaven Plateau Photo Link:
http://www3.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=4644780011/a=2264773011_2264773011/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/
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