14 km

We took another rest day today because yesterday was extra long and hot and we have some rough and steep roads ahead of us. So today we did some shopping for provisions, some writing and internet, and of course, during the cycling to and from these activities we got soaked with water (good!) and bombed with more dye (not good!). We will be glad when the Lao New Year is over, as will many of the locals. Two nights in a row the guest house’s cook was late because she was busy dodging dye and water while going to the market for supplies and getting to work. Everyone gets around by motorbike (moto) here, and it must be hard to get anywhere during this three-day new year.

When our shopping was done we hurried back to our huge, beautiful, comfy, air-conditioned room and watched a movie on satellite TV. All this luxury in a $13/night hideout.