Day 125 - Farewell Siem Reap and Cambodia. Time to go to Laos!

This is how I feel today about leaving Cambodia!

Day 125 - 26th October

Well, the day has arrived. 9 weeks gone in the blink of an eye. I've had so many great memories - Bou Savy, Globalteer, the kids and sports, Phnom Penh trips, Big Willy F.C. and so many more!

I delivered my loaned bike and effects back to Globalteer, gave my favourite noodle lady a present and waited for Mr Barang to pick me up for the airport.

The Bou Savy staff bid me a warm farewell, I'll miss them all and the banter I had with them about charging other rooms for my $106.30 bill. Thanks to David who kept me organised and all the staff. Hopefully our paths with cross again in the future!

I waited patiently for my flight and then off I went.

I reached Pakse around 4:30pm and had my grilling from the Laos border officials. $35 lighter and I was sitting in a waiting room ready to fly out to Vientiane. I was so excited. Laos was not on my original plan but now I was here, I couldn't wait to start exploring.

I was sitting on the plane beside Jo and Georgia, two women from Australia, but I only found this out when we were through the baggage hall in Vientiane and they were trying to close up at 8:30pm! After quick introductions we agreed to split 70,000 Kip for the cab into Vientiane city centre.

The cab driver said we'd paid only 57,000 Kip for one drop off point when we knew we'd paid for two drop offs at 70,000 Kip. I knew what he was going to pull so I told him to take the girls to their hostel first.

The girls gave him 10,000 Kip as their half of the 20,000 outstanding.

We dropped them off and then headed to my hostel. He demanded 20,000. I told him he'd already made an extra 10,000 Kip out of us and was now taking the mickey. He kept his hand on my backpack and demanded 20,000 Kip. Nearby, a group of eight to ten security guards were standing by to maintain order at the street carnival down my street. That meant punching him was out the question - I'm joking (or am I).

I gave him 10,000 Kip and snatched my backpack up. He yelled something in Laoian and I told him he was taking the piss before walking off. I don't mind paying up if I owe but don't try and rob me!

I eventually made it to the Funky Monkey hostel and checked in. I was sharing with a Chinese woman and a dark haired, Russian looking woman. She had tattoos all over her.

I bought my bus ticket and then retired to bed ready for a long day ahead. 24 hours to really see Vientiane - I wasn't going to waste it!