Day 23: Mountain biking in Vang Vieng
Claire: Today was fun exploring the beautiful scenery on mountain bikes... until we were quickly disheartened by the 29 degree heat, gravel pit roads (not featured in photos) and Gav's really dodgy bike.
We did discover Sae Lao restaurant though, a wonderful social enterprise in Nathong Village who donate all of their profits to local education. Despite Gav's face, he really enjoyed his banana smoothie!
We also ventured to town for the first time, crossing a rickety bamboo bridge with kids literally flinging themselves into the river. I admire their braveness! As the sun began set it was really dreamy with the mountain silhouettes in the distance.
Unfortunately, the town itself isn't very dreamy... it's a bit of an eyesore!! It seems to be backpacker central, with lots of partygoing 20-somethings (am I allowed to say that now I'm 30?!) drinking cheap shots.
You know you're in for a treat when Gary's Irish Bar is the town's No1 restaurant on Tripadvisor! But against all odds, we did find a yummy Mexican place then strolled home in PITCH blackness.
Bed by 9pm because we are SO ROCK N ROLL. .
Gav's day 23 takeaway
- I woke up with two massive great big spots on me honker. The kind that show no warnings of existence when you go to bed, but when you wake up, are just suddenly there!
- They nearly killed me with that bloody cheap mountain bike. I'd happily pay more than 30p too just ensure that it worked and was vaguely safe to ride.
- And speaking of spots, Vang Vieng is a strange old place. Immense natural beauty and charm surrounds it on all sides, and yet the town itself looks like Benidorm's ugly sister.
