Some observations

* Thailand vs Laos observation 1 "Who owns the country":

In Thailand, everywhere you go there are pictures of the king and queen on the wall. In Laos everywhere you go there are Beer Laos calendar girls on the wall.

* Thailand vs Laos observation 2 "Transport":

In Thailand you buy a ticket, get on the bus/train/boat, and it takes you to your destination. During out time in Laos we found things were a bit more hands on, literally. Example one: On the way to and from the Gibbon experience, the passengers had to get out of the truck three times to push when it stalled going up a particularly steep hill. Example two: On our ride to and from the waterfalls near Luang Prabang we had to get out and lift the truck up three times while the driver changed the tire because he didn't have a jack. Example three: On our boat ride to Nong Khiaw we had to get out and push the boat over a sand bar. Example four: We had to push start the vehicle which drove us to the Laos border yesterday.

* Concern about Niels

After recently seeing quite a few goats and horses, Niels has said twice in the last two days that he would like to have hoofs because they are "dainty". After seeing dolphins today he said he would like to have a spout.