Trick Lao Treat

First off, thank you to everyone who made this birthday so special. From notes, mailed cards, sabaidee pony balloons and trips across the world, it was a fabulous day!!!

Started the morning by convincing Simon that the beard had to go.  Not only is it crazy hot here, but walking around gets a significant amount of attention and points from young children.  All seemed to be going well until the electric shaver was plugged into the wall, sparks flew, flickers flickered and we were trapped in darkness.  If everything were to go smoothly here, it wouldn't be an adventure.  Dark is cool, but I wish I had a headlamp.

Finally got out the door and in a tuk-tuk for brunch at Kung's for the sticky rice mango pancake.  I decided it was worth the risk to trek across town, as so many shops are closed now due to the festival.  Luckily it was open and we enjoyed a lovely and peaceful meal among the vines.  

Birthday brunching at the little oasis that is Kung's cafe

Left the restaurant and walked across the street to Wat Simuang, the stork wat.  Simon immediately yelled at me for walking too fast and had to remind me that it was his first time at all of these sites.  Stork was cool as usual, although it seemed bigger.  Perhaps he too was in festival mode.

We decided to venture to That Luang, the golden stupa and one of the most famous landmarks in Vientiane.  I struggled to communicate with the Tuk-tuk driver but finally understood that he wanted to wait for us and bring us back to town after.  It certainly wasn't a busy work day but I was happy to have secured a non-BeerLaoed driver for the afternoon.

Pha That Luang

The golden stupa was beautiful and although the weather the hot and sticky, the quiet atmosphere and magnificent Lao style murals and architecture was beautiful.  We walked into the main temple then made our way to the stupa, which is closed off.  Was able to walk around the grounds, after I had covered up my knees for discretion.  I must say I was offended that they did not ask the male german tourists sporting speedo-esque shorts to cover up.  I guess its a culture thing.

Outside That Luang

Having photographed every possible angle of the temple, we tuk-tuked back into town for a drink and some errands.  Ran into Brad and Kiki and agreed to start birthday celebrations around 7 at a place of their choosing.  Made Simon get a beard trim at local "spa" for 15,000 Kip ($1.75) and he willingly put his neck in the hands of a Lao woman with a very sharp blade.

We made our way back home, enjoyed a couple laughs with the drunk security guards (who had started with BBL at 10) and got dressed in birthday attire in the dark.  

Running late, well, running Lao, we rushed outside only to be stopped by security for a couple drinks.  I told them it was my birthday and they guessed I was 32!!! Whoa there. They were very surprised I was only 22. 

Met Brad, Kiki, Dan and Steve-O at 3 Nightclub where they had already downed a couple liters of BBL.  Ordered a "cocktail" and told them to make it good for my birthday.  Twenty minutes later, they returned to ask what I wanted.  I went for the Mai-Tai, now termed Mai-Lao for old times sake.  Kiki and Brad had surprised me with cupcakes and a creepy pony balloon.  Whats better than fruity drinks, cupcakes, and dragon painted ponies?!?!

Sabaidee pony!

Made friends at the bar including Big Big, the only Lao tattoo artist in Vientiane.  Got his number and he saved mine on the landline phone he carries in his pocket.  Zero intention of ever getting a tattoo. EVER.

I went to go introduce myself to the live band, the Dreamers and returned to find another girl at the table.  Kayln, a german traveller, made herself comfortable and joined the party! When in Laos!!!

Cheers! Or in Lao, Mot!

Ordered the bill and headed to Via Via for pizza.  Satisfied vegan cravings and enjoyed lots of laughs while allowing Sabaidee pony balloon to trot around the table.  Birthday shenanigans.

Decided to head to Khong Khao Halloween party across town titled Hellfire.  It took a long time to find a tuk-tuk to drive the five of us and even longer to explain where we wanted to go.  After many laughs and Lao language struggles, we finally arrived at KK where the party was only starting.  

Sat outside on the patio, making friends with random ex-pats and dancing to horrible music.  Enjoyed people watching and being ridiculous with Kiki and new German friend.  

This is why we're friends.

Unable to handle the music and not interested in getting pulled into dance by Lao vampires, we called it a night and walked back to the main road to find a ride into town.  Finally hailed a tuk-tuk and were escorted home, back to the drunken security, comfort of the AC and pitch darkness.  

The best birthdays come in Lao packages. 

XOXO Carly

What's a birthday without pumpkins?!?!