The Lao sleeper bus... where to begin? This is my second sleeper busin as many weeks and the experiences could not be more distinct. I sit now in the grannies attic over the bus dirver in one of 5 "beds" for the 10 hour journey. Most of the births are double beds, but there is no divider. You just share a campt bed with a possible stranger. Male female, old young, big small, clean or just from a 70k cycle with no shower, its luck of the draw. For a couple traveling together it could be quite nice, almost romantic or cozy. But being in the forward birth with 2 other Lao men, cozy and romantic are not the adjectives that are coming to mind. I am hoping the other 2 will remain empty, but given the full nature of the bus, I am not holding out much hope.
The last sleeper bus was almost empty. Everyone had their own bunk. It was the most comfortable bus ride I have had.
Another just arrived, only one space left and then it getss really cozy. Its now really cozy. I can only be thankful that I dont have the middle as it has no back. This is going to be an interesting night. Only 10 hours to go. I think I am going to aim for the A/C bus next time. I think a seat might be better, even if less comfortable. But then comfortable has now become a relative term. Although it does seem a good way to meet people. One bunk mate has an amazing mullet. I have not seen anything like it since 2 days ago. I might be able to sneak a slick cell phone photo.
About time to leave, I think we might go head to feet. Not sure who wins and loses on this one.
(next morning). The ride wasnt as bad as it could have been. The Korean snored like a banshee, but I guess thats only karma. Everyone just wrapped up in their blanket and did their best not to roll. All things considered 10 hours, no seat on a slow Chinese train is still my most unpleasant travel exprience.
Its already 3pm, been on buses for 17 hours, there does not seem to be an end in sight. Bring a book, batteries die.
In the end the trip was 27 hours from Phonsavan to Pakse. It took 3 buses. One sleeper birth for 5, a nice local bus, and another transfer to a full bus where I got a plastic stool in the center isle for 2 hours before an empty seat opened up. It was not what I had planned. I am seriously considering a trade, my bike for a motorbike. Straight up. In Wuhan my bicycle cost more than my motorbike. So used bike for used motorbike?
The last sleeper bus was almost empty. Everyone had their own bunk. It was the most comfortable bus ride I have had.
Another just arrived, only one space left and then it getss really cozy. Its now really cozy. I can only be thankful that I dont have the middle as it has no back. This is going to be an interesting night. Only 10 hours to go. I think I am going to aim for the A/C bus next time. I think a seat might be better, even if less comfortable. But then comfortable has now become a relative term. Although it does seem a good way to meet people. One bunk mate has an amazing mullet. I have not seen anything like it since 2 days ago. I might be able to sneak a slick cell phone photo.
About time to leave, I think we might go head to feet. Not sure who wins and loses on this one.
(next morning). The ride wasnt as bad as it could have been. The Korean snored like a banshee, but I guess thats only karma. Everyone just wrapped up in their blanket and did their best not to roll. All things considered 10 hours, no seat on a slow Chinese train is still my most unpleasant travel exprience.
Its already 3pm, been on buses for 17 hours, there does not seem to be an end in sight. Bring a book, batteries die.
In the end the trip was 27 hours from Phonsavan to Pakse. It took 3 buses. One sleeper birth for 5, a nice local bus, and another transfer to a full bus where I got a plastic stool in the center isle for 2 hours before an empty seat opened up. It was not what I had planned. I am seriously considering a trade, my bike for a motorbike. Straight up. In Wuhan my bicycle cost more than my motorbike. So used bike for used motorbike?
No comments:
Post a Comment