LAOS
We loaded in our bus from Cambodia and headed to Laos! In the 17 passenger van, we managed to fit 23 people! It was if the driver kept driving around the town trying to "fill" the van before we could leave! In our row we had 5 people! The van also had a flat screen tv molded to the roof, that played karaoke at full sound the whole way!!! When we arrived to the boarder we had to get out walk to the Cambodian desk to get our passports stamped($1 stamp fee:), then walk to 200 yards to Laos and get our passports stamped ($1 stamp fee) and then hop back in the van and head to 4000 Islands.
We spent Christmas on one of the Islands, which just got electricity one month prior. The 4000 Island are in the Mekong and during the dry season(now) there are 4000, during the rainy season we guess there are probably a couple hundred. The Island had many bungalow guest houses and restaurants. One day we rented bikes(pink ones with baskets) and biked around the Island the the connecting Island.
The people of Lao are SOOOOO kind and friendly and very laid back! They smile all the time and say "Sabadee". They do not pressure you into sales, in fact they often could care less if you buy something or use their services. They are just peaceful and happy to do nothing. This is a completely different approach than the rest of SE Asia who sees foreigners as $$$.
We spent Christmas on one of the Islands, which just got electricity one month prior. The 4000 Island are in the Mekong and during the dry season(now) there are 4000, during the rainy season we guess there are probably a couple hundred. The Island had many bungalow guest houses and restaurants. One day we rented bikes(pink ones with baskets) and biked around the Island the the connecting Island.
The people of Lao are SOOOOO kind and friendly and very laid back! They smile all the time and say "Sabadee". They do not pressure you into sales, in fact they often could care less if you buy something or use their services. They are just peaceful and happy to do nothing. This is a completely different approach than the rest of SE Asia who sees foreigners as $$$.
Our packed van!
The boat ride to Don Det, one of the 4000 Islands!
Agustin swimming in the Mekong
Agustin and Matheu our French Canadian friend we met in Camdodia and continued to Lao with
Nice bike-fruitcake!
Island life!
A school on the Island, the children wear uniforms consisting of Navy blue bottoms and White buttondown tops, and sometimes a red scarf.
The Mekong!
Some water buffalo chilling in the shade!
A waterfall located on the adjoining Island, this is a part of the Mekong I never knew existed! 
Our favorite restaurant on the Island- Indian food!
Breakfast Christmas morning!
Christmas Day!
Christmas sun set on Don Det Island!
Local fisherman on the Mekong, Christmas night 2009!
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