La Plage et Le Train

Last Tuesday, I kept with my otherwise subconscious policy of going on spontaneous vacations and booked a trip to Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. Although I've already been to Vietnam, last year's trip had more of a focus on Cambodia and as a result the most we saw of Vietnam was the backpacker's district in downtown Saigon. In those 2 days we spent roaming the streets eating pho and banh mi, I was so enthralled by the place that I determined to find my way back there the very next chance I could. Et voila, one year later I shall be true to my word.

Accompanying me this time around are Diego and Fonta (who were also on the last trip), as well as our other friend Ken and my cousin Paulo, whose recent resignation suddenly left him with an indefinite number of free days. As none of us are in the corporate world, we afforded ourselves the luxury that would make most yuppies green with envy and decided to stay for the better part of a month.

Naturally, I ready myself for this trip by doing the first thing that pops into mind which is to watch similarly-themed movies. At Paulo's suggestion, I download Darjeeling Limited and The Beach which has left me psyched for that 1 1/2 day train ride and Thailand, as well as giving me a new fondness for French women. Move over, Espanol mestizas.

A French woman. If only newscasters here were this beautiful. Damnit.

So far, all we know is that we're going to Saigon, then make our way up via train to Hanoi to complete the Vietnam Leg. From Hanoi, we find a way to get to Vientiane, passing by Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng along the way. We then leave Laos for Thailand, where Bangkok and the gastronomical heaven await us. So do the Phatphong lady-boys, for Ken who is spending his birthday there. Happy birthday buddy.