Laos, so lao-y

The blue team! A surprising number of us wore blue shirts. I thought we should take a picture.

Remember how the trip to Dali was one of decadence and luxury? Well Laos is the opposite of that. Although we were in Laos for 2 days, I can truly say that I did things here that I've done before and... could possibly do again. 

The night that we arrived in Luang Namtha, a border village in Laos, JUST this side of China, we signed up for an adventure trek. Adventure and me, usually don't get along, unless you're talking about perhaps an adventurous top? or... an adventurous shopping spree in New York?

Keep in mind that I somehow ended up on this trip with super athletic and enthusiastic guys: Lucas, Tom, Gareth, John Kuo, Ken, David Lee.  So.. signing up initially was a struggle because there are about half a dozen trekking guide companies, all with about the same tours. Somehow, we settled on one. Then, Lucas and Tom wanted to go adventure cycling instead of hiking... all Phoebe and I wanted to do was go on a boatride... Feebs didn't even bring shoes. 

I quickly realized that I was outranked, outvoted, and going to be out-adventured. So... I stopped paying attention and shelled out the cash when it came time to pay the money. In the back of my consciousness, I remember John Kuo saying to our guide Tong, "We want to go on your most difficult trek." Of course, my mind rejected the idea that that would have held true after so much talking... but I was wrong. 

We awoke the next morning, jumped on a tuktuk for 40 mins, where we were promptly put on a kayak, and taken across to a small landing. From there, we climbed uphill for seemingly forever. When we asked when the terrain would even out, the guide told us it wouldn't. Afterall, this was the most difficult hike that they had. A sharp pain began throbbing in my chest. I think it was me breathing hard... PANIC!

Before I knew better

No one thought to correct John Kuo?