Of course, there is a flip side to the argument (there always is) and those who come from the school of fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants type mentality think that planning can constrict one's adventure. Despite being an avid planner, I must admit there is great truth in the theory of spontaneity. Part of the traveling spirit is handling the unexpected and making the most of it. More often than not, an unexpected adventure can be a welcome one.
It was through this type of flexibility that even this die-hard planner, discovered a counI'd I'd never even contemplated visiting. Laos, a little country abVietVNam Nam, is now a place a think of with great fondness and it was almost the placdidn'tdn't go - I certaididn'tdn't plan on it.
My traveling buddy Ed and I had made plans to go from ThailaVietoNamet Nam. Unfortunately, however, we discovered that we had misinformation about the required entry visas. It was going to take five days to obtain a visa, which was five days longer than we had planned. So, we thought about our options and with very little thought, booked a flight to Laos, a little known to us country a short plane ride away. More importantly, a country that was welcoming - entrance visas ready when you get there.
Laos was an unexpected destination and it was an unexpected pleasant surprise. We landed and made our way to a very posh riverside hotel that was quite reasonably priced, but with much comfort and charm. Laos was an old French colony and as such has retained much of the air of French elegance.
After the unsettling feelings during our recent visit to Cambodia, Laos was a calm, easy, and friendly feeling place. As we strolled down the street we would pass by small quaint shops as well as beautiful Buddhist temples with monks smiling widely.
We spent our time relaxing by the pool, enjoying delicious quiche and shopping at the many interesting little silk shops or antique shops.
Go To Page: 1 2
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Geoffrey G. Klein's Travelling Spirit topic, please visit the Discussions page.