Thailand to Laos

Today is one of our travel days, but thankfully a lower stress one as our flight is at 17:00 and lands at 18:30. ( Unlike a lot of trips in the early morning or late at night)

We again sleep till after 10, I think it's deep sleep de-stress after India. Long breakfast and finalize packing, including shifting all the heavy books and laptops into my bags so that the kids on board bags are less than 7 kg. Mine weighs 11 kg, but then hopefully, they won't challenge me. Why the hell are you telling us that? Well, it saved us $80 in baggage fees, and when you are on a budget, being careful is important.

Before heading to the airport, I have time fit something I haven't done for over 3 months, and it's getting to me more than the infrequent showers. I am talking about a haircut. The entire family decides to watch this event. The barber shop has 5 chairs, with the barbers all rather old, and all specialists in slow motion, but they do a passable job after I show mine a photo from July . After that, another Thai street food lunch that costs only $6 for everyone.

We fly from Bangkok's second airport, which is for domestic flight and flights to neighbouring countries. Very quiet, very easy to get through. Strangely, our plane is painted "Leicester City Football Club". I have no idea why.

The arrival in northern Laos is equally easy, even if the old style military uniforms of the border guards have a bit of a Soviet feel to it.

Before leaving the plane, we are warned that using foreign currency is illegal, but right after the border guard are three stalls selling SIM cards for $8 or 300 Thai Bhat. Confused?

We arrive at the hotel after dark, it seems like a nice location, let us see tomorrow. No food, so we go to the night market, and that is a really fun place with lots of street food and excellent beer. $1 for a very large bottle. The seller tells me, "Down the road, it's only 80c, heaven 🤪Les mer