Tropic Thunder in a Sawng Thaew

The day we left, just like every day we spent in Nong Khiau, there was a tropical thunderstorm. Normally, I would love every second, but today it was just humorous considering the "bus" tickets we bought landed us on a sawng thaew, Lao for a converted pick-up truck with two benches down either side of the bed (with open sides). The two of us, two Japanese travelers, and 16 locals, along with bags of rice, giant boxes, chickens, roosters, and pigs piled in and got cozy. Luckily the rain didn't last too long (although long enough to soak our bags) and the ride was only three and a half hours to Luang Probang, otherwise our tolerance probably would have deminished. We've learned over and over you have to bear every situation with a smile otherwise you would make yourself miserable. It was a great experience in the end, although a test of endurance, and everyone on the bus was super friendly (and just as uncomfortable).