March 19th - Home

We had much of Sunday to relax by the pool, shower, rest and prepare for the grueling journey home. We were fortunate to get bumped up to business class for the first leg from Bangkok to Tokyo. What a difference that makes! It was back to economy however for the 12 hours to New York.

Laos was a truly unique experience for both of us and ranks among our best, if not the best trip we've ever taken. The people are genuinely friendly and their way of life seems sincere and happy. Although the country ranks among the poorest in the world, with a per capita income of $300 a year, the Lao people seem proud and content. Every night we'd see games of badminton and tekraw, young girls braiding each others hair or families gathered around Star movies. The food is delicious, the beer top notch and its always nice to live like a king and queen for a couple weeks. Our guides were exceedingly nice and our group dynamic was comfortable and fun despite some language barriers.

We touched down at JFK and tried to orient ourselves to the honk and clatter of Brooklyn. Stumbling in the front door, we were later joined by our cat who had been vacationing on Long Island with the Dallesandros. The three of us caught a well-needed nap and dreamed of Phet the Tiger and Beerlao.