The ride to the border post from the hotel was less than a mile, and in fairness, for a border town, it was well groomed ....
Last chance to buy a carved elephant..
It took about 2 hours for Police and Customs to come and check our bikes, and us, and then we were given the all clear to go. Abdul followed us to the very last check, and then with a wave, we were suddenly out of China, and in the no-mans land between there and the Laos Immigration.
My thoughts were with Abdul and his driver as they now faced an 8 day drive, back through China to our starting point (and Abdul's home) in Kashgar.
Soon the fake splendour of Laos Immigration hits us ...
We park up, and I thought I was smart putting US$ 35 in a pocket to cover the Laos visa exactly ... No, first there is a US$ 3 environmental charge, and then another $ 2 processing fee. and I think one more if memory serves.
It takes about an hour of bun-fighting at the window to get in, and then we get on our way, but I was wondering what had happened to Customs. About 5 km down the road, it provided the answer as we get to the Customs post. Here you hand in your bike registration, and they give you a Temporary Import Certificate. Fairly painless, so for the second time, we get ready for a long ride.
Alan was with us one minute, then simply disappeared, so we never had a chance to say Goodbye, but myself, John, and Jeremy did have a final lunch in Oudomxay. Jeremy headed off to Luang Prabang, and myself and John headed for Chiang Mai.
There was a sudden downpour about 3pm, just as a way of reminding us rainy season was still on us ... never mind, in 30 mins, it was all over.
We were not sure how far we would get that day ... I was pushing on, but it was a good call when around 5pm, John suggested we stay in Pak Beng overnight ... obviously the right decision as we drank a beer overlooking the Mekong. After all, we were in no hurry.
I had stayed in this hotel before, but the last time it was nursing a broken ankle ! So, while the hotel was familiar, this time I had mobility, and there were a lot of bars to discover ... which John helped me do !
Thailand tomorrow.
Last chance to buy a carved elephant..
It took about 2 hours for Police and Customs to come and check our bikes, and us, and then we were given the all clear to go. Abdul followed us to the very last check, and then with a wave, we were suddenly out of China, and in the no-mans land between there and the Laos Immigration.
My thoughts were with Abdul and his driver as they now faced an 8 day drive, back through China to our starting point (and Abdul's home) in Kashgar.
Soon the fake splendour of Laos Immigration hits us ...
 |
| .... and the Disinfectant spray ... nice welcome ! |
It takes about an hour of bun-fighting at the window to get in, and then we get on our way, but I was wondering what had happened to Customs. About 5 km down the road, it provided the answer as we get to the Customs post. Here you hand in your bike registration, and they give you a Temporary Import Certificate. Fairly painless, so for the second time, we get ready for a long ride.
Alan was with us one minute, then simply disappeared, so we never had a chance to say Goodbye, but myself, John, and Jeremy did have a final lunch in Oudomxay. Jeremy headed off to Luang Prabang, and myself and John headed for Chiang Mai.
There was a sudden downpour about 3pm, just as a way of reminding us rainy season was still on us ... never mind, in 30 mins, it was all over.
We were not sure how far we would get that day ... I was pushing on, but it was a good call when around 5pm, John suggested we stay in Pak Beng overnight ... obviously the right decision as we drank a beer overlooking the Mekong. After all, we were in no hurry.
I had stayed in this hotel before, but the last time it was nursing a broken ankle ! So, while the hotel was familiar, this time I had mobility, and there were a lot of bars to discover ... which John helped me do !
Thailand tomorrow.