Today we set off at 2pm ish as Nathan had to do some work. He explained to me what he does - basically, broking carbon credits between buyers and sellers which is just so amazingly cheesy because its all email and skype based - he can do it from anywhere in the world and that's exactly what he is doing! The only sacrifice is you have to be disciplined to put in those 2 or 3 hours every day. It's a hard life eh.
We rented a motorbike of course at my suggestion, this time a manual one which was quite, er, interesting (and frightening for Nathan while I was learning how to use it) as it was a bit jagged at first changing the gears with your feet as you and the bike precariously wobble and lurch along. The bike was obviously in top notch condition which filled us with confidence as the speedometer didn't work and also the tire became flat as we progressed on our journey. Rather uncomfortable especialy if riding pillion. The thing is in south east asia people grow up on the backs of motorbikes as kids and driving motorbikes I'm sure legally underage if there is such a thing as a legal age, so we must look quite amusing to them in our lack of grace and ineptness. We headed in a kind of northerly direction, attempting to find the nearby Hmong (tribal) village before going to a lagoon to chill. In usual Carla fashion I got distracted and we ended up going to 'elephant cave' but it was a pretty cool place, we walked at least a kilometer and could have gone further but the guide wanted more money and also time was ticking on. The cave was situated in a huge rock, and Nathan bet me equivalent of 50 quid I couldnt climb it so of course I was determined to try. I circumnavigated it but it actually proved to be impossible as it was sheer vertical rocks all the way round and it looked like the kind of thing I would love to have got my teeth into but needed all the proper gear to do it, without dying at least and there are still things I want to do with my life...! We tried to continue to the village north of the river, but the 'road' was no wider than a footpath, or should I say was a footpath and and about half a foot in the air no less, which added to the already rickety motorbike - (and not a 125 cc as in Pai, Thailand) - even I had to draw a line and admit defeat. So we crossed the river again and made our way along the south path. I think Nathan was relieved he had finally see me display some common sense...
We eventually made out way to the lagoon into a beautiful sunset on the most pot-holed road I have driven on, or uncomfortably bounced along should I say. So, we arrived at the lagoon just before dark and so late we didnt have to pay the 10,000 entrance fee. It was certainly very blue, or green, and would have been akin to a paradise chilling out for the day which was the original intention. I always curse myself afterwards for arriving at these places too late! Where does the day go? Anyway, I had a little dip and we chatted as it got dark with some beers and maltesers (the first chocolate I have had in over a month if you dont count the nutella pancake I had once) that Nathan had ingeniously brought along. I really have to do some exercise without my regular gym workouts and the gorgeous and cheap food in these countries I'm going to put on weight!
We got back to the guest house and chilled out for a while before leaving for some dinner at nearly 10 o'clock. We got a bucket of Mojito between us and popped a balloon to win a prize - a half price english breakfast. I do love the freebies they give away here. There's always something - especially the drinks promotions or free shots. Of course this can also be lethal!
Went to the bucket bar to have a drink and a dance. Well, Ok for me to have a dance even though it wasn't really Nathans thing but with my powers of persuasion he joined me on the dance floor but drew the line at doing the macorena....yeah I dont know how to spell that.
Onto Ventienne tomorrow. Am considering ditching my return flight the time pressure means I dont fully enjoy each stage of my travels because I always feel I have to press on.
Money spent: bike 25,000 (2.10), guide 5,000 (42p), entrance 5,000 (42p) crossing bridge 5,000 (42p) Breakfast 20,000 (1.70), coke 7,000 (59p), dinner 50,000 (4.20). TOTAL: 9.85
Best thing: Cave and chatting at lagoon
Worst thing: Just arriving bit late at lagoon when the sun had gone down! Doh!
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