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Go Backpacking > Destinations > Asia > Laos > Slow Down, You Move Too Fast

Slow Down, You Move Too Fast

September 30, 2008 By Dave

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Beerlao is good!

Life moves slow in Laos, especially southern Laos, and that goes double for Don Det in the low season. Restaurant tables aren't cleared until you get up to pay or leave, meaning the plates and glasses remain for hours if your conversations are lasting that long. It is the polar opposite of food service in western countries. My first exposure to such service was in Costa Rica, so it wasn't an unfamiliar experience.

(from left) Celene, me, Caroline, Nicholas

Nicholas, Caroline, and Celene wanted to walk to a waterfall at the southern end of the island just south of Don Det (and connected by a bridge). Normally I'd be too lazy to take on such an adventure, which was why I value the motivation of others! The walk turned out to be quite beautiful, if a little exhausting. Most people rent bicycles for the trip, but we decided it would be too much of a hassle given all the mud.

Waterfalls....

We walked through bright green rice paddies, across the old train bridge (built by the French), and to the raging waters of what I think was still the Mekong River.

Caroline and Celene amongst the rice paddies

After the waterfall, we headed back, in no rush at all because no one else is on the islands.

Local kids at play

There were tons of great photo opportunities, and Celene was just as snap-happy as me, only she was using a new Canon SLR which made a cool clicky noise with each shutter release. She sounded like a true professional.

One tasty pumpkin burger

Eventually, we stopped at a restaurant by the bridge for a local delicacy – pumpkin burgers. I don't like pumpkins at home, but the Lao ones tasted different, and dare I say better! It was served on a baguette, a sign of France's lingering culinary influence in this country.

Kids will be kids

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Filed Under: Food, Laos

About Dave

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 65 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Originally from New York, Dave now calls Austin, TX home. Find him on Instagram and Twitter.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amy says

    October 1, 2008 at 1:47 am

    I luv pumpkin and those pumpkin burgers sound YUMMY to me :!: :!:

  2. Amy says

    September 30, 2008 at 8:47 pm

    I luv pumpkin and those pumpkin burgers sound YUMMY to me :!: :!:

  3. Robyn says

    September 7, 2009 at 10:06 am

    nice pictures! It must be hard to slow down if you come from a big city in America.. well any city in America!

  4. Dave says

    September 7, 2009 at 12:36 pm

    Hi Robyn, thanks for stopping by! Costa Rica a few years earlier was my first experience with the slower pace of life, but you get use to it. Laos took it to a whole new level though!

  5. Robyn says

    September 7, 2009 at 3:06 pm

    nice pictures! It must be hard to slow down if you come from a big city in America.. well any city in America!

  6. Dave says

    September 7, 2009 at 5:36 pm

    Hi Robyn, thanks for stopping by! Costa Rica a few years earlier was my first experience with the slower pace of life, but you get use to it. Laos took it to a whole new level though!

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