December 17, 2023
Dec. 17th - Huay Xai to Pak Beng
Via the slow boat
Copied from my fb page today:
There's no easy way to explain this. There was a dead body in the river with his hands handcuffed behind his back. The body was horrifically bloated. I'll leave the rest of the details out. It was very disturbing for everyone on the boat. Whispers, then silence fell over the boat. We were at a stop to let a couple people on/off the boat, so we stayed there awhile. The body floated from the back of the boat, alongside it, to the front. A picture I can never unsee. You don't want to look, but you can't help but look.
My chest was heavy, my heart rate sped up, and I was on the verge of tears. I was not the only one feeling this way. It took awhile to return to baseline. Needless to say, a bit of a shock to my whole system. This is one time when traveling solo is difficult. Just me and my thoughts of what I witnessed. Very upsetting.
No one knows the circumstances of how this happened. Was he from Laos? Myanmar? China? Involved with crime or an innocent person? Questions that will never be answered. It does make me second guess my travels here a bit, but I also have to remind myself that I am not mixed up in things that would put me in that kind of jeopardy. Onwards. I hope it doesn't overshadow my travels. ☹️
It also makes me realize once again how much I appreciate I am to be living in America. Once something like that was discovered, it would have been dealt with and hidden from public view immediately.
If not for that, the boat ride was scenic and mostly fun. Lots of time to chat with fellow travelers. My hotel is amazing with an incredible view. I am glad I treated myself. Since mosquitos are out, too late to try and go enjoy the pool today. I just need to relax at this point.
(End of fb post and here's some additional commentary)
I should also mention I messaged my hotel that I was arriving with a bicycle. Never got a response. I had a picked the second fanciest of the two as I knew I wanted to spend an extra day here before resuming the boat ride. Everyone said they regretted having to leave the hotel so soon. They are also affiliated with an elephant sanctuary. Thank goodness I did that as I needed a day before getting back on the river. 🥺
There was someone who met me at the landing and carried all my bags up to the van. The boat crew carried my bike. I would have died as there was no dock or landing. More like a scramble up a bunch of rocks, then stairs. The extra money for the hotel was worth it for this factor alone. However, they told me follow the van and ride my bike. Initially, I thought it was a 3 mile ride, but they said it was close. Close. Yes. They failed to mention all uphill! I walked up the one from the boat landing, saw there was more uphill and just pedalled it. It was steep and a group of tourists shouted praise and encouragement as I got to the top. Ya, they should be impressed. I was dying! 😂
I got upgraded to a deluxe room (vs superior) and the view was outstanding. The downside was, it was all uphill from the road, with more stairs, and way further away from the swimming pool. I saw the superior rooms and would have been happier with that.
I walked back into town and met up with some people from the boat for dinner. Who are we kidding. Everyone in town is from the boat as this is the overnight stop. By the way, we spent at least 7 hours on the river.
I took an anti-anxiety med when I got to the hotel to calm my nerves. I thought I might have a really hard time falling asleep tonight, but I passed right out.
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4 months ago
Today's ride: 1 mile (2 km)
Total: 317 miles (510 km)
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