Slow Boat to Hell

For some idiotic reason, after doing the Gibbon Experience, I chose to float down the Mekong River to Luang Prabang on the "slow boat." The company actually advertises the boat as the "slow boat." Nowhere else in the world would a transportation company advertise its service as the "slow" anything. Imagine, Delta trying to sell its new "slow jet" service from New York to L.A. Amtrak ads for the "slow train" from Washington to New York. Greyhound commericals for the "slow bus" from Detroit to Chicago. Stupid, right?

This brilliant advertising scheme didn't stop nearly 200 people--myself included--from cramming onto a boat the size of a Honda Civic. Did I mention it was a two-day trip? And a hundred degrees? And smelly non-deoderant-wearing French passengers? And a bathroom that makes Ann Arbor's Taco Bell look sanitary? And no stops for food? Other than that, the "slow boat" was great. Next time I travel, I will look for the words "fast", "express", or "speed" before booking.

As always, click on the picture below to see more river pictures:

Mekong River Trip