lucky lucky lucky

it is not lost on me that i am blessed to be in one of the most beautiful places on earth. even the bus ride into laos was spectacular. tomorrow i will be heading out on a 3-day trek into the nam ha national park area. the bed i have been sleeping in (and will be joining in less than ten minutes flat) is the most comfortable thus far in southeast asia. it's $4.50 a night. i met a couple today who has been traveling in southeast asia for 5 years. they live on a tight budget, even for here (they each pay $2 a night at their guesthouse) but... 5 YEARS! yes!