No work at the project site today. This is an R&R day. Our leaders set up an adventure for us. We took a van ride for about 1 1/2 hours out of Vientiane. There we got on a couple of small boats and went up-river for about 1/2 hour to a site where we had a prepared lunch of barbecued shish kabobs. Unfortunately, the boat I was in was a leaker and I was at the back. I spent the entire ride bailing out the boat along with one of the guides. Had we not worked hard and continuous, the boat would have sunk.
We had a nice lunch and then had to trek up the hills for about 1/2 hour. Then the adventure began. The guides fitted us with harnesses and clips so that we could begin the descent using zip lines, cable bridges and being lowered by ropes.
A zip line is a cable strung between two trees. You traverse it using a device with a couple of rollers that allow you to go from one platform to the next. It is fast and exciting. Although the procedure is quite safe, it is arduous and challenging. The unfamiliarity with what you are getting into makes it seem more dangerous than it actually is.
We all made it, had a good time and could check off “zip-lining” from our bucket list.
Tomorrow is a total free day before we resume work at the project site on Monday morning.
Me and Marie all trussed up in out zip-line gear.
Marie getting lowered by rope.
Way to go on adventure!
The zip line looks awesome! You guys are doing an amazing job. Enjoy your “vacation” now – you’ve earned it.