I had a vague plan to get out and see the well known cave that was about a 30 minute walk outside town today, but wasn't sure if I'd do it. After a relaxing morning I set off walking through town enjoying the view before heading to use the internet for a little while. Later in the day with nothing really been done, I got the energy to start walking towards the cave. Flashlight in hand, walking past many of the same places I had rode my bike past days ago, I was saying to myself how it made much more sense to have done it then. Crossing a small bamboo bridge over a stream and paying a tiny 5000 kip entry I could see the cave. I set of makeshift stairs rose up to the entrance. I could see immediately that this was going to be something to remember....

     Needing a light just about 2 minutes after entering, I was slowly creeping my way towards points of light brought by holes in the face of the mountain. The place being used as a safe haven during the war, there were signs showing many places had special uses here. A small tunnel led to a cave within a cave that was used as a bank, another as a school etc. The place gave a really cool feel and brought back all the images of what a cave should be that you had as a child wandering off in the woods hoping to find one. Going deeper, not knowing just when it would end, I came across a point where the exit was at the bottom of a drop off maybe 100+ feet straight down into the abyss. Looking at the steps made of bamboo and natural rock, I opted to turn around and leave the way I came. Simply to much of a drop to do with only flip flops on :-P. How wears sandals to a cave anyway? Oh well, wasn't thinking.

     After getting back to town and seeing my friends eating at a restaurant I headed over to join them for the most interesting meal yet. They had ordered a large set of coals and a wok for the table and we were brought over a tray of paper thin meats and all the making for a crazy stew. I watched as they made there own dinner in this do it yourself BBQ with a cooking device I'd never seen before but it was really awesome. I think I actually enjoyed this almost cooking my own meal... Almost.

    Later back on the balcony, the 3 of us set up are makeshift movie theater again for a night of movies on the bamboo couch bed of pillows. Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Usual Suspects later it was 11pm and time to get some rest. Leaving in the morning..... For the first time I was actually a little unhappy I had to depart from my new Californian companions... Gotta keep going.