Windy rural roads
Clouds floating over impressive rock walls
Mountains jutting out of nothingness
Rice patties as far as the eye could see
Lush green fields
Occasionally muddy roads
Chance encounters with Slow Boat friends
Women working in the rice patties; men with oxen plowing the fields
Adorable children
Quaint rural villages
Lots of open space, very few obstacles for nervous motorbike drivers
Fairly fantastic weather
Not a lot of other travelers, very little English
Lots of Beer Lao (post-driving, of course)
Dozens and dozens of caves to be explored
Surprisingly nice accommodation and food options
Two extremely happy people who were so glad they did The Loop.
