SaBaiDee and Goodbye

Have had a wonderful time in Laos, but with our energy recharged and being antsy to move forward, it's time to leave and head for Cambodia. Our first stop will be Siem Reap, and the famed temples of Ankor Wat, which is only one short 16 hr bus ride away.
It will be sad to leave Laos because I've grown quite fond of it. There are a lot less people here than in Thailand, and the people here seem to be more genuinely interested in you. The country as a whole has a very rural culture centered around the family farm. I think this plays a big part in how warm and welcoming the people are here. As well, Laos was also home to the only big city that I have really enjoyed, Luang Prabang. Remember this is coming from a guy that doesn't like cities. However, the realities of city life, pollution/trash/hoards of people, are much more in your face in Asia.
I'm glad to have seen Laos when I did because its apparent that Laos is on the brink of a large boom in development, and from what I have seen in Asia, it could go in any direction. Loas has great potential to be a Eco- Tourism hot spot, but who am I to say what Laos needs.
Can't wait to get moving again.