Part I: NOVOTEL

Two shoestring travelers transformed upon landing in Laos. Poshie 1 and Poshie 2 emerged. For those of you who aren't familiar with such terms...a poshie lives the good life, enjoys luxury, the finer things. Poshies don't stay in common guesthouses on the common backpacker circuit with common backpacker types. They prefer more pampered environs... and in Vientiane it doesn't get more poshie than the NOVOTEL HOTEL.

When at the Novotel, one doesn't have to haggle for the price of the room or ask "Fan or Air Con?" or inquire if the rate includes hot water. No need to hike the many stairs to view a room, it isn't necessary to feel the mattress, look it over for bugs and check to be sure the bathroom is equipped with toilet paper, and if we're really lucky, soap! You see, poshies have connections, poshies know people. And luckily for these poshies, we new MS. GINA!

Upon entering the Novotel (deja vu), we immediately asked to see Ms. Gina, whom Jij had met on his first visit to Laos with his parents. While we waited for her to see us (Ms. Gina is a busy lady), the bell hop treated us to a refreshing glass of cold water. (He would later top this feat with a fancy glass of lemonade, complete with floating lime.) Ms. Gina emerged down the hall and was very happy to see us, demonstrated by her giddy gallop to hug us hello. We then enjoyed the comfort of the posh lobby as we conversed with Gina, catching up as poshies do. With lemonades empty, we moved on to our first buffet experience. Gina treated us to the amazing spread and afterwards, with our posh bellies filled, we headed to our room for some well earned rest.

The ROOM: Carpeted (nothing in Asia is carpeted), teak furniture, down comforter, soothing sage green walls. All the western conveniences, really. espn, marble counters, bathtub, sewing kit, shower cap, talcum powder to boot (all those things a commoner might never use, but who knows when a poshie may need to sew her skirt or powder his bum). An oasis in the arid landscape of Asian accommodation.

Each time we came and left, the doormen opened both doors. Poshies can't be bothered with such menial tasks. Poshies are always greeted with a wai (hands placed prayerfully together, usually around eye level, transitioning into a bow), a sabidee (good day), and a smile.

A big thanks to Ms. Gina for allowing us to enter the poshie lifestyle. Gina, it was great to see you and hear your stories. Kop Jai lai lai lai lai.