Tad Lo (Laos)

During my trip to Laos, I rented a moped in Pakse so I could tour the Bolovens Plateau. So put on your helmet, hop on the back seat and cling on. We're off to Tad Lo!

It was such a lovely place that I spent a sunny afternoon stretched out on the stones or swimming at the top of the waterfall, listening to its cascades crashing on the rocks ten metres below. The water was so warm I spent hours lolling around. As far as I can remember it was the first time I had been able to swim in a river. I'm usually skittish about such things! At the end of the day, I decided to cross the river, so my wife could take a photo of me under the waterfall. It was tricky, as the water was deeper than expected and the current pretty strong. But I managed it all the same. Getting back, however, was not an easy task. I couldn't find the spot where I had crossed over. So it was impossible to get back. I knew that if I just jumped into the Mekong, I would be fished out two days later. So I scoured the bank, looking for a safe spot amongst the enormous rocks and high grass. In other words, I was bare foot and walking along a snake infested river bank. I was finally able to cross when the current abated. I had to get undressed, throw my clothes across and dive in butt naked. David, saved from the waters!