The Friendship Bridge - Lao Side

After crossing the bridge into Laos, I was directed to the line to purchase my visa... where I read a sign indicating I needed a visa sized photo in order to be issued a visa.  "Crud," I thought "I don't have a photo." Mr. Narong and Bam nervously walked around while I waited for the man in front of me (who had his photo) to be issued his visa...

... after waiting, the man asked for my paperwork, passport and photo.  When I said I didn't have a photo he just took my passport and paperwork, started calling somebody on the phone and quickly spoke in Lao.  A soldier came and looked at my passport, nodded and left.  I got nervous.  However, about ten minutes later the man handed me my passport with a visa in it issued to Dana Maria Specht--- I decided not to press my luck, even though my middle name is Marie.  He told me to have a nice visit-in English-and directed me to proceed  through customs.  

  Bam and Narong both called me VIP for a little while after getting into Laos, even though we missed the bus because the visa took so long and had to hire a van driver instead (who turned out too be fabulous).